Perhaps best known for is “women issues”, red raspberry leaf enjoys a reputation of helping to relive period cramping. This is due to fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the uterus and other muscles of the pelvic region. Red raspberry leaf, Rubus spp. is a common herb that is widespread across its native regions of Asia and North America. It can be identified by the leaves being green on top and gray/silvery on the bottom. Its constitute properties include: Flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, pectin, vitamins, minerals, elagic acid.
Raspberry leaf is vitamin- and mineral-rich. Some of the vitamins and minerals it boasts as having are:
- vitamins E
- vitamin C
- B complex
- calcium
- iron
- phosphorus
- potassium
- niacin
- magnesium
- manganese
What is raspberry leaf good for? It contains tannins, which give a tea or infusion of raspberry leaf an astringent taste similar to black tea and astringent (toning) action on tissues in the body. It can be helpful for soothing and stopping diarrhea. Energetically, red raspberry is cool, dry, and bitter.
Why Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea?
Red raspberry leaf is most commonly used in tea, also known as “infusion”. Here are some common applications:
- sore throats-gargle
- sore mouths, canker sores-
- period cramping
Red raspberry leaf is also an excellent tonic for pregnant women on two counts: its high vitamin and mineral content is richly nutritive, and the alkaloid fragrine tones and strengthens the uterus in preparation for childbirth. It is said to reduce labor pains. Following birth, consuming raspberry leaf infusion as a tonic restores the elasticity of the womb and uterine ligaments and increases the flow of breastmilk (Berger, 1996). It also quells nausea related to morning sickness and childbirth. (source)
My favorite way to consume this herb is in a tea blend. It’s great for any time of the month, but I like to drink it especially in the week before my period begins. It has helped me ease severe cramping.
To enjoy red raspberry leaf tea, in a quart sized mason jar, add equal amounts of dried herbs:
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea-where to buy
- Dried Lemon Peel-where to buy
- Peppermint-where to buy
To make the tea, add 1 Tablespoon per 8 ounces of hot water. Add a cinnamon stick to the water, if desired. Allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes, the strain, sweeten to taste, and enjoy.
Cautions
There are no known contraindications for using this herb. It is safe for all, including pregnant women to use in small amounts. Some herbal safety professionals have questioned it’s use in large does during pregnancy. To be safe, limit consumption to 4 grams of dried herb in herbal teas and only 1x a day.
What ways have you used red raspberry leaf tea? Be sure to pin this for later!
the post first appeared on thehomesteadinghippy.com See it here
