Black Currant

Other Names of Black Currant: Quincy berries, Grosellero Negro, Kurokarin, Groseille Noir, Paper, Nabar, Ribes Nigri Ribes Nero, Folium, Ribes Nigrum

Useful Parts of the Plant: Leaves, fruits and the buds

The black currant is a small shrub that bears small juicy fruits that are popularly eaten as a fruit as well as known for its medicinal benefits. Despite the ban in certain states of the U.S. black currant is widely grown in other states of the country. The plant is slowly gaining popularity because of its different flavor and richness in dietary fiber.

Nutritional Information and Properties: With regards to the nutritional information and properties, black currants are known to be high in antioxidants such as polyphenolics and flavonoids as well as anthocyanins. Black currants are also known to be rich in various vitamins especially vitamin C and several nutrients such as GLA and MAOI which are known to be very rare and effective against medical conditions such as depression.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

The Health Benefits and therapeutic uses of black currants include it being used for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases on account of the presence of vitamin C. Similarly black currants are also used to prevent cardiac insufficiency as they tend to improve the resistance of the sanguine capillaries that are known to be fragile and also minimize arterial hypertension.

Black currants are also beneficial for those suffering from menopause as they tend to intensify the weak peripheral circulation and also eliminate the cholesterol, waste and toxins from the blood. Black currants also help women suffering from menopause by improving their blood circulation.

Some of the other medicinal uses of black currants include it being very beneficial in the natural treatment of gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

On account of the diuretic properties of black currants, they are known to be used in the herbal treatment of oliguria.

Many dieticians are also known to advise those suffering from dysentery and diarrhea to consume black currants on account of the astringent properties of this fruit.

The herbal remedy prepared using the buds of the black currant plant are used in the treatment of urticaris and the fruits of the black currant are used as a natural remedy for treating skin conditions such as insect stings, dermatosis, abcess and eczemas.

Black currants are an excellent fruit for women especially, on account of their numerous benefits such as treating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, breast tenderness and painful periods. Black currants are also helpful in enhancing one’s overall immunity.

Health benefits and therapeutic uses of the black currant also make it an excellent natural cure for kidney related problems in an individual as the dried leaves of the black currant plant are known to promote flow of urine, work against the formation of bladder stones and also disinfect the urine especially when consumed on a regular basis as a cleansing tea.

Black currants are also known to have anti-cancer properties as they have a high proportion of vitamin C and hence are known to be effective in fighting against breast cancer and colon cancer cells

Other Uses

Besides the various medicinal and therapeutic uses, blackberries are also commonly used to prepare jams, jellies as they are known for their sharp and sweet taste. Black currants are also used in desserts as toppings in the form of sauces or dips. The culinary uses of black currant also include it being used to prepare liquor, cordial, ice cream or even plain black currant juice.

Typically there are no known side effects of the consumption of black currants, however like any other herbal or natural treatment it is always beneficial to avoid the consumption of such herbs if you are pregnant or lactating. Similarly it should also not be administered to children without prior consent from the doctor.