Blackcurrant (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)

(Ribes nigrum)
Description
Prolific small berries on spiked branches of shrubs which can grow up to 1.8 metres tall. It is native to temperate parts of Central and Northern Europe and Northern Asia.
Properties and Uses
Rich in vitamin C and contains lots of anti-oxidants and anthocyanins. Can help to boost the immune system, soothe sore throats and ease cold and flu symptoms.
History
Was cultivated by Russians in the 11th century when it was present in monastery gardens. European cultivation is thought to have started in the 17th century. The leaves were originally used in infusion by the monks in the treatment of ague and fevers.
- Alder (Norfolk Punch)
- Alehoof (Norfolk Punch)
- Angelica (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Bay (Norfolk Punch)
- Caraway (Norfolk Punch)
- Chamomile (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss, Hearts Delight)
- Chaste Tree (Fructus Benedictus)
- Cinnamon (Norfolk Punch)
- Clove (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss)
- Cranberry (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Daisy (Norfolk Punch)
- Dandelion (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Dock/Burdock (Norfolk Punch)
- Dong Quai (Fructus Benedictus)
- Elderberry (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Elderflower (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Bendictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Fennel (Norfolk Punch)
- Feverfew (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Ginger (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Gingko Biloba (Fructus Benedictus)
- Grapeskin (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Hawthorn (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Hops (Norfolk Punch, Hearts Delight)
- Lemon Balm (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Lime Flower (Norfolk Punch)
- Lime Leaf (Norfolk Punch)
- Liquorice (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Meadowsweet (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus)
- Nettle (Fructus Benedictus)
- Nutmeg (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss)
- Passion Flower (Fructus Benedictus)
- Peppermint (Norfolk Punch)
- Poppy (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus, Ginger Bliss)
- Raspberry Leaf (Fructus Benedictus)
- Rosemary (Norfolk Punch)
- Rowanberry (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Samphire (Norfolk Punch)
- Sarsaparilla (Fructus Benedictus, Hearts Delight)
- Siberian Ginseng (Fructus Benedictus)
- Thyme (Norfolk Punch, Ginger Bliss, Hearts Delight)
- Vervain (Norfolk Punch, Fructus Benedictus,)
- Wild Yam (Fructus Benedictus)