You are probably familiar with the popular fruit, the Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

You are probably familiar with the popular fruit, the Raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The raspberry is native to many parts of Europe and Northern America. The leaves of the raspberry plant have been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. They are thought to have many varied properties including those that are beneficial for pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. It is believed that raspberry leaf, if taken regularly through pregnancy and labour can: • Ease the symptoms of morning sickness. • Sooth and prevent bleeding gums which many pregnant women often experience. • Relax the smooth muscles of the uterus when it is contracting (Burn & Withell, 1941). • Assist with the birth of the baby and the placenta. • Calm cramping of the uterus. • Provide a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The magnesium content is especially helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles. Raspberry leaf also contains vitamins B1, B3 and E which are valuable in pregnancy. Raspberry leaf is also used for the following: • To aid fertility. • To promote a plentiful supply of breastmilk. • To help stop excess bleeding after birth. • To treat diarrhoea. • To regulate irregular menstrual cycle and decreases heavy periods. • To relieve sore throats. • To reduce fever. It is thought that around one fifth of pregnant women take some form of raspberry leaf. Women believe that it will shorten labour and make the birth easier. The use of this herb for remedial purposes dates back to the sixth century and its benefits in childbirth have been recorded as a proven aid in maternity in the most ancient of herbal books. The Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea in Pregnancy Jun19 Red Raspberry leaf tea is one of the safest and commonly used tonic herbs for women wanting to get pregnant or for women who are already pregnant. Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) tones the uterus, improves contractions and decreases constipation. Most tonics need to be used regularly, for a tonic is to the cells much like exercise is to the muscles; not much help when done irregularly . But you will still benefit even from occasional use of tonics during pregnancy, since they contain nourishing factors. The herb comes in forms of leaves to make teas or tonics as well as pill like capsules you can swallow. Most of the benefits given to regular use of Raspberry lea tea throughout pregnancy can be traced to the strengthening power of fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself; and to the nourishing power of the vitamins and minerals found in this plant. There is rich concentration of Vitamin C, the presence of Vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorus and potassium. The perennial red raspberry plant (rubus idaeus) is native to North and South America, Asia and Europe. The tea leaf contains vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as phophorous, potassium, calcium and is a rich source of iron. The tea has been long known to have potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The alkoloid, fragine, in red raspberry leaves is known for its ability to tone muscles of the uterus and pelvic area, making it effective in reducing pain when giving birth. In addition to being beneficial to pregnant women, red raspberry leaf tea is used for various other health issues. Medicinal Uses of Red Raspberry Leaves In herbology, red raspberry leaf tea is hailed as an herb for a woman’s health. The claimed benefits range from promising to increase fertility, tonify a uterus of an expectant mother and help to relieve the strength of contractions, to helping to relieve PMS symptoms, such as cramping, irritability, and depression; relieving morning sickness symptoms, and even increasing milk production. Now that the ACA is improving healthcare, more and more folks are doing everything they can to become healthier. However, how much of this is true? I set out to investigate this very question to set the record straight once and for all, especially since even my midwives had recommended for me to drink an herbal tea mix, in preparation for Sprout’s delivery, which included red raspberry leaves. Red raspberries have been used medicinally by the ancient Greeks, Chinese, and American Indians. The European variety, Rubus idaeus, was named after Mt. Ida that is in present-day Turkey but would have been cultivated by the ancient Greeks. During the Roman empire, red raspberries grew in popularity and ultimately made their way to England. Across all continents and cultures, red raspberries were primarily used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and the healing of wounds. Fast forward to the 20th Century, and the popularity of Red Raspberry Tea increases. Its use for pregnancy and childbirth became popularized in the United States and Europe after several positive medical populations and studies. Today the use of red raspberries is still used for a variety herbal remedies, including the red raspberry tea for expecting mothers. Raspberries are deeply symbolic No, you wouldn't have thought it, would you. In some kinds of Christian art, the raspberry is the symbol for kindness. The red juice was thought of as the blood running through the heart, where kindness originates. In the Philippines, if you hang a raspberry cane from the outside of your house, evil spirits are supposed to be deterred. In Germany, too, raspberry canes would be tied to the horse's body in the belief that it would calm them down. So much power in one gentle cane! Digestive Aid Another great use for red raspberry leaf tea is that it is effective for treating many different stomach ailments. It can be taken to help relieve diarrhea, as well as for helping soothe stomach aches and cramps. Since this herbal tea has anti-inflammatory purposes and can help stimulate proper blood circulation, it can help heal internal illnesses and ulcers in the digestive system as well.