Raspberry
Latin: Rubus idaeus
Family: Rose
Rubus idaeus, meaning “bramble bush of Ida.” This name was given based on the belief that raspberries were first discovered and cherished by the Olympian gods of Mount Ida. The herb was linked to fertility and children early on in “the story of Ida,” where the nursemaid to the infant Zeus pricked her finger while picking the snow-white berries, staining them red for all eternity. (2)
Family: Rose
Rubus idaeus, meaning “bramble bush of Ida.” This name was given based on the belief that raspberries were first discovered and cherished by the Olympian gods of Mount Ida. The herb was linked to fertility and children early on in “the story of Ida,” where the nursemaid to the infant Zeus pricked her finger while picking the snow-white berries, staining them red for all eternity. (2)
A tea made from red Raspberry leaves is the best gift God ever gave to women. Its utility in travail is surprising. As a drink before and after confinement, it is unequaled by any other agent. If the pains of childbirth are premature, it will make all quiet. When timely, it will occasion a safe and easy parturition. If the mother is weak, it will abundantly strengthen her, cleanse her and enrich her milk. It is perfectly safe under all circumstances. Raspberry leaf with a little composition powder in it will effectually remove the afterpains, from which some suffers so severely. It is also most excellent in flooding, uterine hemorrhage, and to prevent miscarriage. For disorders of children, it is no less effectual. In thrush and its attendant disorders, during teething, bowel complaints, diarrhea, dysentery, urinary complaints, colds and fevers in all their stages, it is one of the most reliable remedies to which employment can be given. (Quaker Herbalist, Henry Box, from Practical Herbalism by Philip Fritchey)
Properties & Actions
Uterine tonic, Galactagogue, Nutritive, Astringent, Alterative, Hemostatic, Anti-Abortive, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Emetic, Nervine, Uterine Trophorestorative, Relaxant, Parturient, Anti-Gonorrheal, Anti-Leukorrheal, Anti-Malarial, Antiseptic, Hemostatic, Stomachic, Tonic
Organs & Systems Affinities
Uterus, Genito urinary system, Mucous membranes, Stomach, Intestines, Soft tissues, Female Reproductive System, Blood, Heart & Circulatory System; Root, Sacral, and Heart Chakras
Benefits & Uses
When taken regularly in pregnancy, the infusion will quiet inappropriate premature pains and produce a safe, speedy, and easy delivery. Raspberry leaves stimulate, tone, and regulate before and during childbearing, assisting contractions and checking hemorrhage during labor, relieving afterpains, then strengthening, cleansing, enriching the milk of the mother in the post delivery period. (Dr. Christopher)
For centuries the herb was recognized as a powerful uterine tonic by Indigenous people throughout the world. Western culture began to shed light on its array of medicinal properties in the 1940’s. Today, Raspberry leaf is well known as a pregnancy supporting tonic, rich nutritive herb, and woman’s health herb. (2)
Used for centuries by women, particularly before, during, and after pregnancy, raspberry leaf is one of the most well-known herbs for women, and one of the most commonly used herbs for women’s health. Raspberry leaf is also high in minerals, which means it is particularly nourishing for the entire system and has wide-ranging effects far beyond fertility.
Raspberry leaf contains a substance known as fragarine which tones the uterus, it is also said to nourish the muscles and help prevent hemorrhage due to its high iron content and astringent qualities. This is particularly helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles in order to make labor shorter and easier. It is also helpful in reducing potential hemorrhaging during and after the birth.
The toning action also helps to reduce miscarriages in women with a prior history.
Post-birth, drinking raspberry leaf tea can help the uterus regain tone quicker, making for a faster recovery, as well as being nourishing to both the mother and the new child. Nourishment is particularly important in reducing potential post-partum depression in women, as this is most commonly caused by nutrient deficiencies.
Because it is so high in minerals, it is nourishing to the entire system and has benefits beyond fertility and pregnancy. It can help to relieve painful menstruation, balance the hormones, reduce excessive menstruation, and more. Its high iron content can be helpful for women who are prone to anemia.
So while historically, this herb is used by women who are pregnant, or wanting to get pregnant, it is also a highly nourishing herb that is wonderful for women of all ages and child-bearing inclinations. (1)
Raspberry leaf contains a substance known as fragarine which tones the uterus, it is also said to nourish the muscles and help prevent hemorrhage due to its high iron content and astringent qualities. This is particularly helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles in order to make labor shorter and easier. It is also helpful in reducing potential hemorrhaging during and after the birth.
The toning action also helps to reduce miscarriages in women with a prior history.
Post-birth, drinking raspberry leaf tea can help the uterus regain tone quicker, making for a faster recovery, as well as being nourishing to both the mother and the new child. Nourishment is particularly important in reducing potential post-partum depression in women, as this is most commonly caused by nutrient deficiencies.
Because it is so high in minerals, it is nourishing to the entire system and has benefits beyond fertility and pregnancy. It can help to relieve painful menstruation, balance the hormones, reduce excessive menstruation, and more. Its high iron content can be helpful for women who are prone to anemia.
So while historically, this herb is used by women who are pregnant, or wanting to get pregnant, it is also a highly nourishing herb that is wonderful for women of all ages and child-bearing inclinations. (1)
Red Raspberry One of nature’s top female herbs. Considered a nutritive tonic. A specific in pregnancy, and produces a far less painful and more natural delivery. Strengthens both mother and fetus during childbearing. Checks hemorrhages, especially during labor. Enriches mother’s milk. A great herb for cleansing the male and female reproductive organs. Excellent for cleansing and strengthening the blood. Decreases excessive menstrual flow. Used for prolapsus of the uterus, anus, intestines, bladder, etc. Used for piles and hemorrhoids. Somewhat of a nerve tonic and nervine. Increases healing in wounds, sores and ulcerated conditions. Used to relieve excessive labor pains (uterine cramps). Used as a mouthwash for bleeding and infected gums. Used in eyewashes for inflammation, congestion or swelling. (Dr. Morse, The Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
One of Raspberry leaf’s shining qualities is its abundance of nutritive support. It is rich in vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, vitamins B, C, and E. It contains bioflavonoids that tone the circulatory system, tannins that remove harmful invaders from the body, antioxidants, and fragerine alkaloids that work with other constituents to tone and relax pelvic and uterine muscles.
Often referred to as a “Woman’s herb,” Raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic and trophorestorative meaning that it increases tone and functionality of the uterine system. It can support regulation of the menstrual cycle, decrease cramping, excess bleeding and/or excess clotting. Traditionally, in pregnancy the herb has been used to reduce morning sickness, reduce false labor pains, normalize uterine contractions, ease the birthing process, decrease bleeding after birth, return the uterus to its normal tone and increase the quality of breast milk while nursing. (2)
Often referred to as a “Woman’s herb,” Raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic and trophorestorative meaning that it increases tone and functionality of the uterine system. It can support regulation of the menstrual cycle, decrease cramping, excess bleeding and/or excess clotting. Traditionally, in pregnancy the herb has been used to reduce morning sickness, reduce false labor pains, normalize uterine contractions, ease the birthing process, decrease bleeding after birth, return the uterus to its normal tone and increase the quality of breast milk while nursing. (2)
Qualities & Tastes
Sweet, Light, Dry
The dried leaf is best taken in tea or infusion, as some of its nutritional value is lost in tincturing (although may be better captured in tinctures containing a small amount of alcohol with glycerin).
The dried leaf is best taken in tea or infusion, as some of its nutritional value is lost in tincturing (although may be better captured in tinctures containing a small amount of alcohol with glycerin).
Cautions & Considerations
Although Raspberry leaf is a very mild, safe, and gentle herb, and has been used safely since ancient times specifically to benefit a healthy pregnancy, still consult a midwife or primary care doctor before using this herb during pregnancy.
From the Apothecary
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited
(1) https://goldenpoppyherbs.com/raspberry-leaf
(2) https://clinicalherbalism.com/red-raspberry-leaf
(2) https://clinicalherbalism.com/red-raspberry-leaf