Red Raspberry Leaf is the herb of choice for pregnancy and for women’s overall health. It’s the best single herb that we can take for total uterine health.
Red Raspberry is also an excellent source of the alkaloid fragrine, which tones the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. This really helps lessen or eliminate cramps in the menstrual cycle and makes for an easier birth.
Red Raspberry leaves also contain many vitamins like vitamin C, E, A, B complex, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, silicon, sulfur, also easily assimilated calcium and iron. All of this makes Red Raspberry leaf the best base available for prenatal and postpartum teas, as well as, pre- and postmenopausal teas.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is full of a naturally occurring calcium. It is better assimilated than calcium supplements. Without a ready supply of calcium, only part of the uterine muscle will work as it should. This puts strain the rest of the uterine muscle, adding tremendous pressure on an already stressed body.
Getting enough calcium in this way also eases the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Calcium helps to regulate the hormones your body is flooded with every month. If your calcium supplies are adequate your body will not have to release as many of the hormones that cause PMS . The symptoms of PMS, like cramping, irritability, and depression are all very similar to other calcium-deficient symptoms.
Additionally, while it may not have a strong history of allopathic (mainstream) medical or clinical use, red raspberry leaf does have a long history of use by many midwives and pregnant women. Many claim that RRL helped improve their labors and recovery, compared to previous labors when they had not used it. This was my personal experience as well, and I always recommend RRL during pregnancy for this reason.
Skeptics might counter that this could be largely the placebo affect, but in the absence of any adverse effects and considering that placebo works a significant percentage of the time, I’d still consider it worth a try.
10 Tried & True Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf for Pregnancy
Susun Weed writes in Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years (which is currently in it’s 24th printing!):
The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:
~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.
~ Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from an atonic uterus.
~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves’ gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.
~It assists in labor, decreases the length of labor, making for an easier delivery.
~It works during all stages of pregnancy.
~Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.
~It does not strengthen contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster.
~ Providing a safe and speedy parturition. Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to return to its prior state.
~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production.
~It seems to help prevent pregnancies from pre- or post-term gestation (delivering too early or too late)
Benefits In Non-Pregnancy
~Regulates a menstrual period and decreases heavy periods (Drink 2-3 cups per day. After 2-3 months you should obtain a regular cycle.)
~It is good for stomach aches and bowel problems in children and diarrhea in babies.
~It is good for digestion, as an antacid, and for those with bloating and gas.
~Treating Acne: It can act as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin which effectively reduces secretions, relieves irritation and improves tissue firmness.
~Can be used as a mouth wash to soothe canker sores, swollen gums, and throat irritations.
~It is effective in urinary tract infections.
Raspberry Leaf Pregnancy Tea Recipe
This delicious red raspberry leaf tea recipe gives a boost in vitamin C and magnesium. It is especially nourishing during pregnancy and is midwife approved!
Ingredients
- 4 cups dried organic red raspberry leaf
- 1 cup dried alfalfa leaf (optional)
- 1 cup dried stinging nettle leaf (optional)
- ½ cup dried dandelion leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an air-tight container.
- To brew a cup: Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the tea mixture and let steep for at least 5 minutes before drinking.
- To brew a gallon: Add ¾ cup tea mixture to a pot with 1 gallon of boiling water. Stir and let steep as it cools. Strain out the herbs and store in a pitcher or glass jar in the refrigerator to consume cold as desired.
Notes: Once your dried herbs are all mixed together, you will have enough to make about 8 gallons of tea.
Making Your Own Dried Red Raspberry Leaf Herb
In spring when the young, unsprayed growing raspberry plants are fully leafed-out, it is a good time to pick and dry your yearly stash of tea leaves. This is what my daughter and I have done off and on for years.
To dry your own red raspberry herb, pick clean and healthy leaves, as many as you need. Place the leaves on or between two window screens or any material that permits air circulation. Your herbs should be kept in a dry climate with minimal exposure to sunlight. Check on them after a couple of days and flip them over for so that they dry evenly. It may take about a week. Once they are dry, you can crumble them and store them in labeled and dated jars.
Or make tea from fresh leaves by pouring boiling water over the leaves and steeping them for 5-6 minutes or longer. It does not seem to get bitter. We find it very pleasant over ice, even unsweetened. Optional: add mint leaves. It is fabulous on a hot day, and it is very strengthening.
Shoshanna Easling gives us some ways to use red raspberry leaves during pregnancy:
If you don’t have access to red raspberry plants to make your own red raspberry leaf tea, you can purchase it very reasonably in bulk from the Bulk Herb Store.
“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 perfect safe under all circumstances.” ~Renowned Quaker herbalist, Henry Box
“He (God) caused the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he (man) may bring forth food out of the earth…” ~Psalm 104:14
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Thanks for reading!
JES says
Very interesting! I used this when pregnant but didn’t realize how good it would be for me right now… I suffer from a few things in the list above ~ not PMS of course 🙂 …
Thanks for the useful information!
Meliss says
What about black raspberry leaves? Would they make a decent substitute? And thank you so much for this post, I’m sure I’ll be using this sooner or later. 🙂
Jacqueline says
Dear Meliss,
I did find something on blackberry for you! I believe the black raspberry is safe, but maybe not as potent or helpful as the red, but Iwould use it anyway. the Lord has so many good properties in these wonders that I would do it. Here is a link that I found: http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubus+occidentalis
Let me know what you find out! I am interested and would love your impressions 🙂 God bless you, new friend 🙂
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Malinda says
Thank you so much for this wonderful post. Last year, I harvested alot of our Red Raspberry leaves for tea. I had heard it was great for our health, but your post really articulates the benefits well. You have blessed my life (& knowledge) in so many ways.
Also, I just got around to checking my blog post comments from last week and saw one from you. Thank you for your gracious & inspiring words. You had asked if I was interested in contributing on a regular basis. I would be absolutely honored. Just let me know what you had in mind. My e-mail is: danielbanuelos@warpdriveonline.com
Thank you again for being such a blessing!
Under His Wings,
Malinda @ vintagehomesteademporium.blogspot.com
Tabitha @ A Restful Place says
My husband and I were just talking about how taking red raspberry during my pregnancy really helped a ton. Birth was easier along with recovery! I’m going to find some now and keep it on hand for all those other things you shared above. Thanks so much for sharing. Red Raspberry is quite the blessing!!! 🙂
Blessings to you,
Tabitha
Charlotte Moore says
I went to BulkHerbStore.com to find red raspberry tea, but I could not find it. I saw other teas though. Also the tea in your pitcher looks like a mint, but the one in the little video looks like regular tea. Just wondered about that.
How do I order giving you credit?
Thanks!
Jacqueline says
Good morning, Charlotte,
I thank you for bringing this to my attention! We had the link working (I thought) when I posted, but apparently, it didn’t contain the URL to the red raspberry leaf page 🙁 I am so sorry to make you waste your time. It is corrected now.
Also, my picture is from one I brewed from fresh leaves and I took the picture after only a few minutes. The color was just coming out of the leaves…it really is confusing since I put two mint leaves in the glass. Sometimes we rush to get light for our pictures when it is getting to be dusk.
Bless you, dear sister, and thank you again for the heads up!
Jacqueline
Momof4 says
I’m breastfeeding my baby who is 11 months now, and I still haven’t gotten my period back. This is very late for me, and I really want it to start again, I just feel like myself again when I have regular periods. Someone told me that red raspberry leaf can help bring it back. Is this true? Since red raspberry leaf tea regulates the cycle by shortening it, I fear that taking it would exacerbate my problem. Ps I’m neither pregnant nor menapausal.
Thank you for your help
Jacqueline says
Hi, Momof4,
I am not finding any information to really answer your question with certainty. I am including this link: http://www.pregnancy.com.au/resources/topics-of-interest/pregnancy/raspberry-leaf.shtml
Still I would Google around to see if anything comes up. Another source of good information is at the Bulk Herb Store’s ‘WellTellMe’ forum http://welltellme.com/discuss/
This page suggests that if you are anemic, this might cause amenorrhea (lack of your period returning). Eating a high iron diet of
liver,
beef,
Red meat
Egg yolks
Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
Turkey or chicken giblets
Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
can help you start. http://www.simple-remedies.com/health-tips-3/absence-of-menstrual-periods.html
I am praying for you to gain the wisdom you need. Also, you can pray that the Lord will give you understanding, as well. James 1:5
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Nicole says
This is very interesting, I’ve never even heard of red raspberry tea but it sounds great! I would probably want to wait a little after becoming pregnant, the disclaimer is a bit scary (and I’m glad you put it there!). Sounds like some fabulous benefits. Thank you for sharing over at Workin’ It Mondays!
kristi says
Hi! I just found your blog today; such great information (can’t wait to read more)! I have often heard that what is naturally growing (or planted prior to your arrival) in your yard is often the very thing/s you or your family needs for a particular concern at that time. Well, I learned about the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea this winter…and we have a nice red raspberry patch in full fruit right now!
Your blog mentions picking the new leaves before fruit, I’m wondering if I can still get benefits from picking more mature leaves now to use fresh and to dry?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom!
Jacqueline says
Hi, Kristi,
I don’t know for sure about when to pick the leaves.
Some companies test for potency of their raw products at different stages. My thinking in using the younger, fast growing leaves is this: when we drink the best raw milk is in the spring and fall (if there is rainfall) when the green grass is ‘flush’ with nutrient uptake from the soil (decomposing manure, sunshine, rains, roots reaching for the life-giving micro-nutrients, micro-organisms busy with more decomposing). Dr. Weston A. Price called it Factor X.
It may be flawed thinking, but I wonder if the growing leaves are the ones that have more phytochemicals. We learned this, too, when we had grass-fed organic beef, but it may be very different with red raspberry leaf 🙂
I am so glad you asked…it made me think, Lol
Roberta says
Thanks so much for this post. I’ve got a lot of the black raspberries on this property but no red ones. I will harvest some leaves now, even though it is late in the season and give them a try. There are some new canes coming out that look wonderful!
Cheers ~ R
Natalie McCray says
I really enjoyed reading your blog!!! Great information… Keep up the good work!! God Bless!!!!
Jenny says
Red raspberry tea was recommended to me by a local herbalist to help regulate my menstruals. I have NEVER had regular periods and would sometimes go many months without one. Literally after 2 days of drinking the tea my period started!! I hadnt had one in 3 months until now. I am so grateful!
Jacqueline says
My daughter has had a similar experience…it took longer, but she has less cramping and feel pretty well during that time. I am so glad for you…God’s medicines are pretty amazing!
Dorothy says
I used the Organic Raspberry Leaf tea when I was pregnant with my daughter, and also to get me through the pain of my miscarriage before my daughter.
I have read that it’s apparently good to help you get pregnant and so I thought I’d take it.
Two days after I started taking it – two cups a day, if that – and on January 4th, I started bleeding…it was lighter at first, but then got heavier to the point I had to use a box of tampons in a 7 day period – just from the tea! It was exactly like a period!
The thing is…I don’t know if I should count it as a period, or just “spotting”.
The reason I am asking, is because my husband and I are ttc and if it isn’t considered a period, then I am 7 days late for my period, which poses good things if it’s for the right reason…but if I am supposed to count it as a period, then I won’t be due till Friday, which is throwing me off why I’m feeling the way I am.
Can you please help?
I’ve drank the tea before while not pregnant, miscarrying or on my period and never bled. Why did I bleed this time? Is that a sign of pregnancy? Is it a sign of being a period, an STD (which I have not had from what I’ve been told by doctors) or something more serious?
I’m 21 and worried. But very interested in giving our 20 month old daughter a sibling!!
Please help.
Thank you.
Rachel says
Hi there! Just wanted to say that because of this tea, I was able to have our little girl with natural birth. She’s our 1st and hope to do all our babies this way! 🙂 I was not given the correct due date, according to the facts I gave my OB, and when she thought I was due to have the Baby, she wanted to induce me. She said I could have through the weekend, and if my Girl didn’t come they would have to take her. I cried, and I prayed so hard. I was 3 days past 40 weeks. She was due May 2nd & arrived May 5th. I drank the red raspberry leaf tea – 2 large cups – Friday afternoon, while I cried. 🙂 Saturday 9am my water broke. Fiona arrived 9:14pm that night! It was a wonderful experience I’ll never forget. Thanks be to God for the amazing miracles He gave us in food & herbal “medicines”.
Stephanie Mills says
Hi, Jacqueline!
Thank you for your post – I read it via Bulk Herb Store blog. I’m an older first time mom. My first pregnancy at age 38 ended in miscarriage. My second pregnancy at age 39 I was drinking the bulk herb mama’s red raspberry brew. About six weeks into the pregnancy I passed a massive clot. It was a scary occurrence, but by God’s grace the baby was unharmed. I noticed after this that I wasn’t able to drink the tea anymore – my body was telling me no. I didn’t know why, but I trusted my body. Later I read where alfalfa can cause clots for some women and this particular red raspberry blend contained alfalfa. However, I saw your cautionary statement about red raspberry and am now wondering if that is why I was unable to drink the tea at the time since I have a weak uterus. (Side note: I went into labor at 26 weeks and was on bed rest after that until my daughter was born at 35 weeks.) I’d like to do some more research for future reference as we plan on trying for a second child in a couple of years. All this to say, can you point me in the direction of the research that caused you to include the cautionary statement? I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide. Blessings to you and your family!
Jacqueline says
Hello, Stephanie,
I understand your wanting to learn more, and I am so thankful your daughter waited to arrive even at 35 weeks and was healthy!! I will pray for you to have wisdom and discernment, as well as, strengthening and vigor to have a normal delivery. I did find something that may have prompted my comment about early pregnancy…it is on the BHS RRL page: http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Red-Raspberry-Leaf-Organic-Cut#a_aid=deeprootsathome See under magnesium. I did also see it one other place, but do not remember where.
Here are some other sites that mention when to and when not to use it: http://www.highlandmidwife.com/docs/HeanySarah_Raspberry.pdf
****This second one is of special interest!!: http://misskalypso.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/red-raspberry-leaf-tea/
I hope this helps!!! And if so, I’d love it if you’d send other Mamas to read about it, too. God’s blessings to you and yours!
France says
Your article was so informative!
I just wanted to mention my experiences with red raspberry leaf tea. During my first 2 pregnancies I had never even heard of it, and both labours were long and painful. The first baby was induced and the second had to be delivered with forceps.
When I became pregnant the third time a friend told me about the tea. I started drinking it around the middle of that pregnancy. I had a 3 hour labour and very easy delivery.
When I was pregnant the 4th time I began drinking the tea right away, using this method: 1 cup per day in the first trimester, 2 cups per day in the 2nd trimester, and 3 cups a day in the 3rd trimester. During both pregnancies I also drank the tea during labour, although with the 3rd child I only finished half the cup before I went into transition and barely made it to the hospital! The labour with the 4th child was also only 3 hours and a very easy delivery.
So I am a believer in the powers of this tea and recommend it to all expecting mums!
Alicia Anderson says
I am so thankful that I found this blog! I was wondering if you had some recipes/ideas for drinking red raspberry tea-I have been trying to drink it but I can only have so much because of the tase (horrible, I know). I try loving it but I just can’t! I saw the video and thought the slushie was a great idea, but do you have any other ideas as well? I would appreciate any ideas! Thank you and God bless!
Jacqueline says
Hi, Alicia,
Glad to have you!! I saw someone who would add the tea to soup 🙂 It also seems you could make a lemonade tea and use lots of lemon and honey 😉 Smoothies/slushies are my go-to!
Alicia Anderson says
thank you very much! The lemon tea sounds amazing!
Shelley Strachan says
Hi , I just found your blog while searching for info, I am 40 and sadly in the prosses of misacarrying my 3 , a friend mentioned raspberry leaf tea but I find conflicting info about it online some say yes it’s great others say it relaxes the uterus too much and causes to much bleeding ??? And how much would you say is good ?? Thanks s
Jacqueline says
Shelley,
First, may I say that I am terrible sad for you as you go through this miscarriage. My heart goes out to you, dear one. One site that I think is very balanced on RRL is http://natural-fertility-info.com/red-raspberry-leaf.html
I cannot advise you, but I personally feel RRL used wisely is an excellent thing and has saved many lives and babies. Also read this in its entirety …very interesting. Mostly, though, I would pray and ask that the Holy Spirit would give you wisdom and insight. James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I trust He will guide you if you seek Him. I am praying now for His will and for your (and your husband’s?) peace, strength, trust, joy, comfort, rest, and faith in this storm.
Love,
J
PS Please keep me updated, if possible!
Mindy says
Hi there. I just want to ask if this tea can be used ona daily basis if you are not pregnant? I’m really liking it for the taste and the vitamins it has and would love to drink it ona daily basis. I’m not pregnant right now and am hoping this will help regulate my periods
Jacqueline says
Yes! Mindy, it has been used by so, so many for this and should be quite helpful. I’d love to know your experience back here in the comments at some future date. Have a great weekend!
Lauren Tyler says
Hello lady,
Let me just say that I found your blog today doing a search on Red Raspberry leaves, wanting to learn whether they have the ability to normalize progesterone and estrogen levels if they are off, but though I haven’t yet found that I sure found a lot more in your blog. You sound like such a sweet lady and I’m so thankful for your desire and ability to minister to the younger women. Thank you. We need it. I need it!
Thank you as well for the information here. I have hemorrhaged after 3 out of 4 of my children’s births, and am working now on strengthening my body, and making it a safe place for any future baby the Lord may give (miscarried last month) 🙁 and also so that my own life is not endangered.
Right now I’m drinking a qt. of Nettle & Oatstraw infusion/day and a qt. of RRL tea/day.
May the Lord bless you, dear mother in the faith!
Taylor Rae says
Hi, I have some questions regarding the tea. Last month before my period I started drinking the tea, & it did help out a lot with the cramps & made it a lot lighter. After it ended I stopped drinking the tea. Now, I was supposed to get my period 2 days ago & I drank the tea right before. I’m wondering if this tea can make your period late. I haven’t really found an answer to this question but if you could help me out, that would be great. Thank you!