Wild strawberry

the leaf of wild strawberry (Fragariae folium)

The wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a low perennial with toothed leaves in threes and white flowers, which spreads by runners. The fruit is small, red and far more fragrant than the garden strawberry. It grows at the edges of woods, in clearings, on embankments and in open woodland.

For tea the leaves are gathered in spring before flowering or during it, when they are youngest; they are taken from healthy plants, free of brown spots. The leaves are dried quickly in the shade, or they are left to ferment slightly before drying, which gives them a darker colour and a fuller taste, much as with the blackberry.

The fruit is gathered fully ripe, in June and July. Care is needed when gathering in the wild because of the fox tapeworm.

Use and evidence

After assessment the EMA placed the leaf in traditional use for increasing the urine in minor urinary complaints and for mild diarrhoea, but this does not hold for the fruit. Broad claims about the liver, the blood and gout are not supported. EMA.