Effect:
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Areas of application:
reduce inflammation in the arteries and veins, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, protect the brain from inflammation and its effects, chronic inflammation, urinary tract infections, ringworm, lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, protect the heart, liver and kidneys, laxatives ( Root)
Plant parts used:
Leaves, fruits, bark
Collection time:
Summer to fall
To find:
In eastern and central North America.
Ingredients:
Vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium
Miscellaneous:
The red mulberry is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 16 meters tall. The heart-shaped leaves are alternate and approximately 7.5 to 15 cm long and 5 to 12.5 cm wide. Most trees are unlobed, but leaves on young trees often have 2 to 3 lobes with a serrated edge. The top of the leaves is rough while the underside is covered with soft hairs. The petiole secretes a milky sap when cut or scratched. The flowers are small, yellow-green or red-green, with the male and female flowers usually on separate trees. The flowers open in early spring when the leaves emerge. The trunk is covered with dark brown bark that is scaly or sometimes smooth.
🛑 Sensitive people may face dermatitis when touching the leaves, stem or unripe fruit of a mulberry tree. The leaf juice and unripe fruits can even lead to hallucinations and central nervous system disorders.
In the kitchen, the mulberries can be eaten raw or cooked. They are used in cakes, pastries, as jellies or jams. You can also make them into a sweet fruit wine. The wood is used for grilling and smoking meat. It gives a smoky, sweet and mild taste.
The red mulberry cannot be used for silk production like the white mulberry. Silkworms reject the leaves of the red mulberry.