Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus, spp) is one of the most well known and most loved fruits in the world, but in the herbal and midwifery world it’s leaves are also a dearly treasured herbal remedy for women of childbearing age. Raspberry Leaf is most popular as a tonic for pregnancy and labor, but is it also excellent as a nutritive and tonic in preparation for pregnancy. It is also one of the main herbs that is considered safe in most cases to use during pregnancy in preparation for labor. But, why wait until you are pregnant to reap the benefits of this wonderful leaf?
Raspberry leaves are high in Carotenoids, citric acid, tannins,vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. They also have an easily assimilated form of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and silica.
Raspberry leaf’s main medicinal actions include: astringent, tonic, parturient, refrigerant and anti-emitic. Below is a break-down to help you understand what these medicinal actions mean in relationship to this plant.
Astringent: Astringent herbs cause contraction and shrinkage of internal and external body tissues. They also help to prevent hemmorage or excessive bleeding. Red Raspberry leaves help prevent hemmorage after miscarriage or childbirth. The tannins contribute to healthy digestive function, this herb is wonderful for alleviating diarrhea.
Tonic: It’s constituent fragrine is an alkaloid that helps to tone the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus. This is a wonderful action for improving uterine health where there is uterine weakness present. This may help prevent miscarriage when used in preparation for pregnancy.
Parturient: Promotes labor. A recent study showed that 63% of midwives in the United States use this herb to stimulate labor. Although it is used quite commonly by midwives to stimulate labor it is used more often to prepare the woman’s uterus for the hard work of labor.
Refrigerant: Cools the body down, may slightly reduce fever. Note: this action only takes place if there is an actual fever present.
Anti-emitic: May reduce morning sickness by easing nausea, may prevent vomiting.
“Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension.”- Susun S. Weed, Author of Wise Woman Herbal For The Childbearing Year.
Red Raspberry for Fertility Issues
This herb may be helpful for the following conditions where there is menstrual bleeding issues or uterine weakness present. It would be best to use this plant to help heal and prepare for pregnancy, but should be avoided after ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive.
-Recurrent Miscarriage: If you have experienced miscarriage due to uterine weakness.
-Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: The astringent properties of this herb help to stop heavy bleeding. It is also high in iron which may help prevent anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
-Poor Egg Quality/Nutritional Deficiency: This herb is very nutritive and may help to boost overall nutrition.
-General Preparation for Pregnancy: If you are thinking of trying to get pregnant this herb may be a great ally for preparing your uterus and boosting overall nutritional intake. It is also safe for men to use as well as it does not contain any hormone like substances.
-Uterine Trauma: If you have had surgery to remove fibroids, endometrial tissues, cysts or have had uterine prolapse, previous uterine hemmorage or a Cesarean section this herb may help your recovery and healing of the uterus. The toning effect of Red Raspberry leaf helps the uterus to recover more quickly.
Traditional Usage of Red Raspberry Leaf
This herb is best taken as an infusion (herbal tea). Drink 1 cup, 1-3 times a day. Pour ¼ cup of dried red raspberry leaf into a quart mason jar, fill with freshly boiled water, cover and let steep for at least 15-30 minutes. For a stronger infusion, steep for 3-4 hours. You can purchase loose red raspberry leaf here…
Red Raspberry leaf is also sold as a tincture (liquid drops) and tablets, please follow manufacturer recommended dosage for the product purchased.
It has been shown extremely safe to consume everyday in preparation for pregnancy as well as throughout pregnancy to prepare for labor and birth.
Caution: If you have a history of recurrent miscarriage, red raspberry should only be used from after your period ends, up to ovulation and not after in case you are pregnant. The toning effect of this herb on the uterus is sometimes too much for a weak uterus and would be best used in preparation for pregnancy, in general 3-6 months prior to trying to conceive. In addition it would be best to avoid during the 1st trimester of pregnancy as well.
Simple At Home Infusion Preparations
Red Raspberry leaves have a mild flavor as opposed to other herbal teas and combine well with other herbs.
Nutritive Pregnancy Preparation Tonic
This tea is a wonderful mild uterine tonic, digestive tonic and gently supports liver health.
2 part Red Raspberry leaves
1 part Nettles
1 part Dandelion Leaf
½ part Oatstraw
½ part Peppermint
Super Yummy C
This infusion is high in Vit. C has a beautiful pink color and is delicious. Steep this tea for at least 30 minutes; rose hips take longer to steep.
1 part Red Raspberry leaves
1part dried Rose Hips
¼ part Hibiscus flower
Super Green
This is an easy way to get a daily dose of greens! Steep this tea for 3-4 hours before drinking.
2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 part Nettles
1 part Alfalfa leaf
½ part Parsley leaf
½ part Dandelion leaf
½ part Peppermint or Spearmint
References:
1. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery,Volume 44, Issue 3, 6 May 1999, Pages 205-216
2. susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm
3. Aviva Romm, Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Churchill Livingstone, 2010
4. Susan S. Weed, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, Ash Tree Publising, 1986
5. David Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal, Element Books Limited, 1990
6. Andrew Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, DK Publising, 1996
7. John Lust, The Herb Book, Bantam Books, 1978
8. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist, Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1988
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Is there a difference between Raspberry leaf tea and
Red Raspberry tea?
Hi Rebecca,
If you are looking into Raspberry flavored teas that are fruity and do not say Red Raspberry leaf, then yes there may be a difference. To reap the medicinal benefits discussed in this article you need to find a good quaility preferrably organic Red Raspberry Leaf tea. Some may say just Red Raspberry, but be sure it is not raspberry flavored and just the leaves.
All the best,
Dalene
Do red raspberry leaf drops work as well as the tea? I hate the taste of tea so I thought the drops might be a good alternitive.
Hi Alise,
I think you mean red raspberry leaf tincture (liquid drops) and the answer is yes, they are just as effective as the tea. The drops probably won’t taste as good because they are made with grain alcohol to extract the medicinal properties.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi
I am 36 weeks pregnant and would like to know when it would be safe and good to start drinking the drops?
I do not want to drink it to start labor earlier, I only want to use it for the benefits of helping labor on. Would it be fine to start drinking it on the day I go into labor, or should I start earlier?
Kind regards,
Odette
Hi Odette,
Congratulations! How exciting for you that you are getting so close to meeting your baby!
Red Raspberry is a traditional pregnancy tonic, that has been use for hundreds of years by midwives, for their patients to prepare for labor and sustain a healthy pregnancy. It is safe for use throughout pregnancy if there is not a history of early miscarriage (if there is, aviod use during 1st trimester only). It is safe to begin at anytime and will not start labor. You may feel a tightening of the uterus already (Braxton Hicks contractions), as your body begins to prepare for labor. This is your body’s way of strengthening the uterus for labor. Red raspberry is more beneficial as a preparation for labor, so beginning it months to week before labor may be best. It is fine to drink during labor as well, just be sure to let your doctor or midwife know.
Best Wishes on your upcoming labor and birth!
Dalene
Hello Dalene,
I have pcos, and I was wondering if this tonic was good for my condition. I’ve tried for years to get pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy to no avail I have also had 1 miscarriage 4 yrs ago but I was taking fertility drugs. I wanted to take a more holistic approach this time around.
Deeply concerned,
Stephani
Hi Stephani,
I think in general red raspberry is an overall good fertility tonic for any woman who is preparing for pregnancy! With PCOS your fertility challenges are a bit more complicated and while red raspberry leaf is a good overall fertility tonic, it is not a “cure all” for PCOS. Women with PCOS need to eat a specific way to balance insulin levels. A big part of the problem with PCOS is the high insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin increases the bodies insulin levels which effects normal ovulation by preventing the body from ovulating or limiting the maturation process of the released egg. Women who are insulin resistant are also 4-5 times more likely to have a miscarriage. Imbalanced insulin levels due to PCOS make it difficult for the embryo to attach properly to the uterus.
If you click on the blue highlighted phrase it will take you to an article on PCOS, which will help you to learn other great remedies specific for that condition.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
This may seem silly but what exactly is 1 part equivalent to for a 1 quart serving? I have made the tea 2 days in a row, love it but want to ensure I am making it properly. Many thanks!
Hi Lynne,
About a 1/8-1/4 cup. I usually just estimate (a small palm full is 1 part). You can see a video of me making the Pregnancy Preparation Tonic here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ONkFUsn7I
Thanks for asking! Enjoy!
Dalene
I had three misscarriages ,after 6 months I have started trying again and my periods are due by 9th july 2011,can I start taking raspberry leaf tea.
Hi Kulsoom,
It would be best to use this plant to help heal and prepare for pregnancy, but should be avoided after ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive, especially if you have a history of recurrent miscarriage. If you have a history of recurrent miscarriage, red raspberry should only be used from after your period ends, up to ovulation and not after in case you are pregnant. The toning effect of this herb on the uterus is sometimes too much for a weak uterus and would be best used in preparation for pregnancy, in general 3-6 months prior to trying to conceive. In addition it would be best to avoid during the 1st trimester of pregnancy as well.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Dalene,
I am 37 weeks pregnant and have just found out that my baby is breech and i will be having a c section at 39 weeks. I have been taking the raspberry leaf tablet and I am now concerned if it is still safe to continue taking them and if so are there any benefits for recovery if I recommenced taking the tablets following the birth.
Many thanks,
Jo
Hi Jo Gray,
May you have a safe and wonderful birth! Yes there are definitely benefits to continuing the raspberry leaf! Toward the end of the article it says this…
Uterine Trauma: If you have had surgery to remove fibroids, endometrial tissues, cysts or have had uterine prolapse, previous uterine hemorrhage or a Cesarean section this herb may help your recovery and healing of the uterus. The toning effect of Red Raspberry leaf helps the uterus to recover more quickly.
Raspberry leaf is also very nourishing for breast milk production. If you plan on breastfeeding you may continue on with this. I like to continue the Nutritive Pregnancy Preparation Tonic through breastfeeding as well. I used to drink about 3 quarts a week to keep my milk supply rich! In fact my milk was so rich I exclusively breastfed my 2nd son until he was 8 months old. At 8 months old he weighed about 25lbs.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I am 38 weeks. 3-4 cm and having lower left back pain and cramping. And was wondering if the raspberry liquid drops will help induce labor.
Hi Crystal,
It would be best to contact your doctor or midwife about the pain you are experiencing. You want to give your baby the most time possible in the womb for development. The lungs and brain are still maturing in preparation for labor and delivery, you want the lungs to be ready to take their first breath! Give yourself some more time, talk to your doctor or midwife before choosing to begin drinking this tea to induce labor, if you have not been drinking it already throughout your pregnancy. The may give you the go ahead, so it is worth speaking to them. Congratulations! May you have a wonderful labor and delivery! How exciting, you are going to meet your baby so soon!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi I am just wondering if you know of anyone who has benefitted from Red Raspberry Leaf for uterus prolapse? I have this after my first child and am trying everything from kegels to pilates as conservative management in preparation for more children. I havent started this yet and just wanted to know how it actually helps with prolapsed womb, thanks
I had my first baby 2 1/2 months ago by emergency c-section. I am having a horrible time with birth control and am considering going off it and relying on less effective ways and my breastfeeding but worry about uterine rupture were those ways fail and I were to get pregnant. I know the article says that it helps with uterine trauma but do you know of anyone who has used it for this reason and had a safe pregnancy soon after c-section??
Hi Michelle,
Yes, the mild stimulation of the uterus from the action of raspberry leaf may help to strengthen the uterus when combined with other methods, such as the ones you are doing. Another great therapy would be Self Fertility Massage.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Julia,
The risk is relatively low for uterine rupture for women with just one cesarean birth. The risk increases with multiple cesarean deliveries. I have known many women who use raspberry leaf infusion to heal the uterus after cesarean, strengthen it and tone it in preparation for their next pregnancy. Most doctors recommend waiting to get pregnant for at least a year after cesarean. This allows your uterus to heal and regain strength. I would suggest condoms, spermicide or diaphragm as birth control methods, if you are not wanting to take hormonal birth control methods. Do not rely on rhythm method, as this is not reliable when you are breastfeeding!
Best wishes and congrats on your new baby!
Dalene
Hi, I was wondering if red raspberry leaf capsules have any effect to my basal body temp? I have been taking this since Jan 1st and I did ovulate early (cycle day 14), I usually ovulate on cd17 so I believe the RRL had something to do with it. My BBT went up the 2 days after I ovulated, then it went down at 3days past ovulation, then it went back up a little today on 4dpo… Do you think the RRL is effecting my BBT? I am considering quiting the RRL for this cycle just in case I did conceive (I miscarried Oct 26, 2011).
Hi Dalene,
What exactly qualifies as recurrent miscarriage? I have two sons 5 and 2 and recently had a missed miscarriage with d&c at 9 weeks (my body did not begin to miscarry naturally). This was my second miscarriage — the first miscarriage was over 5 years ago, the cycle before conceiving my first son and was very early at 4 weeks (almost like a late period). Both of my pregnancies were normal and without any complications. With my 2nd son I drank red raspberry leaf for the first trimester and throughout the pregnancy with no complications. In your experience would I be someone who should avoid RRL tea after ovulation and during the 1st trimester? I am actively TTC and have been drinking RRL tea for the last month and I don’t know if I should give up drinking RRL tea, which a just love. Thanks.
I am 50 years old with fiborids my periods are awful with lots of clots. My OB/GYN said the Mirena would help but I read these articles on Red Rasberry Leaf Tea and see that is does help with heavy bleeding. Does it help even if someone has fibroids? Also does it increase fertility becasue I certainly do not want a baby…
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Christie,
I have never hear of Red Raspberry Leaf directly effecting someone who is BBT charting. The best way to find out if it is altering your cycle at all, would be to stop it and see what happens the next cycle. Day 14 ovulation sounds great though!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Reina,
More than 2 miscarriages it considered recurrent miscarriage. I does not sound like you would be at risk, but I am not your health care provider, so I am not sure. It sounds like your body responds to raspberry leaf tea well. The RRL early miscarriage is a there to be educational and this happening is extremely rare. No matter how rare the risk, it needs to be stated so you can be well informed!
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi lisa G.,
Yes, raspberry leaf may greatly help. It supports uterine health, yet contains no hormonal action, so will not increase fertility in anyway that is related to hormones.
You may also like this recipe as well…
Yarrow has been used to stop internal bleeding caused by uterine fibroids, endometriosis and ruptured ovarian cysts as well. This plant has been used traditionally by midwives to stop hemorrhage during miscarriage, or after childbirth. Yarrow’s ability to stop heavy blood flow is well documented and simply amazing!
Heavy Bleeding Infusion (Tea)
Combine
2 parts dried Yarrow (astringent, reduces bleeding)
2 part Shepherd’s purse (astringent, reduces heavy uterine bleeding, prevents hemorrhage)
1 part dried Nettle leaf (high in iron, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging)
½ part Hibiscus flower (high in Vit. C, nice flavor addition)
-Place a small handful of the mixture into a quart glass mason jar. Fill with just boiled water, cap tightly. Steep for 30-40 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day.
Best Wishes,
Dalene