Plant Origin: Ribes nigrum
Blackcurrant fruits are a good source of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. They have diuretic and diaphoretic actions, help to increase bodily resistance to infections and are a valuable remedy for treating colds and flu. The juice, especially when fresh or vacuum-sealed, helps to stem diarrhoea and calms indigestion. The leaves are cleansing, diaphoretic and diuretic.
Action:
1. An infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, rheumatic pain and whooping cough, and can also be used externally on slow-healing cuts and abscesses.
2. It can be used as a gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers.
3. The oil from the seed is added to skin preparations and cosmetics. It is often combined with vitamin E to prevent oxidation.