Red Raspberry Leaf

A Versatile Herb with Importance for Women

Sep 16, 2009 Annika Lundkvist

Red Raspberry Leaf has a traditional role as a women's herb, due to specific properties regarding it's importance for female reproductive health.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) is an herb regarded in many cultures as useful for a range of ailments, and specifically for women's reproductive health. Garden space permitting, experiment with growing this plant yourself and using the leaves or simply enjoy the other option of always having a box of red raspberry leaf tea around.

A Versatile and Old Tradition of Use

The therapeutic uses of red raspberry leaf include treating diarrhea and other digestive disorders, working as a mouthwash for sores, supporting heart health and to treat a fever. Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins including C, A, B and E and can be used for general health in the form of a tea brewed from leaves, capsules, a tincture, extract or infusion.

While raspberry leaf has clear uses that are not gender specific, it is well known for being an herb with properties specific to women's needs. It is, in fact, one of the most popular “women's herbs.”

A Women's Herb

The use of red raspberry leaf extends back centuries, particularly in support of women in childbirth. It perhaps serves as one of the primary herbs in a midwife's handbook.

As a uterine tonic, red raspberry leaf is useful for women during both pregnancy and menstruation and for general uterine health. Known as a “birth herb,” due to its toning effect on the uterus, red raspberry leaf can help make the birth process easier. This is one of the herb's most celebrated uses. An infusion of the leaves is the common recommendation for women in labor if they choose to use this herb during their birthing process. Morning sickness can also be reduced with a raspberry leaf infusion.

Vitamins B1, B3 and E are all found in raspberry leaf, and are great for pregnant women. Raspberry leaf is also useful during the postpartum period to increase milk production and to reduce cramps during that time. For menstruating women it is also helpful in the reduction of cramps. Raspberry leaf is also used to help normalize menstrual periods.

While it is well known in herbalism as very much a women's herb, there are varying opinions as to the recommended use of the herb at various stages in pregnancy. Use during the last trimester appears to be the most popular recommendation with use during the first two trimesters more cautioned.

Recommendations for Use

As with many herbal remedies, large consumptions of the red raspberry leaf can produce the opposite effect of its known therapeutic effect as well as undesirable results. Consume in moderation and with thoughtful care.

For general use, invest in a bottle of red raspberry leaf capsules, brew up a hot cup of tea or enjoy a pitcher of red raspberry iced tea!

The copyright of the article Red Raspberry Leaf in Natural Medicine is owned by Annika Lundkvist. Permission to republish Red Raspberry Leaf in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Leaf of Red Raspberry