Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Native to Asia Minor, the Greeks are said to have discovered the raspberry plant over 2000 years ago on Mount Ida. According to myth, the berries were white until a nymph named Ida pricked her finger while picking the fruit for Baby Zeus. The berries became red from her blood.
Historically, the fruits have been used as a laxative in large quantities, as a wound cleanser, and was given during pregnancy. The lead contains tannins, which can act as a mild astringent and can help ease diarrhea, sore throat, and tonsillitis.
In modern herbal medicine, raspberry leaf is still used as a pregnancy herb, recommended to strengthen, tone, and relax uterine and pelvic muscles and ease the pain and time of delivery. Raspberry tea may also help decrease heavy menstrual flow and regulate menstrual cycles.
How to recognize?
A shrub with 3-6ft prickly stem. Leaves are coarse, sharp-toothed with short stalks and usually 5-7 lobes. Blooms from June to August with white, droopy, 5-petaled flowers. Fruit is a raspberry.
Therapeutic Uses
Women’s tonic, Pregnancy tea, Diarrhea
How to Use?
Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes to make a standard tea, and for 15-30 minutes to extract tannins. Strain and drink.
Capsule: 500-600 mg dried raspberry leaf, 2-4 times a day
Stay safe!
This herb isn’t known for having adverse effects, but always speak with health care practitioner before using herbal treatments in pregnancy.
