Globose drupes about 10–12 millimeters (3⁄8–1⁄2 in) in diameter
Flesh colors
Green flesh
Taste
Bitter
Health benefits
Improves Digestion, Treats Breathing Disorders, Dental caries, Helps in Detoxification of Body, Cancer Management, Treats Kidney and Bladder Problems, Relieves Fatigue and General Exhaustion, Cardiac disorders, Reduces Inflammation of Mouth and Pharynx, Works as an Excellent Beauty Remedy, Sore Throat and Bad Breath
Blackthorn or sloe scientifically known as Prunus Spinosa is a low, spreading, thorny bush or small tree of the plum genus of the family Rosaceae (rose family) among other economically important species, such as apple, apricot, blackberry, pear, and plum or prune, having black bark, white flowers, and deep blue fruits, usually rather acrid and not much larger than peas. It is actually a wild relative of the cultivated plum. The herb is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It is also locally naturalized in New Zealand, Tasmania and eastern North America. Apart from blackthorn it is popularly known as Mother of the wood,wishing thorn, wild plum, winter-picks, Sloe-Bush, grater, rasp, sloe, stickleback, Sleedoorn, Endrino and Sloe of Europe. This tree is also called as the tree of ‘ill omen’ and is considered to have magical properties in Britain. The specific name spinosa is a Latin term indicating the pointed and thorn like spur shoots characteristic of this species. The common name”blackthorn” is due to the thorny nature of the shrub, and its very dark bark.
Plant Description
Prunus spinosa is a relatively low-maintenance,slow-growing, compact, thorny, much-branched shrub or small tree that grows about 20 feet (6 m) tall with blackish bark and dense, stiff, spiny branches. The plant is found growing in hedges, steep slopes, non-dry wood borders, deciduous woodland, hedgerows, river banks, scrub, rocky places, waysides, rock outcrops,dry meadows and coppices. Normally plant tolerates most soils, as long they are well-drained, except the acidic ones. The plant has rough and scaly dark grey to blackish, slightly grooved. The leaves are small, oval, alternate about 2–4.5 centimeters (0.79–1.77 in) long and 1.2–2 centimeters (0.47–0.79 in) broad, obovate to oblanceolate, or elliptical, with margins finely toothed, dull green in color and hairless above, usually hairy on the veins underneath. The petioles are 0.2-1 cm long, often hairy. The stipules are elongate, glandular,toothed, and usually longer than petioles.
Flower & Fruit
The flowers are white, 1-1.7 cm wide, usually solitary,appearing before leaves, numerous, on about 0.5 cm long pedicels. The sepals are triangular-ovate, often glandular toothed. Petals have a short claw (a thinner part at the base of the petal). The stamens are usually 20, about 0.5 cm long.The anthers are yellow or red. This species flowers from March to May. Fertilized flowers are followed by drupe that is 10–12 millimeters (3⁄8–1⁄2 in)in diameter, globose, purple covered with a frost like bloom, ripening bluish-black. It is a thin fleshed fruit that has greenish pulp that is sour and astringent, not easily detaching from the endocarp.
History
Blackthorn is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. After blackthorn charcoal and its fruit seeds were found in an archaeological site near Dublin, it has been discussed that the herb’s use dates as far back as the 13th century. The history of blackthorn is rooted in the United Kingdom, as blackthorn was traditionally used as a”cattle-proof” hedge to keep the cattle inside the perimeter of the and. Blackthorn was also commonly used as a wind and snow screen for land because of its density. Blackthorn is still studied today, as it supposed to possess many medicinal properties.
The berries taste better and not so bitter if harvested after a few frosts. The sloes used to be buried in straw-lined pits for a few months to ripen them and make them sweeter. A Neolithic lake village in Glastonbury was found to have such a pit, full of sloe stones. The word sloe comes from Old English slāh: a similar word is noted in all the Germanic/Slavic languages. The term sloe, or sla/slāh, means not the fruit but the hard trunk,being connected with a verb signifying to slay, or strike, probably because the wood of this tree was used as a flail, and now makes a bludgeon. It was supposed that Christ’s Crown of Thorns was made from blackthorn, and to bring blackthorn blossom into the home meant a certain death would follow. Blackthorn in bloom is considered an emblem of life and death together as the flowers appear when the tree has no leaves. It is said that a hawthorn will destroy any blackthorn near it. It is believed that if the blackthorn and the hawthorn have many berries then the ensuing winter will be severe. In Irish folklore it was believed that “the little people” lived in blackthorn bushes. Fairy tribes,called Lunantishees, are said to guard blackthorn trees and will not let you cut branches off it on November 11 or May 11. If you do you will be cursed with bad luck. It was also bad luck to wear the flowers in your buttonhole.
The diuretic, laxative, astringent, and anti-inflammatory qualities of blackthorn have given this herb recognition for its medicinal uses in the following ways:
1.Improves Digestion
Prunus spinosa or blackthorn helps to improves digestion,relieves constipation, heals dyspepsia, reduces bloating, and cures diarrhea, mainly in children. Additionally, herbal tea prepared by steeping two teaspoons of dried blackthorn flowers in a cup of water stimulates appetite. Just consuming blackthorn jam or marmalade cures indigestion or upset stomach.
2. Treats Breathing Disorders
A preparation that contains flowers of prunus spinosa is considered useful for the treatment of ailments of the respiratory tract. Due to their expectorant properties, the flowers can fight common cold and cough. Decoction prepared from the bark of this tree can be taken to lower fever.
3. Dental caries
Prunus Spinosa can be used to prevent caries in the teeth. Antibacterial action of this herb against Streptococcus Mutans, a gram-positive bacterium,can help to reduce the incidence of tooth decay and caries.
Additionally, it also acts as an antioxidant and prevents oxidative stress that is known to increase the risk of dental caries. It works by preventing the free radicals from attacking the teeth and initiating the process of tooth decay.
4. Helps in Detoxification of Body
Herb is utilized for the purpose of detoxification and is known to have depurative properties. This herb tends to eliminate any toxic substances present in the blood and is known to be rich in rutin which is one of the prime compounds which helps in detoxification. It is also known to prevent gout and rheumatism from occurring.
5. Cancer Management
Prunus spinosa fruit is effective in the management of cancer. It prevents the growth of cancer cells and reduces its multiplication.Health-promoting compounds present in prunus spinosa suppress the production of inflammatory compounds which otherwise damage the DNA and further worsen the condition.
Thus, it makes the environment disapproving for the cancer cells to survive and reduces the population of these cancer cells.
6. Treats Kidney and Bladder Problems
Flowers of prunus spinosa can be used to remove fluid retention, treat kidney stones and other kidney problems because of their diuretic properties. Additionally, the herb is considered good for managing bladder spasms. It also helps relieves cramps in the stomach and nerve pain.
7. Relieves Fatigue and General Exhaustion
Drinking water infused with powdered blackthorn bark has a calming effect on the nerves. Thus, it helps relieve fatigue and boosts vitality. Additionally, blackthorn extract mixed in tea or water is also useful in this regard.
When dealing with issues like insomnia, shivers, lack of interest, etc. due to menopause, one can steep half a teaspoon of dried blackthorn flowers in a cup of boiling water for about five minutes. Strain and drink this herbal tonic when it cools.
8. Cardiac disorders
Prunus Spinosa is highly effective in the treatment and prevention of heart diseases. This herb is loaded with powerful flavonoids including Quercetin, Binofuranoside, and Kaempferol. It consists of phenolicacids and anthocyanins, which can promote the health of the heart. It improves the heart functions and thus, decreases the risk of cardiac diseases such as cardiomyopathy, heart attacks, and cardiac failure.
Flavonoid compounds present in Prunus Spinosa reduce inflammation in the heart and help to fight oxidative stress. These effects of the herb can prevent damage to the cardiac cells and muscles against inflammation and oxidative stress thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.
9. Reduces Inflammation of Mouth and Pharynx
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines has approved the use of this herb for getting rid of mild inflammation of mouth and pharyngeal mucosa.
When dealing with sore throat, you can gargle with fresh juice extracted from ripe sloe berries. Additionally, you may gargle with an infusion prepared from blackthorn leaves to heal inflamed tonsils.
To prepare this infusion boil about four blackthorn leaves in 16 ounces of water for 10 minutes. Strain the solution. Gargle with it two to three times in a day.
10. Works as an Excellent Beauty Remedy
Pulp of ripened sloe berries is mixed with other ingredients to make commercially available astringent face masks to enhance your beauty.
Besides, you can apply blackthorn extract on your skin to maintain skin elasticity for younger looking skin as it is rich in vitamin C and tannins. Application of blackthorn oil can prevent stretch marks.
11. Sore Throat and Bad Breath
Based on studies, blackthorn has anti-inflammatory,astringent and laxative properties. Its fruit can be used as a mouth rinse to remove bacteria or viruses causing sore throat, coughs, tonsillitis and other common oral related issues. It also has a great amount of anti-bacterial agents that help fight bad breath. It can even recover breathing for people with asthma or those who unexpectedly suffer from breathing disorders.
Traditional uses and benefits of Blackthorn
Flowers, bark, leaves and fruits are aperient,astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and stomachic.
An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhea (especially for children), bladder and kidney disorders,stomach weakness etc.
In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound (Hydrogen cyanide) stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.
Fruit is good for all kind of fluxes and hemorrhages.
It is used in gargarisms for sore mouths and gums, and to fasten loose teeth.
Bark reduced to power, and taken in doses of two drachms, has cured some agues.
Juice expressed from the unripe fruit is a very good remedy for fluxes of the bowels.
Flowers and fruit can make a tonic for diarrhea.
Sloe syrup has anti-rheumatic properties and can help fight influenza.
Plant is also used for nosebleeds, constipation and eye pain.
Sloes can also be made into a paste for whitening teeth and removing tartar, and the leaves can make a mouthwash.
Some people apply black hawthorn flower directly on the skin for rashes, “skin impurities,” and “blood purification.”
Peeled bark boiled in water was a gypsy remedy for bronchitis.
A compote or jam made from the berries combats poor appetite.
An infusion made from the dried flowers is used for blood cleansing in skin diseases and rheumatic complaints and as a gargle for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat.
In the Tyrol a Sloe is tied to the left side of the chest as a remedy against jaundice.
In many regions there is a custom of eating three flower stalks of the blackthorn bush three times in succession. This is said to provide protection against fever and gout.
Culinary uses
Fruit can be consumed raw or cooked.
Fruit is more usually used in jellies, syrups,conserves etc. and as a flavoring for sloe gin and other liqueurs.
Some fruits that we ate in December were fairly pleasant raw.
Flowers are edible and can be crystallized or sugared.
How to Consume Blackthorn
While blackthorn is more commonly known for its industrial and culinary uses, it can also be consumed in medicinal preparations that concentrate its healing benefits and can be easily prepared at home.
Natural Forms
Cooked:Fruits of blackthorn are commonly used to prepare fruit pies, jams, dyes, and syrups.
Infusion:An infusion can be brewed from one to two grams of dried blackthorn flowers.One or two cups can be taken per day.
Gargle:Blackthorn gargle is made by brewing an infusion of two to four grams of dried fruit. Fresh fruit juice can also be gargled. This is used to reduce mouth and throat inflammation.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
Capsules:Dried leaves and berries of blackthorn are finely ground and consumed in these supplemental forms, which offer safe, standardized doses, sparing the herb’s bitter flavor.
Buying
Natural Forms
Often commercialized under its alternative name of sloe,blackthorn dried berries and leaves can be purchased online in bulk form or as tea bags.
Berries of the plant usually consumed as juices, syrups,jams, and pies because they are quite bitter on their own and ban be bought in some organic markets and online.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
Under the names Prunus spinosa and sloe berry, capsules of blackthorn are easily available for purchase through online retailers.
Black thorn products are becoming more widely available in the US due to the herb’s increasing popularity.
Different Uses of Blackthorn
Alcohol industry: Blackthorn is most well-known for its common use in making gin,most commonly called sloe gin. Wine, juice, and cider are also beverages commonly flavored with blackthorn.
Timber:Blackthorn wood is especially hard and it has been used to make walking sticks.A ‘shillelagh’ is a highly polished stick of blackthorn wood that was made and used in Ireland for self-defense and it is now used in a form of traditional fighting or martial art.
Living fence: Widely grown as a hedge plant, blackthorn can also act as a ‘nurse plant’, allowing other plants to develop protected from possible damage by grazing animals. The shrub is also used to keep cattle within property lines.
Fuel: Blackthorn bark makes good firewood because it burns slowly and provides sufficient heat.
Other Facts
Bark is a good source of tannin.
It is used to make an ink.
Juice of unripe fruits is used as a laundry mark,it is almost indelible.
Pulped ripe fruit is used cosmetically in making astringent face-masks.
Green dye can be obtained from the leaves.
Dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.
Bark, boiled in an alkali, produces a yellow dye.
Sloe can be used as a hedge in exposed maritime positions.
Because of its suckering habit, the plant is a natural pioneer species, attacking cultivated fields and creating conditions conducive to the regeneration of woodland.
Wood is very hard and is used for turnery, the teeth of rakes etc.
Suitable branches are used for making walking sticks and are highly valued for this purpose because of their twisted and interesting shapes.
It works as an animal-proof or cattle-proof impenetrable hedging plant.
Plant is also makes a good fire wood as it burns slowly and emits little smoke.
Precautions
Oral consumption of blackthorn is contraindicated in women during pregnancy and lactation.
Hydrogen cyanide in excess can cause respiratory failure and even death.
High dosages my lead to toxicity.
Blackthorn contains cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic in large quantities, and long-term consumption is not advised.
Long term use may causes cyanide poisoning include shortness of breath, weakness, light-headedness, seizures, stupor,irregular heartbeat, and cardiovascular collapse, causing coma and death in extreme cases.
Blackthorn winter
On March 13, 2008, “Geoff F” posted a report on the Wild about Britain website: “Today I noticed some Blackthorn bushes were just starting to flower. Snapes Point, Salcombe Harbour, S. Devon close to the sea.Local tradition is that we will have a touch of cold and unsettled weather with strong easterly winds now; known in this area as the Blackthorn Winter…I did know somebody who would try to shake off the blackthorn flowers at the bottom of his garden in the hope that the weather would improve then.” On March 30,2010, The Times reported “only two years ago the Easter weekend in late March was marked by a hefty snowfall that produced a winter wonderland. This cold spell was so common in the past that it used to be called the ‘blackthorn winter,’ when ancient folklore described how the blossom of blackthorn bushes appeared during mild weather, only to be destroyed by a cold snap at the end of March.” Thus the 2008 forecast proved accurate that year.
