Raspberry Leaves
Species Name: Rubus idaeus.
Also known as: Raspbis, Hindberry, Bramble of Mount Ida.
Raspberry leaves are used in herbal medicine, as raspberry tea and it is often used for pregnant women.
What are Raspberry Leaves: The leaves and the fruit are the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes.
Raspberry leaves come from the raspberry bushes that are native to North America.
They are specifically cultivated for medicinal uses in other countries such as Canada.
You may already know that people enjoy eating the berries from this wonderful bush but the leaves are the part that has many medicinal uses.
They have been known to be used in treating conditions such as the common cold and sore throats, diarrhea, pregnancy symptoms and also providing postpartum support to many women.
Home Remedies using Raspberry Leaves:
Benefits of Raspberry Leaves:
Over time, the raspberry leaf has been used for many different things. It is commonly known for helping women during pregnancy and labor. It can be safely taken throughout the pregnancy and also while breastfeeding. It is used to help ease the symptoms of morning sickness.
It can also help with bleeding gums- a symptom that many pregnant women face. Raspberry leaves were used to help reduce morning sickness and also to relax the muscles of the uterus while it is contracting with labor.
For this reason, it can help assist with the birth of both the baby and the placenta and help with cramping of the uterus both from childbirth and also with menstruation.
In addition to the many ways it helps women, it is also a great source of many nutrients the body needs such as iron, calcium, manganese and even magnesium. It also provides some good sources of vitamin B1 and B3 as well as vitamin E.
Raspberry leaves are also used as an astringent for irritated skin. It tightens the top layers of skin to improve firmness and reduce irritation. It is also gargled as a mouthwash for mouth and throat irritation.
Uses of Raspberry Leaves:
- To help fertility
- To promote breast milk supply
- To stop excess bleeding after childbirth
- To treat diarrhea
- To regulate the menstrual cycle and decrease heavy periods
- To relieve sore throat
- To reduce fever
- As a tea use 2-3 tsp of dried or chopped leaves in 5 -8oz of boiling water for 5 min, discarding solid particles. Take as needed.
- Topically - use tea on skin.
- Orally as a mouth wash - use tea dosage.
Side Effects of Raspberry Leaves:
There are no reported side effects. If you are pregnant, always check with your doctor prior to taking Raspberry Leaves.
