Black currant (blackcurrant)
Synopsis
Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a nutrient-dense berry native to northern and central Europe and parts of Asia, prized for its high vitamin C content, anthocyanins, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The berries, leaves, and seed oil are all used in herbal medicine and nutrition, offering a powerful combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting, and circulatory benefits.
Black currant fruit is exceptionally rich in:
- Vitamin C (up to four times more than oranges)
- Anthocyanins and flavonoids with antioxidant and vascular-protective effects
- Polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the seed oil, a rare anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid
Black currant is used to:
- Support immune function and help prevent or shorten colds and flu
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes, joints, and cardiovascular system
- Improve blood circulation, especially in cases of venous insufficiency
- Protect eye health, especially against age-related macular degeneration and eye fatigue
- Soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis (topically or via seed oil)
The plant is consumed in various forms including fresh berries, juice, extracts, leaf teas, and seed oil supplements. The seed oil is particularly valued for its high GLA content and is used both orally and topically.
Historical Use:
Black currant has been used in European folk medicine for centuries, where the berries were consumed to prevent scurvy and strengthen resistance to infection. During World War II, when citrus fruits were scarce in the UK, black currant syrup was widely distributed to children as a natural vitamin C source.
The leaves were traditionally steeped into teas to relieve rheumatic pain, fevers, and urinary tract issues, acting as a gentle diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. The seed oil has more recently gained use in natural dermatology for treating eczema, dry skin, and hormonal imbalances related to inflammation.
Today, black currant is valued in functional nutrition, herbal medicine, and natural skincare for its broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports immune health, microcirculation, eye function, and skin barrier integrity, making it a versatile botanical for modern wellness needs.
Other names
NoneHistorical and Science-based Use
This ingredient is used to address these health conditions and support these body systems. Note that we list whether the use is historical/traditional or science-based. If science-based, we are including a score from A-F (based on the number of studies done and the quality of those studies).Conditions
Cataracts (Traditional)
Celiac Disease (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Convulsions (Traditional)
Coordination (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Corns (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cradle Cap (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Croup (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Cystic Breast Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Defensiveness (Traditional)
Dehydration (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Denture Sores (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Diaper Rash (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Dislocation (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Rhinitis (Traditional)
Rhinitis, Allergic (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Body Systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Capillaries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
