Red Raspberry Leaf, From of Old

Rubus idaeus

Active ingredients: volatile oils, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, tannin, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamins A, B, C & E.  It has the highest known herbal source of manganese.

Actions: Astringent, tonic, toning, pelvic & uterine relaxant.

Raspberry leaves have a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and preventing excessive bleeding.  Raspberry leaves also tone the mucous membranes through out the body and soothe the kidneys and urinary tract.  Raspberry works on the digestive tract to stabilize it.  It continues its good benefits after birth to aid in milk production and recovery.  The tonic and relaxant actions on the smooth muscles of the uterus act to reduce the pain of uterine contractions during childbirth and makes them more effective and productive, shortening the duration of labor.

Currently there is some controversy surrounding the use of Raspberry leaf during pregnancy, which is unfortunate since its use has been associated with pregnancy and birth since ancient times according to some writings.  The concern is early miscarriage.  For this reason, some midwives recommend use after 16 weeks gestation.  It also has been known to help with nausea during pregnancy.

Compiled by Vickie Liguori, 2006