Red raspberry leaf

Rubus idaeus

Also: Raspberry, Raspberry leaf

CoolingDryingTonifying

A toning leaf for the womb, the gut, and the throat.

The leaves of the familiar garden raspberry, mild and pleasant as black tea. Raspberry leaf gently tones lax tissue in the uterus, gut, and throat, and nourishes with minerals.

Energetics: Cooling, drying, tonifying
Taste: Astringent, mild, tea-like
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Parts used: Leaves and berries

Medicinal uses 8

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Traditional useLab and mechanism studiesClinical studies

Preparing for birthTLC
Tones the uterus in late pregnancy to prepare for labor.
Menstrual crampsTLC
Eases menstrual cramping and irregular cycles.
Heavy or irregular periodsTLC
Tones a lax uterus for irregular or heavy flow.
Loose bowelsTLC
Gently tones loose bowels.
Sore throatTLC
A gargle for sore throats and post-nasal drip.
Low milk supplyTLC
A traditional postpartum tonic and milk support.
Depletion & mineral needsTLC
A mineral-rich nourishing infusion.
Postpartum recoveryTLC
Helps the uterus firm back up after birth while it nourishes a tired body.

Preparations

Leaf tea and long infusions.

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Cautions

Use fresh or fully dried leaves, never half-wilted ones.
Raspberry ketone supplements are an unrelated synthetic product.

Medication interactions

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Pregnancy & breastfeeding

PregnancyThird trimester, with guidance

Its toning action on the uterus is why it is avoided in the first and second trimesters. Midwives have long used it from about 32 weeks, and a small randomized trial found it safe, with a slightly shorter second stage of labor. Work with your midwife or OB.

BreastfeedingGenerally compatible

A traditional postpartum tonic with no documented harms.

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Folklore

Rubus idaeus means the bramble of Ida. In Greek legend raspberries were white until the nymph Ida pricked her finger gathering them for the infant Zeus on Mount Ida, staining them red for good. Midwives in Europe and North America have handed raspberry leaf tea to women in late pregnancy for generations.

How to grow

Plant canes in full sun and rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, with a trellis or wire for support. Pick leaves from first-year canes at any time, and berries in summer or fall depending on the variety. It spreads by suckers.

In the wild

Woodland edges, clearings, and burns across Europe and northern Asia; the American red raspberry grows across North America.

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