Organic Cut Blackcurrant Leaves

The benefits of organic blackcurrant leaves (ribes nigrum)

Widely used in cooking for desserts, jams and drinks, blackcurrant grows mainly in Europe. 

While it is enjoyed for its fruity flavour, blackcurrant can also be taken as a food supplement. In herbal medicine both its berries and its leaves are used to help ease many everyday complaints.

The benefits of organic blackcurrant leaves and berries have recently been recognised by several health bodies. The European agency has confirmed the properties of blackcurrant leaves and berries in "helping to relieve minor joint pain" and in helping to restore comfort in cases affecting the urinary natural defences, alongside complementary medical care. 

The European Commission, for its part, has recognised the beneficial properties of organic blackcurrant leaves in helping to ease digestive complaints such as diarrhoea, as well as mild inflammation of the mouth and throat. Blackcurrant leaves also have a useful draining effect, which makes them a good detox ally.

How do organic blackcurrant leaves (ribes nigrum) work? 

Organic blackcurrant leaves contain a combination of anthocyanosides, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins that give the plant its main properties in relation to inflammation. Blackcurrant leaves have been shown to contain a very high quantity of flavonoids, far more than the berries. 

Taken as a course in the form of an infusion or herbal tea, organic blackcurrant leaves are particularly recommended in cases of joint or muscle tension to help restore comfort naturally. They may also be recommended in cases of respiratory or food allergies to help reduce allergic reactions.

Finally, the antioxidant richness of organic blackcurrant leaves is useful in helping to stimulate the natural defences and to counter the formation of the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress.

The pharmacist's view on blackcurrant leaf infusion

Taken as herbal teas or infusions, they are particularly recommended for their soothing action.

Their draining properties can also be combined with other plants with complementary properties, such as cherry stems, to help counter water retention and to stimulate the elimination functions naturally. Grown under organic farming, blackcurrant leaf infusion can be drunk hot, or cold in summer for a refreshing drink with a pleasant taste.