Last Updated on June 29, 2026
While blackberry is best known for its delicious fruits, its leaves are also valuable herbal tonic. They can be made into a nourishing tea and are also a great addition to natural skin and hair products.
Blackberry leaves are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, helping improve the overall health and appearance of hair. They have antibacterial properties to help naturally cleanse, without the harsh additives commonly found in commercial hair products. Blackberry leaves’ astringent effect helps to soothe and balance the scalp, reducing dry, flaky skin and excess oiliness.
When combined with two other hair loving herbs, blackberry leaf makes a lovely toning hair rinse that rejuvenates hair, leaving it shiny and vibrant. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is regenerative and nutrient dense. Its soothing mucilage helps to hydrate and soften hair.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) improves circulation and nerve growth to the scalp to help boost the overall health of hair. It is said to reduce hair loss, promote hair growth, and prevent premature graying. It may also ease dry, itchy scalp and dandruff.
This herbal hair rinse is quick and simple to whip up with fresh herbs from your summer garden, or dried herbs in the off-season. It’s well-suited for all hair types and can be used after washing your hair as usual, or as part of a no-poo routine.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts blackberry leaf
- ½ part comfrey leaf
- ¼ part rosemary leaf
- Water
Directions:
Combine the herbs in a heat proof container. Boil water and pour it over the herbs, then cover with a lid.
I like to put 2 big handful of roughly chopped fresh herb in the proportions listed above in a 4 cup Pyrex container, then fill it up with boiling water.
Let the herbs steep a few hours, until the water has cooled. Then strain them out and re-bottle the liquid.
You will probably want between a half cup and a cup of rinse per use, depending on the length of your hair. You can store unused rinse in the refrigerator for a day or two, but after that it will begin to spoil.
To use: Slowly pour the rinse over damp hair and massage into scalp and locks. Leave in, if desired, or rinse with cool water.
References
Paczkowska-Walendowska, M., Gościniak, A., Szymanowska, D., Szwajgier, D., Baranowska-Wójcik, E., Szulc, P., Dreczka, D., Simon, M., & Cielecka-Piontek, J. (2021). Blackberry Leaves as New Functional Food? Screening Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Microbiological Activities in Correlation with Phytochemical Analysis. Antioxidants, 10(12), 1945. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10121945
