When most think of Raspberry, they think of only the berries themselves. Yet the nutrition found in the Red Raspberry Leaf at least equals its fruit! Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is a special source of benefit to women.

First, many feel that PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) is caused by hormonal imbalance. The rise and then sudden drop in estrogen levels through a woman’s cycle can cause a variety of symptoms, including cramps. Red raspberry is one of several herbs that has been used for many years to alleviate or eliminate this problem.

Red Raspberry is also an aid during pregnancy and birth. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, A, and some B complex. “Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red Raspberry Leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby.” In addition, it is rich in minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. As a source of water-soluble calcium, Raspberry not only aids in bone development of the baby but also provides a needed source of calcium for young girls.

Red Raspberry has for centuries been a valuable aid for women during and after child birth. It aids in the control of pain, the contraction of the uterus, and as a source of other vitamins and minerals – especially calcium – that help in the replacement of lost blood. During the weeks after birth Raspberry tea helps return the uterus to its normal size. Even post-menopausal women have found benefit from Raspberry tea both as an aid in improving uterine tone and as a natural source of calcium.

Besides women’s issues, Raspberry Leaf tea has been used externally to tighten skin and to alleviate skin irritation. “The leaf may also be combined with the powdered bark of slippery elm to make a poultice for application to the skin to treat wounds, burns, and scalds.”(Ibid.) The tea will soothe throat or mouth irritations. Then, once in the stomach, Red Raspberry works to combat diarrhea, especially in children, and to sooth inflammation of the digestive tract.

Preparation of Raspberry Leaf tea is easy. Place one ounce of dried Raspberry leaves into a pint of boiling water (or half a pound per gallon) and simmer for ten minutes (though some recommend two to three hours to get maximum benefit from them). Drink the tea cold to soothe mouth or throat irritations.

1. Editha A. Aglipay Says:
   May 14th, 2009 at 12:06 am

   Sir/Ma\’am,

   A pleasant day!

   Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I love and enjoy reading,its increase my knowledge and my level of awareness. More power and God bless.

   Yours,
   Edith