Recommended in the 18th century as an "Elixir of life", Blackcurrant is one of the most widely applicable of the extracts known in gemmotherapy.
It is a very effective and potent tonic, it has been shown to have a salutary effect throughout the human body and acts like an "adaptogen", enhancing the effect of other plants with which it may be associated.
Ribes Nigrum belongs to the family of the Glossulariaceae and originates from Central and Eastern Europe plus parts of Asia.
The plant produces multiseeded black berries up to 1 cm in size, which ripen in July and August. In the 18th century, the abbot Bailly from Montaren, who was a professor at the University of Paris ( La Sorbonne ) described Ribes Nigrum as the "bush of a thousand virtues".
In the Second World War, the consumption of blackcurrants was recommended by the British government because of the high levels of vitamin C. Blackcurrant syrup was given out freely, especially to children, to make up for the lack of vitamin C from other fruit.
The primary effect is on the adrenal cortex, it has a cortisone-like effect because it directly stimulates the secretion of the adrenal cortex hormones; it is also a fast-acting anti-inflammatory substance, with no iatrogenic consequences.
Ribes nigrum mainly acts on the primary inflammatory phase of inflammation, but is effective in all stages of inflammation of the mucous membranes, such as in the airways, in the digestive tract and in the urinary tract. Ribes nigrum boosts the anti-inflammatory effects of the gemmotherapy agent Sequoia gigantea.
Some scientific research has been performed on the buds of RN at the faculty of Pharmacy at Lyon, where the anti-inflammatory properties of the buds were investigated. The buds significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in rats, which demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties.
Another test perfomed in Lyon using the buds was the arthritis test. Administration of the buds normalized the elevated alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein and gamma globulin within 7 and 10 days respectively. Alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein is an acute-phase protein, the plasma concentrations of which rise significantly in the event of inflammation.
Some active ingredients in Blackcurrant :
- enzymes
- vitamin C ( 100 mg/g in fresh buds)
- amino-acids
- flavonoids
- fibers
- minerals
- phenolic acids
- anthocyanins
- carotenoids etc
Blackcurrant is a true natural concentrate :
- effective against allergies, migraines of allergic origin, urticaria, hay fever, eczema
- effect comparable to cortisone
- effective with diseases of the liver
- bud macerate is an anti rheumatic and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Remedy of arthrosis, gout, ligaments and tendons pains, painful joints.
- stimulant of suprarenal glands, kidneys, pancreas, liver
- acts effectively at respiratory level in asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, allergic rhinitis
- recommended to to tired people, lacking enthusiasm, combats drowsiness
- remedy for prostrate, osteoporosis, gastritis, lack of appetite
- recommended in hypo-tension
- acts efficiently by internal way against the after effects of insect bite ( anaphylactic shock).Few drops applied to the bite will reduce the sensation of pain
- chronic fatigue
- has antioxidant properties, better than bilberries, raspberries, redcurrants and cranberries.
- antiviral properties, active against herpes simplex. Active against type A and B influenza viruses as shown by a Japanese study.
- reduces oxidative stress on exertion
- stimulates lactation
- improves visual acuity. Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are known antioxidants for the retina, the bioflavonoids and thocyanins and vitamin C protect the small blood vessels and increase the blood flow in the eye. Oral intake of RN improves the blood flow in the optic nerve head and the retina.
- is a promising supplement to anti-glaucoma drugs
- reduces muscle stiffness. Oral intake of RN at a dose of 7.7mg/kg can combat muscle stiffness.
- good for general drainage therapy
- helps in recovery following illness
Black currant should not be taken if you are on a prednisolone course !
Personally I have been using gemotherapy and specially blackcurrant for past 5 years with great success; it has brought me successfully off prednisolone and kept me at a bay from it. I dislike prednisolone and its horrible side effects and I do not wish to ever be in position to take it, for any issue whatsoever.
Blackcurrant has helped me find balance during my period of lupus and helped me keep balance after.
If you are not right now on prednisolone do discuss with a homeopathic doctor and your rheumy and proceed in taking blackcurrant even if you are in a remission. I believe in acting well in advance, detoxifying the body and keeping it healthy and in good balance.
You can take blackcurrant in any form you find fit and you homeopathic doctor approves, I have personally only used gemmotherapy as this was prescribed by my doctor.
You can go on courses of 3 months ( 50 drops in little water, 3 times a day, on empty stomach) or 4ml a day in combination with rosemary and/ or birch gemmotherapy. Right now, as I write this, I am on such a course for a duration of three months, in month number two.
Please do not interrupt your prednisolone unless otherwise medically indicated.
Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.
Facebook : Living with-out Lupus.
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