Red Raspberry Leaves
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It is almost hard to believe how many benefits the leaves of red raspberries offer. In today’s post, we will explore the properties of this magnificent herb, which is especially amazing and a must-have herb for women.
Red raspberry leaves are considered a medicinal plant and have been used for centuries to assist with pregnancy and induce labor. To this day, they are still known for their womb-loving properties and are used by both women who are and aren’t pregnant. The leaves of red raspberries contain many bioactive compounds, making them beneficial for humans. Some of these compounds include flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and polyphenols.
Benefits of red raspberry leaves
Nutritious and full of antioxidants
Red raspberry leaves contain many nutrients and minerals, including: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Zink, which are all things, that our body needs to function optimally. The leaves also contain a compound called tannins, which gives the leaves its antioxidant properties. The tannins protect the cells from free radicals, which can damage the cell.
Consuming red raspberry leaves can therefore be an easy and effective way to get some of your body’s essential vitamins and minerals, while also giving your body a boost of antioxidants, which will additionally boost your immune system.
Natural aid for menstrual cramps and balancing hormones
Even though the red raspberry leaves has been used historically mainly for pregnant women, it may also have benefits for women who aren’t pregnant.
The leaves contain something called fragarine, which helps to tighten the muscles in the pelvic area of the body. This may be the reason that many women report, that the red raspberry leaves has helped them with alleviating cramps during menstruation. Furthermore, some evidence suggest, that it helps to increase blood flow to the uterus, which helps to strengthen and tone the uterus. This also helps to regulate hormones, which can help with premenstrual symptoms (PMS). When your hormones are balanced, your mood will naturally be more balanced as well and often you will find yourself being happier, when you don’t have to struggle with unpleasant cramping and PMS during your menstrual cycle.
I have myself experienced the amazing benefits of red raspberry leaves, when it comes to my menstrual cycle, as I have reduced cramping during my menstruation by drinking red raspberry leaf tea among other hormone-regulating things.
Labor and Pregnancy
The fragarine present in the leaves of red raspberry, which helps to tighten the muscles in the pelvic area, together with the increased blood flow to the uterus, which helps to strengthen and tone the uterus, may assist with contractions and preventing hemorrhage. A stronger uterus may be less likely to rupture, and more likely to help birth a baby. Therefore, the herb has been used for centuries to assist pregnant women.
However, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before consuming red raspberry leaves during pregnancy. Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting until 2nd trimester before consuming red raspberry leaves. The reason for this, is because when the muscles of the pelvic floor is stimulated and strengthened as well as the uterus, it may increase uterine contractions and potentially threaten early labor. However, there are no studies to prove this, and some healthcare professionals even recommend starting as early as you want, as it has been used safely during pregnancy for centuries.
How to use red raspberry leaves
Tea
Drinking red raspberry leaf tea is an easy and effective way yo enjoy the many health benefits of red raspberry leaves! Simply boil 250ML of water, pour it over 1-2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves, and let it steep for at least 10 minutes. If you buy red raspberry leaves in teabags, simply follow the instructions on the packet.
My favourite red raspberry leaf tea from Traditional Medicinals - pure and organic!
You can also use loose leaf tea to blend with other herbs or make a stronger tea. This one from KLUIZ is organic and amazing.
Making an herbal infusion is a great way to get all the benefits of red raspberry leaves. Infusions are much stronger than teas, and therefore also much more potent in their content of vitamins and minerals. I enjoy drinking infusions with red raspberry leaves while I am menstruating, as it helps restore my iron levels, that are dropping while I am bleeding, as well as help with cramping.
I have a full recipe on how to make your own herbal infusions, that you can read by clicking here.
When brewing herbal infusions, it is much easier to use loose leaf tea. I recommend this one from Heavenly Tea Leaves, which is organic and of high quality!
Supplements
Supplementing with red raspberry leaf supplements can be an excellent thing to do, especially if you are pregnant and are looking for a natural support for pregnancy. Always remember to talk to your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your diet - especially when pregnant.
Add to your skin- and haircare
All the amazing benefits of red raspberry leaves also applies to your skin and hair! Especially the antioxidants and vitamins will do wonders for both your skind and hair.
This cold-pressed red raspberry seed oil from Berry Beautiful is a great option! Apply directly to your skin and hair or add it to your products for an extra boost of goodness!
Side Effects
Red raspberry leaves seem to be safe for most people to consume, and if side effects occur, they tend to be mild. Some evidence suggest that 1-3 cups a day are generally safe.
Some women report an increase in Braxton-Hicks contractions when drinking the tea. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the tea is the cause, but it is important to be aware of.
As mentioned earlier, remember to consult your healthcare professional before consuming red raspberry leaves if you are pregnant.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7871383/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304423822004708
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931538/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15640485/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2162889/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/red-raspberry-leaf
The information presented on this website is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for licensed medical advice. This information may not be used to diagnose, cure, prevent, or treat any disease. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making adjustments to your self-care regimen, especially if you are taking medication.
