Laxative, diuretic, astringent: Both the leaves and the fruit were in early pharmacopoeias, though the leaves were mostly used. The fruit contains malic and citric acids, a volatile matter, sugar, mucilage, pectin, woody fibre and water. It is easily digested and is not subject to acetous fermentation in the stomach. In feverish conditions the fruit is invaluable, and is also recommended for stone. Strawberry vitamins are of value in sprue. Culpepper declares the plant to be 'singularly good for the healing of many ills,' but Linnaeus was the first to discover and prove the efficacy of the berries as a cure for rheumatic gout.
Astringent: The root is astringent and used in diarrhoea. The leaves have the same property, and a tea made from them checks dysentery. The stalks only entered into the composition of the once-famous Antioch drink and vulnerary. Some recipes order that the drink should be prepared between the feasts of St. Philip and St. James and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
Dentifrice and cosmetic: The Strawberry is a useful dentifrice and cosmetic. The fresh fruit removes discoloration of the teeth if the juice is allowed toremain on for about five minutes and the teeth are then cleansed with warm water, to which a pinch of bicarbonate of soda has been added. A cut Strawberry rubbed over the face immediately after washing will whiten the skin and remove slight sunburn. For a badly sunburnt face it is recommended to rub the juice well into the skin, to leave it on for half an hour, and then wash off with warm water to which a few drops of simple tincture of benzoin have been added; no soap should be used.
The ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in strawberry leaves and berries is both astringent and antiscorbutic. Strawberries' reputation for tightening loose teeth is probably due to their ascorbic acid--loosening of the teeth is one of the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency and scurvy. The alleged power of strawberries to dissolve tooth plaque is questionable, however, because any acid strong enough to dissolve the calcareous deposits on teeth is also strong enough to damage the tooth itself. (Nancy Georgell, personal communication) But the nutritional effect of a large amount of fruit in the diet may indeed be able to delay the formation of plaque.
According to Spoerke, catechins (found in strawberry leaves) are protein precipitants and astringents. The d-catechin is thought to inhibit production of histamine. It has little therapeutic action on its own, but seems to potentiate antihistamine drugs if used with them.
Medicinal virtues: The berries cool the liver, blood and spleen, or a hot choleric stomach. They refresh and comfort fainting spirits and quench the thirst. They are good for inflammations, but it is best to refrain from them in a fever, lest they putrefy in the stomach and increase the fits.The roots and leaves boiled in wine and water, and drank, cool the liver and blood and assuage inflammation in the reins and bladder, provoke urine and allay heat and sharpness. This drink also stays the bloody flux and women's courses and helps the swelling of the spleen.
The water of the berries, distilled, is a remedy and cordial in the panting and beating of the heart, and good for the jaundice. The juice can he dropped into foul ulcers or used as a wash, or the decoction of the herb and root, cleanses and helps to cure them. Lotions and gargles for sore mouths, or ulcers in the mouth, or privy parts are made with the leaves and roots.
