Niebieskie Żródła, near Tomaszów Mazowiecki

Native to Europe and northern Asia. Edible plant - fruits raw or prepared many ways, very delicious; roots cooked; young shoots peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus; a herb tea is made from the dried leaves. Herbal plant - the leaves and roots are anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and stimulant; a tea made from them is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as a tonic for the uterus to strengthen pregnant women, and as an aid in childbirth; externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers; the fruits are antiscorbutic and diuretic; fresh raspberry juice, mixed with a little honey, makes an excellent refrigerant beverage to be taken in the heat of a fever.