Red Raspberry Leaf for pregnancy

By Nikiah Seeds

Rubus idaeus

Red Raspberry leaf tea has been used for thousands of years by midwives and herbalists. It is the only herb recommended for, and totally safe to consume in the first trimester of pregnancy. Here are some great reasons to take a cup of this tea daily. Red raspberry leaf tea is high in such minerals as Iron, calcium, Magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It packs in rich sources of vitamin C, E, A and B-complex! These nutrients are great as a remedy for the reduction of morning sickness, anemia and leg cramps it also helps to prevent bleeding gums, relax the uterus when it is contracting, assist with a faster delivery of the baby, the placenta, and to calm afterpains. Red raspberry leaf contains another secret ingredient called Fragerine, this alkaloid gives tone to the uterus and pelvis which in turn can help with preventing miscarriage, and false labour. It also is great for producing more effective contractions during labour, which can aid in having a faster birth. Having said that it is also important to note that Red Raspberry leaf does not start labor or promote contractions. It is NOT an emmenagogue or oxytocic herb and will not start a labor or promote contractions. Post partum this little herb can help with the prevention of hemorrhage or bleeding and its high mineral content helps in the production of breast milk. When the first menses after childbirth comes back Raspberry leaf tea is excellent for cramping because of the relaxing and soothing effect it has on the uterus.

I would say that this herb has been my favorite for all of my pregnancies. I liked to combine it with one part nettles and one part peppermint.

When to take it and how much?

It is generally recommended to start taking Raspberry leaf tea in the second trimester of pregnancy. Start with 1 cup a day for the first week or so and then gradually increase up to 3 cups. The amount is usually one teaspoon per cup of water. When making an infusion {or tea} out of the dried leaves it is best not to use boiling water but to steep it in .nearly boiled. water for the best results.

References

Anne McIntyre, The Complete Woman.s Herbal, Gaia Books, 1994
Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women, Fireside, 1993
Aviva Jill Romm, The Natural Pregnancy Book, Celestial Arts 1997
Susan S. Weed, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, Ash tree Publishing, 1986
Joy Gardner, Healing Yourself During Pregnancy, The Crossing Press, 1987