Strawberry - Medicinal Herb Info

Scientific Names

strawberries

Fragaria ananassa (cultivated strawberry)
Fragaria virginiana (wild Virginia strawberry)
Fragaria chiloensis (beach strawberry)
Rosaceae
Rose family

Common Names

Strawberry

Virginia strawberry

Beach strawberry

Parts Usually Used

The fruit, leaves, and roots
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Strawberry is a low-growing perennial plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It has a basal rosette of three-part compound leaves with toothed edges. The plant produces white five-petaled flowers that develop into the familiar red, juicy fruits. Technically, what we call the strawberry fruit is actually an enlarged receptacle of the flower with the true fruits being the small seeds (achenes) on the outside. The plant reproduces through runners (stolons) that extend outward from the parent plant, creating new plants. Strawberries can be cultivated or wild, with cultivated varieties being a hybrid (Fragaria ananassa) developed in the 18th century from wild strawberry species native to North America and Chile.
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Where Found

Wild strawberries are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They grow naturally in woodlands, grasslands, alongside trails, and in open meadows. Cultivated strawberries are grown worldwide, with major production in the United States, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, and many other countries. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and are often grown in home gardens, farms, and commercial operations.
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Medicinal Properties

Strawberries possess numerous medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, diuretic, and anti-diarrheal effects. They contain compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. The fruit and leaves also demonstrate cardioprotective properties by potentially lowering cholesterol levels, reducing triglycerides, and improving blood vessel function.

Research indicates that strawberries have neuroprotective qualities that may slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies also suggest potential anticancer properties, with certain compounds in strawberries showing the ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, strawberries demonstrate benefits for joint health, with some evidence suggesting they may help reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like osteoarthritis.
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Biochemical Information

Strawberries contain numerous bioactive compounds that contribute to their medicinal properties. The fruit is rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. Strawberries are especially high in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins (which give them their red color) and ellagitannins. Ellagitannins in strawberries break down into ellagic acid, which has demonstrated anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies.

Other important compounds in strawberries include flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids, and various tannins. The leaves contain condensed tannins and ellagitannins that contribute to their astringent properties. Strawberries also contain folate, manganese, and various other vitamins and minerals that play important roles in human health.
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Legends, Myths and Stories

Strawberries have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years before cultivation began, with references dating back to ancient Roman literature. Native American legends often feature strawberries, including a Cherokee tale in which the first strawberry was created by the sun to reconcile the first man and woman after an argument.

In medieval Europe, strawberries were considered symbols of perfection and righteousness due to their color and shape. The fruit was often carved into the stonework of churches and cathedrals as a symbol of perfect righteousness. In some European folk traditions, pregnant women were advised to avoid strawberries for fear of their babies being born with strawberry-shaped birthmarks. Strawberries also featured in traditional medicine texts, with the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noting their use for treating melancholy, fainting, inflammations, and diseases of the blood.
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Uses

Strawberries have a wide range of medicinal applications based on their nutritional and phytochemical properties:

For oral health, strawberry leaves and fruit can be used to care for teeth and gums. The astringent properties help reduce inflammation in swollen gums, while the fruit can help remove surface stains on teeth. A traditional practice involves rubbing the fruit directly on teeth to help remove discoloration.

For digestive issues, strawberry leaf tea has been used to treat diarrhea due to its astringent properties. The high fiber content in the fruit supports overall digestive health and regular bowel movements.

For skin care, cooled strawberry leaf tea can be applied to sunburned skin to soothe inflammation. The astringent properties of the leaves also make them useful for oily skin conditions.

Other traditional and modern uses include:

Cardiovascular support through cholesterol and blood pressure regulation
Blood sugar management for those with diabetes or insulin resistance
Brain health support to protect against age-related cognitive decline
Immune system boosting through high vitamin C content
Anti-inflammatory support for conditions like arthritis
Detoxification and liver support
Diuretic effects to reduce water retention
Treatment for fever through cooling properties

Formulas or Dosages

For strawberry leaf tea to treat diarrhea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily as needed.

For sunburn relief: Prepare a strong infusion of strawberry leaves (4 tablespoons of dried leaves in 2 cups of water), cool completely, then apply to affected areas with a soft cloth.

For heart health and diabetes management: Research suggests consuming 3-4 servings (approximately 1-2 cups) of fresh strawberries per week may provide benefits. In clinical studies, freeze-dried strawberry powder has been used at doses of 25-50 grams daily (equivalent to approximately 3-4 cups of fresh strawberries).

For oral health: Rub the crushed pulp of a fresh strawberry directly on teeth for 1-2 minutes to help remove surface stains, then rinse thoroughly with water.
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Nutrient Content

According to nutritional data, a 1-cup (100g) serving of fresh strawberries contains:

32 calories
0.7 grams of protein
0.3 grams of fat
7.7 grams of carbohydrates
2 grams of fiber
4.9 grams of sugar
91% water
59 mg of vitamin C (98% of daily value)
19.8 μg of folate (5% DV)
0.4 mg of manganese (20% DV)
153 mg of potassium (4% DV)
16 mg of calcium (2% DV)
13 mg of magnesium (3% DV)
24 mg of phosphorus (3% DV)
Significant amounts of anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and other polyphenols

How Sold

Strawberries and strawberry-derived products are available in various forms:

Fresh fruit in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and pick-your-own farms
Frozen strawberries
Dried strawberry fruit and powders
Strawberry leaf tea (loose leaf or in tea bags)
Freeze-dried strawberry powder supplements
Strawberry extracts in liquid or capsule form
Strawberry-infused skincare products including creams, masks, and cleansers
Strawberry seed oil for cosmetic applications

Warning

While strawberries are generally safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts, certain precautions should be considered:

Allergic reactions to strawberries are relatively common. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling of the lips and tongue, or more severe reactions. Those with known berry allergies or allergies to birch pollen may be more susceptible to strawberry allergies due to cross-reactivity.

People taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) should use medicinal amounts of strawberry with caution, as compounds in strawberries might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. It’s advisable to stop using strawberry in medicinal amounts at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.

Strawberries may interact with certain medications that are transported by P-glycoprotein pumps in cells, potentially increasing the absorption and side effects of these drugs. If you’re taking prescription medications, consult with a healthcare provider before using strawberry products in medicinal amounts.
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