I have a bit of a love hate relationship with the blackberry bramble. I hate it when it tears at my skin and clothing. I loathe it when it whips me round the head as I try to remove it from my garden. But I love it when it provides me with fruit at the end of the year for various winter warming concoctions, primarily the alcohol related variety. I’ve spoken before about the blackberry and how it has had a huge impact on my childhood, but at such a young age my palate wasn’t ruined enough to enjoy the astringent qualities of a strong cup of tea. So it hasn’t been until recent years that I’ve come to love the bramble for one other reason – bramble tea.

I’m sure a cup of bramble tea is healthier than a kebab

As mentioned in earlier articles, I don’t place a lot of trust in medicinal claims when it comes to foraging in the wild. I’m sure a cup of bramble tea is healthier than a kebab and a cigarette, but there have been some pretty big claims in regard to this drink. According to a brief google search, it was traditionally used to treat a number of stomach related conditions, diarrhoea and the like. I’ve also read that due to its astringency, it’s brilliant at curing mouth ulcers – but until I read these claims as fact in a scientific journal, I’m happy in the knowledge that it does a good job at curing a thirst after a long walk.

Pick a small bunch of new leaves from a bramble, making sure they’re out of reach of dog marking territory, and place them in a cup of hot water. Allow to steep for a few minutes and then enjoy your refreshing, healthy beverage.

If you’re not 100% sure that what you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild.