The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) belongs to the Grossulariaceae family and grows wild in northern European wooded areas and alder swamps. Carl Linneaus grouped species with sour-tasting berries together under the generic name Ribes. The German name Johannisbeere comes from the fact that the first berries become ripe around St. John’s day (24 June). Their leaves are called Ribes nigri folium (folium = Latin for leaf) and harvested in June.

The blackcurrant has been known as a medicinal plant in central and northern Europe since the 16th century. Its leaves are also helpful against insect bites and for wounds when applied as compresses.

Essential oils from mono-, di- and sesquiterpenes; Flavonoids (0.5%) Proanthocyanidins (especially prodelphinidines)