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The leaves of the Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) have varied applications. Containing vitamins, minerals and tannins, the leaves are used as a tea taken medicinally for women's immune health and circulation. Red reaspberry leaf tea (or other derivatives of the leaves) may induce and facilitate labor due to at least one potent alkaloid (fragrine). For this reason, while essentially safe, consumption by expectant mothers is discouraged until they have reached full-term pregnancy.

The benefits of its use reflect the nature and constituents of the plant. The leaves are described as astringent in use. This is brought on by tannins found in a plant. The action of tannins as an astringent can be effective in soothing inflammation and constricting the tissues of the intestines to prevent water loss. The tannin content of red raspberry leaf provides an effective treatment to soothe diarrhea or intestinal inflammation, especially in children. Red raspberry leaf is of high value to women as well. Historically, the leaves were used for aid during pregnancy and delivery. They contain high concentrations of several vitamins and minerals as a result of the plants secondary compounds. Vitamin C and vitamin E are present in large amounts as well as vitamin A and some B complex. Increased vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. Carotenoids are of the terpene class of secondary compounds of plants. Vitamin E serves to promote better circulation in the mother who is dramatically increasing her blood volume during pregnancy. Red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth and in aiding bone development in the fetus. Rubus also contains fragrine, an alkaloid which explains its use as a powerful aid to women. The alkaloids of the leaf help to tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus. This allows the uterus to contract more powerfully and effectively during labor. Also, many midwives report that it aids in focusing the pre-labor contractions that help a woman’s uterus to prepare for delivery. As if that were not enough, all the wonderful benefits of red raspberry leaf apply post-childbirth as well. The high vitamin and mineral content help replace those lost via blood loss during delivery. Also, the alkaloids will continue toning the uterus as it returns to its usual size. In some women, the high mineral content may even help their milk to come in. The leaves of the red raspberry plant have been used over the centuries by Native Americans, Europeans, and both Aryuvedic and Chinese medical practitioners. Often dried and taken in the form of a medicinal tea, the leaves provide a host of medicinal and nutritional benefits along with a pleasant taste. Currently, it is a popular herb among alternative health care practitioners and midwives. The evidence of safety and effectiveness of the leaves is well substantiated by both science and practical application.

Raspberry Leaf Tea, made by the infusion of 1 ounce of the dried leaves in a pint of boiling water, is employed as a gargle for sore mouths, canker of the throat, and as a wash for wounds and ulcers. The leaves, combined with the powdered bark of slippery elm, make a good poultice for cleansing wounds, burns and scalds, and promoting healing.

An infusion of raspberry leaves, taken cold, is a reliable remedy for extreme laxity of the bowels. The infusion alone, or as a component part of injections, often gives immediate relief. It is also useful in stomach complaints of children.

• Weed, Susun S., Wise Women Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Woodstock, New York: Ash Tree Publishing, 1986
• Bove N.D,Mary, An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. Chicago, Illinois: Keats Publishing, 2001
• Graham, Graham and Wilcox, Plant Biology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2003
• Balch and Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York, New York: Avery Publishing, 2000
• Tierra, Michael, the way of Herbs. New York, New York: Pocket Books, 1998