PLANET: Venus

ELEMENT: Water

TASTE: bitter, sweet	VIPAKA: cool
WARMTH: sweet	DOSHAS: V+(in excess)P-K-

MERIDIANS: Spleen, Liver and Kidney

ACTIONS: emmenagogue, astringent, hemostatic, tonic, refrigerant, parturient, alterative, cleanses the body of mucus, anti-Pita.

INDICATIONS: use in pregnancy to tone and strengthen uterine muscle, checks post-partum hemorrhage, morning sickness, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, uterine prolapse, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach flu, vomiting, leucorrhea, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, sore throat, stomach complaints of children, wounds, burns

PRECAUTIONS: high Vata, chronic constipation

CONSTITUENTS: FRAGARINE, which may actually be two substances, one that relaxes the uterus and one that contracts it, allowing a regulatory effect, volatile oil, sugar, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, vitamin C

PREPARATION AND USE:
-pour one cup boiling water on 1 tsp dried herb and steep 10-15 min
-2-6 ml tincture three times daily
-gargle with strong infusion for mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, sore throat, etc
-wash wounds with infusion
-poultice with slippery elm for cleansing wounds and burns
-douche with infusion for leucorrhea or prolapse
-may combine with myrrh for any mucus membrane infection

NUTRITIONAL USE: rich in organic acids including vitamin C

USE IN MAGIC: Protection, Love
-hang brambles over doors and windows for protection. Also to prevent re-entry of deceased spirit into the house
-berries are a love-inducing food
-carried by pregnant women to alleviate pains of pregnancy and childbirth

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-use to tune into inner child
-natural enthusiasm-softens heart and allows for receptivity and intuition

"I give and receive in balance."