Indian Strawberry
Duchesnea indica

Other Names: False Strawberry, Mock Strawberry, She Mei, Wild Indian Strawberry

Habitat: (Duchesnea indica) Perennial herb, alien (or maybe not), originating some think in E. Asia, China, Japan, Himalayas however some experts believe it is native to North America. Naturalized throughout the U.S. and found growing in shady places in woods, grassy slopes. Cultivation: Indian Strawberry prefers a moist but well-drained soil in a partially sunny position. Plants are at their best in semi-shade. Sow seeds in fall, cultivation through division of runners, is done in spring or late summer. The matted root sends out runners to set new plants. Leaves are alternate light green and trifoliate, each leaflet being serrate and ovate, entire plant is finely haired. The small, yellow flowers are 5 petaled, first flowers bloom in April and blooms throughout the summer till fall. The fruit is a small, about ½ inch round, edible strawberry. Harvest young edible leaves in spring and fruit as soon as it ripens. Gather entire plant in late summer, dry for later herb use.

Properties: Often confused with the Wild Strawberry the Indian Strawberry fruit and leaves are also edible and medicinal, although fruit is said to be tasteless. A flavor somewhat like a water melon according to some people, it does contain constituents such as sugar, protein, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), leaves also edible as pot herb. The whole plant is medicinal as an anticoagulant, antiseptic, depurative and febrifuge. Herb can be used in a decoction for stomatitis, laryngitis, and acute tonsilitis, or the fresh leaves can be crushed and applied externally as a medicinal poultice. It is used in the treatment of boils and abcesses, burns, weeping eczema, ringworm, snake and insect bites and traumatic injuries. A decoction of the leaves is medicinal and used in the treatment of swellings. An infusion of the flowers is used to activate the blood circulation and the fruit is used to cure skin diseases. Indian Strawberry is used extensively in China as a medicinal herb and is being studied for its ability to stop the HIV virus and some forms of cancer from spreading through the body.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MANY HERBAL PRODUCTS!

Folklore: In India it is said to be used as an offering to the gods.

TRY THESE RECIPES

Cooling and medicinal Drink: For upset stomach, to 8 oz. water add ¼ cup berries, blend or crush the berries in the water, add honey, vanilla, or mint for taste, drink on ice.

Medicinal poultice: Place leaves and berries in cloth, crush apply to wound.