Latin name: Rubus idaeus
Family: Rosaceae or rose family.
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Leaf, berry.
This perennial or biennial shrub is native to Europe but has naturalized all over the United States. Berries are often seen in grocery stores and farm stands for their delicious sweet flavor, making it easy to overlook the benefits of the leaves. Red raspberry is often used to support the female reproductive system as it acts as a tonic for uterine functions and blood supply.
Organoleptics
TEXTURE + COLOR –
AROMA + FLAVOR – cooling, slightly drying.
CONSTITUENTS
- Flavonoids
- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Tannins
- Fruit sugar
- Volatile oil
- Pectin
- Citric acid
- Malic acid
- Niacin
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Mild Astringent
- Uterine tonic
- Parturient
Clinical Indications:
- Fruit juice for anemia.
- Mild Astringent (leaves)
- Uterine tonic (leaves)
- Supports healthy blood supply
- Relieves cramping
- Menstrual pain
- Supports labor activity
- Colds + Flu
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammation
- Oral Irritations
- Bleeding gums
- Sores
- Regulating the blood
- TCM states internal bleeding refers to too much heat in the body.
- Sore Throat
- Tonsillitis
- Wounds
Folk: tea used for colds, cramps, canker sores, coughing, diabetes, eye inflammation, fever, fever blisters, lung conditions, morning sickness, nausea, prostatitis, skin irritations, stomach discomforts, ulcers.
Energetics: Leaves – mild, bitter, acrid, lightly cooling. Berries – sweet, neutral.
Meridian/Organ Affinity: Leaves – female reproductive system, spleen, liver, kidneys. Berries – liver, kidneys.
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Depending on the source, some practitioners say red raspberry leaf is contraindicated in pregnancy, but in many cases its the most recommended herb for a healthy pregnancy. Please do your own research and talk with your midwife or practitioner to decide if its right for you.
Dosage
INFUSION: 1 tablespoon dry herb in one cup of boiling water. Infuse covered for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times daily. Sweeten if desired.
LIQUID EXTRACT: 1:4 dry strength liquid extract; 10-60 drops 1-4 times daily.
TINCTURE: 1 to 4 ml up to three times daily.
CAPSULES: 0.5 to 3 g dried herb up to three times daily.
Combinations:
- Strong tea made into ice cubes to help women during labor.
