Wild Strawberry

Other names : Fragaria Vesca, Fraise Alpine, Potentilla Virginiana, Fraisier Vert

Found in forest and meadows, in hill and mountain areas, Wild Strawberry is a valuable plant with white flowers and red fruits, reaching up to 25 cm. Containing precious antioxidants, mineral salts and vitamins (A, B1, B2, C), both the leaves and the fruits have medicinal properties. The tannin content of the leaves, having astringent properties, recommends the infusion in diarrhea and sluggish intestines. Wild Strawberry fruits have a diuretic effect and  stimulate the metabolism, favoring toxin elimination from the body and boosting natural weight loss. The fruits have laxative effects, being useful in digestive disorders and the fructose (levulose) content allows its consumption by diabetic patients.

Studies show that Wild Strawberry might inhibit cancer cells from multiplying and might prevent Alzheimer’s disease and nerve function loss. Other uses include liver disease, jaundice, kidney ailments and gallstones. In traditional medicine, Wild Strawberry was used by women to prevent menstruation and as a remedy for anemia and older people used it to treat gout, joint pains and arthritic conditions.

Wild Strawberry leaf infusion (1 teaspoon dried leaves to 100 ml boiled water) drank lukewarm has mild hypotensive effects, slows atherosclerosis and relieves nervous tension and inflammations of the respiratory tract. It may also decrease fever and night sweats.

Externally, the decoction obtained from 10 g of plant at 100 ml water can be applied locally in cases of phlebitis. It has anticoagulant effects and prevents embolism. Wild Strawberry poultices may also help skin rashes, eczema and other dermatological conditions.