Let’s talk about the benefits of the red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), especially in pregnancy and obstetrics.
Red raspberry leaves have been used throughout history to help with aspects of health, from supporting digestion, to strengthening the muscles of the uterine wall, to stimulating milk production with its rich mineral content. According to Aviva Romm, red raspberry leaf is recommended by 63% of midwives. The components of red raspberry leaf include antioxidants, tannins, alkaloids, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E and minerals – calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium. The tannins are astringent and strengthen tissues, especially uterine tissue. Rosalee de le Forét likes to describe the astringent effect of eating an unripe banana and the resulting dry feeling in your mouth. Red raspberry leaf is great for working mothers. According to Matthew Wood, the alkaloid fragrine found in red raspberry leaves helps the muscles of the uterine wall support the expulsion of the afterbirth from the uterus.
From the beginning of the second trimester until delivery, pregnant women can drink red raspberry tea to prepare for birth. My daughter, Grace, made ice cubes from a strong red raspberry leaf tea and took it to the hospital when she gave birth last May. She found drinking the tea extremely helpful during her second and third trimesters and enjoyed the taste.
Red raspberry leaf is also rich in minerals: calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium. These minerals are important for breastfeeding and childbirth. Milk production is richer in nutrients when mothers drink the mineral-rich red raspberry leaf. The minerals calcium and magnesium in red raspberry also aid in the contraction of the uterine muscles, particularly in the contraction and relaxation of the muscles necessary to facilitate birth.
WishGarden Herbs has some pregnancy formulas with red raspberry leaves. Milk Rich Supply Booster to support milk production and Fertility Prep Conception Support prepares the body for pregnancy.
The herbal mix in Milk Rich Supply Booster is packed with galactagogues that support milk production and milk volume. We have the mineral-rich raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) and nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), both full of minerals and vitamins to nourish the body and produce nutrient-rich milk. Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), not only as a galactagogue, but also to support the gut health of both mother and baby, especially if gas is a problem.
Geitenstraat antennas (Galega officinalis) helps build breast tissue, which supports milk volume and production. Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) and blessed thistle antennae (Cnicus Benedictus) increase milk volume and their bitter properties support digestion. This well-rounded formula is a must for any new breastfeeding mom.
Raspberry leaf is also an important herb when preparing for pregnancy with Fertility Prep Conception Support. Besides helping with childbirth, raspberry leaf strengthens and strengthens the uterus. The combination of herbs in Fertility Prep Conception Support supports the body by normalizing hormonal fluctuations, strengthening the smooth muscles of the uterus and supporting digestion.
Let’s not forget the fathers! Red raspberry leaf is also a reproductive tonic for men with an affinity for the urogenital tract. The B vitamins support the Krebs cycle for energy production (ATP), the mineral iron builds the blood and the mineral manganese supports the production of cartilage and connective tissue.
As you can see, the beautiful red raspberry leaf is a heroic plant for digestion, childbirth, lactation and general reproductive system support for both men and women. Consider adding red raspberry leaf to the first aid kit in your home.
*Disclaimer Although red raspberry leaf is generally considered safe, it is recommended to avoid red raspberry leaf in the first trimester of pregnancy. Discuss all herbs and supplements with your naturopathic doctor and/or midwife.
WishGarden Herbs’ formulas with red raspberry:
Fertility Preparation Conception Support, Growing Pains Go Away for Kids, Hot Flash Tamer Daily Regulator, Milk Rich Supply Booster and Cycle Harmony Hormone Support
References
- American Herbal Products Association (2013). Botanical Safety Manual, Second Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
- Bone, Kerry and Simon Mills (2013). Principles and Practice of Herbal Therapy, Second Edition. Churchill Livingston.
- de la Forét, Rosalee. Use of raspberry leaf. Accessed on 04/15/2021.
- Duke, James A. (2002). Handbook of medicinal herbs, second edition; Washington, DC: CRC Press.
- Gladstar, Rosemary (2017). Herbal healing for men. Publish floor
- Hoffman, David (2003). Medical herbalism, the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
- Mills, Edward, et al. (2006). Herbal remedies during pregnancy and lactation, an evidence-based approach. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis.
- Romm, Aviva (2010). Botanical medicine for women’s health. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Romm, Aviva. Herbs for an easier birth. Accessed on 04/15/2021. Wood, Matthew (2009). The Earthwise Herbal Volume II, a complete guide to New World medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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