Blackcurrant - Ribes nigrum
(currant, quinsy berry)
Blackcurrant is a bush which can grow to a height of 6 or 7 feet.
It's leaves are alternate, 3 to 5 lobed and doubly serrated. The flowers are
greenish-white or greenish-yellow and bloom in April and May. The berry is
dark brown at first, and ripens to a shiny black.
Blackcurrant is
diaphoretic and diuretic. An infusion of the leaves stimulates the kidneys
and is good for gout, rheumatism and arteriosclerosis. It is also good for
hoarseness and other throat ailments. The juice of the berries is an
effective treatment for whooping cough in children, and is also helpful for
kidney problems and colic pains. When infused, the dried berries make an
effective gargle for inflammation of the mouth or throat, as well as a
mouthwash for bleeding gums.