The Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf for Pregnancy and More
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus), also known as American raspberry or wild red raspberry, is one of the most renowned herbal teas, and for good reason! The benefits of red raspberry during pregnancy are the most significant. It has also been used throughout the centuries for all ages: easing tummy aches, diarrhea, sore throats, flus, vomiting, mucus buildup, and sore eyes.
This plant is a member of the rose family. “Rubus” in the name means red, and the Latin word “ida” refers to an old kingdom in Phrygia, which was in the west central part of Anatolia, in what is now Asian Turkey. Overall, this pretty red herb makes a gentle but powerful tea to have on hand!
Benefits of Red Raspberry During Pregnancy
Red raspberry leaf has been used during pregnancy for centuries, all around the world. While there is some controversy these days, red raspberry’s history has proven time and time again that it can be taken from conception (wonderful for morning sickness) through delivery. One of the benefits of red raspberry is that it has been known to reduce false labor pains.
It also builds the tissue of the uterus and prevents the tearing of the cervix during birth. Additionally, it can prevent hemorrhaging and regulate contractions during delivery. Something every mother is hoping for!
However, the key to all of the above is to begin taking it as soon as you find out you have a little one on the way. Waiting until the last minute is of no use, since neither you have had a chance to let the raspberry do its work in building up the tissues.
The Nutritional Properties of Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry has many beneficial nutritional properties. It can help after birth because it is high in iron and enriches early colostrum found in mother’s milk.
Alongside iron, it has manganese and niacin. It is also surprisingly high in calcium, magnesium, tin (the healthy kind), vitamin A (wonderful for eye health), and Vitamin C (amazing for the immune system).
Benefits of Red Raspberry on the Body
Beyond its use for expecting mothers, red raspberry leaf has many ways it can affect our beautiful bodies. These include:
- Alterative (mild): Cleansing, stimulating efficient removal of waste products
- Antiemetic: Lessens nausea and prevents or relieves vomiting
- Antispasmodic: Prevents or relieves spasms
- Astringent: Has a constricting or binding effect
- Cardiotonic: Heart tonic or restorative
- Diaphoretic: Causes perspiration and increases the elimination through the skin
- Emmenagogue: Facilitates or regulates menstrual flow
- Hemostatic: Stops bleeding
- Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements
- Oxytocic: Stimulates contractions accelerating childbirth
- Parturient: Stimulates uterine contractions which induce and assist labor
- Refrigerant: Produces coolness or reduces fever
- Stimulant: Increases internal heat, dispels internal chills, and strengthens the metabolism and circulation
- Stomachic: Strengthens stomach function
- Styptic: Contracts blood vessels
- Tonic: Restoring, nourishing, and supporting for the entire body
Over the years I have used red raspberry for a variety of conditions:
- Pregnancy, as mentioned above
- Decreasing heavy menstrual flow and relieving pain each month
- To soothe the stomach and bowels
- On occasion to ease colic and fevers in young ones – even though I rarely work with children
CAUTION: No issues or contraindications!
Easy Ways to Get the Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry is an easy-to-find herb in my apothecary. Here are some ways you can bring its benefits into your life:
Mother’s Milk Formula: This formula helps create healthy, nourishing, and plentiful breast milk whilst simultaneously balancing hormones. These herbs are also mineral rich to support and nourish the body, and may help alleviate digestion issues such as infant colic, gas, indigestion, and bloating. Get it right here.
Wild Woman Tea: A wonderful blend of herbs and spices to keep the garden of love performing properly! Get some here.
Calm the Diarrhea Tea: An astringent blend of herbs to help with runny days! With nothing but raspberry and marshmallow, this is a great way to get the benefits of red raspberry. Get it here.
Cramping Chaos Stopper: These anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients are blended with a lightly-caffeinated brew that offers you relief from Aunt Flo’s visits. This blend will help relax your mind, calm your cramps, and soothe your aches, bloating, nausea, and even headaches. Find it here.
Minty Madness Tea: A medley of mints and citrus flavors with just a hint of spice. Tastes great, and of course comes with all the benefits of red raspberry! Try it for yourself here.
Sweet & Sassy Tea: A fun mix of sweet and spicy herbs to brighten up your day! Get some here.
Considerations When Using Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf is a wonderful herb, but don’t get crazy with it, or any herb. Our diets play a huge role in our health and should be our starting point. Think nutrient density, fiber, water, and physical exercise.
Each of us has a different story, so our current health depends on the person and the situation. If you have a lot of health issues, ask your ND, Herbalist, or practitioner about using raspberry or other herbs you are unsure of. They will be able to guide you in this. I offer herbal consultations right here to get you started!
*For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. (Because why would we want to do that?)