Blackberry Shaman

Nature is for everyone a great way to keep uplifted and to inspire fresh ideas and inspirations. Each plant has certain ‘magical’ influence on our body and soul - I believe that each plant and tree have a specific purpose, especially when they are rebalancing energies on this planet.

Although Autumn is almost here, late summer brings us various kind of fruits.

Blackberry bushes stand out everywhere!

The abundance of flavonoids such as anthocyanins in blackberries makes it a heart-friendly fruit. Other beneficial components such as magnesium and fibre present in blackberries prevent blockage of arteries and stimulate smooth blood flow. This reduces the risk of various heart diseases such as stroke and atherosclerosis and maintains cardiovascular health. Magnesium in blackberries also helps regulate blood pressure and helps prevents heart irregular heartbeats.

The Flavonoids have properties that inhibit oxidation, reduce inflammation, prevent gene mutations, and oppose cancer development. They also help regulate cellular enzyme functions (proteins that stimulate chemical reactions in cells).

Blackberries have many other health benefits. Fresh blackberries are a great source of vitamins C, B, and K. which ensures proper blood clotting. Vitamin E together with flavonoids are important antioxidants.

COUGH AND HOARSENESS. Blackberry leaf tea and fruit juice are used in natural medicine and very effective against hoarseness. Such a treatment has a beneficial effect on overworked vocal cords and additionally supplies the body with refreshing and vitalising fruit acids.

PREVENTION OF CANCER Blackberry is effective against the development of cancer, including lung cancer, colon cancer, and esophageal cancer. Micronutrients present in blackberries have a chemo preventive effect and prevent the growth of malignant cells.

ARTERIES Blackberries provide protection against endothelial dysfunction (impaired endothelial function contributes to the condition known to the public as "hardening" of the arteries cardiovascular diseases are mostly the result of arterial sclerosis.

DIGESTION Blackberries are a source of insoluble and soluble fibre, which is essential for the optimal functioning of the digestive system. The insoluble fibre in blackberries promotes easy and better absorption of water in the large intestine and adds volume to the stool.

STRESS Bioflavonoids are concentrated in the pulp: here their content is 10 times higher than in the juice. Their role is to protect vitamin C and the stress hormone adrenaline from oxidation by copper-containing enzymes. At the same time, bioflavonoids bind copper. An increased concentration of copper in the body can cause nervousness, restlessness, and psychological disorders

IMUNNE SYSTEM Blackberries help improve the body's immune system due to the presence of phytoestrogens, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption of blackberries helps fight various pathogens and protects the body from infections and other deadly diseases.

NORMAL BLOOD CLOTTING. Blackberries contain a good amount of vitamin K, which helps with normal blood clotting. It also helps prevent excessive bleeding from minor injuries and aids in wound healing. Blackberries contain a good amount of vitamin K, which helps with normal blood clotting. It also helps prevent excessive bleeding from minor injuries and aids in wound healing. Blackberries contain a good amount of vitamin K, which helps with normal blood clotting. It also helps prevent excessive bleeding from minor injuries and aids in wound healing.

SKINSKIN Blackberries serve as an excellent aid in maintaining beautiful skin. Blackberries are packed with skin-friendly nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other powerful antioxidants. Vitamin E helps maintain skin health and prevents wrinkles. In addition to protecting the skin from oxidative damage, vitamin C is also responsible for the formation and strengthening of the collagen structure, which is the basis of connective tissue, thus helping to keep the skin toned and taut.

EYESEYES Blackberries are useful for maintaining healthy eyes. Regular consumption of blackberries helps protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, which is attributed to the presence of lutein. Lutein forms a protective pigment called the macula in the area behind the retina and prevents it from being damaged by oxidative stress and high wavelength light radiation. In addition, the anthocyanosides and vitamins present in blackberries increase vision and protect the eyes from various diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts and night blindness.

There are so many benefits of this blackberry fruit so why not make something from them such as Blackberry Jam... here is a recipe we use at home in Slovakia....

HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY JAM..... ('Cernicovy dzem')

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg BLACKBERRIES

• 500 g GRANULATED SUGAR

METHOD

1. Wash the blackberries and put them in a bowl, where we will mash them using a potato masher.

2. Put the resulting blackberry puree together with the sugar into a saucepan and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes. We can do a density test on a saucer. If it is thick enough - we will stop it. If it is too thin - continue in cooking.

3. Fill glass jam bottles with hot jam and close with a lid. Turn the filled bottles upside down for about 5 minutes.

I made from 630 g of blackberries 2 jars of Blackberry Jam.

BON APPETIT!