Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits

Apart from its edible fruits, the red raspberry plant is also valued for its pale, green-colored leaves, which have been used widely in traditional medicine. The red raspberry is a perennial plant of the genus, Rubus, and is native to Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

The leaves of this plant are usually brewed as tea and then taken as a tonic by pregnant women, as well as those trying to conceive. However, the benefits of this tea are not limited to only pregnant women. Due to their high vitamin and mineral content, the leaves of red raspberry plants are considered as an ideal herbal remedy for a number of ailments like flu, gum disease, diarrhea, vomiting, and menstrual cramps.

» The leaves of the red raspberry plant are considered immensely beneficial for pregnant women. They contain several essential vitamins and minerals that can boost the health of the female reproductive system.

» Calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin A, B, C, and E are some of the nutrients that can be found in the leaves of red raspberry plants. This is the reason why red raspberry leaf tea is considered a tonic for pregnant women, which can boost their overall health and well-being.

» Apart from these nutrients, the leaves contain an alkaloid known as fragrine. Fragrine can help tone muscles of the pelvic region and the uterus, so that they can contract more efficiently during labor. Therefore, it is believed that the tea prepared from these leaves can make the entire process of childbirth faster, easier, and somewhat less painful.

» This herbal tea can also help relieve menstrual cramps. It may prove beneficial for regulating menstrual cycles, and preventing profuse bleeding during menstruation.

» Red raspberry leaves contain a naturally occurring form of calcium that can be easily absorbed by our body. It has been observed that sufficient intake of calcium can help relieve the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), like irritability, mood swings, and cramping.

» The tea prepared from the leaves of red raspberry plants can help the uterus regain its normal shape after delivery, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Pregnant women can ease their morning sickness by drinking this herbal tea.

» Red raspberry leaf tea is believed to be effective in increasing fertility in both men and women. Therefore, this tea is taken as a tonic by women trying to conceive.

Provides Relief from Diarrhea
Red raspberry plant leaves have been a traditional remedy for diarrhea. The leaves have astringent properties, due to which they may help contract intestinal tissues and provide relief in diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Soothes a Sore Throat
The leaves also contain tannins that are known to possess astringent properties. Tannins can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. You can prepare a cup of tea by brewing the leaves of red raspberry plants and then use it for gargling, in order to get relief from a sore throat.

Boosts the Immune System
These nutrient-rich leaves can boost the immune system. They also contain some potent antioxidant compounds that can help protect the body cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Improves Skin Firmness
Due to their astringent properties, the leaves of this plant can help tighten the skin, and thereby improve skin firmness. They can also help treat acne and reduce skin irritation.

Apart from these, red raspberry leaf tea has been used as a traditional medicine in the following conditions:

✦ Common cold and flu
✦ Diabetes
✦ Respiratory disorders
✦ Fluid retention
✦ Heart problems
✦ Rubella

So far, no serious side effects of red raspberry leaf tea have been reported. Loose stools and nausea are the most common side effects that people can experience after taking this herbal tea. In pregnant women, this tea can sometimes increase the Braxton Hicks contractions.

To make this herbal tea, first boil a cup of water. Then add 1 or 2 teaspoons of red raspberry leaves, and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Now, you can drink it as regular tea.

The herbal tea prepared from red raspberry leaves is believed to work best if you start taking it when you are 32 weeks pregnant. Pregnant women usually take this herbal tea for the belief that it helps shorten the second stage of labor.

However, most of the evidence that supports its efficacy for this purpose are largely anecdotal. Moreover, it should be kept in mind that herbal preparations can sometimes interact with certain medications. So, it is better to take any kind of herbal preparation or supplement only under the supervision of an experienced health care provider.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.