A great tonic herb for females, especially those that are pregnant. Raspberry leaf is astringent and considered toning and strengthening to the reproductive tract. It's often recommended by midwives as a toning tea. It is known to strengthen the reproductive organs so they can work properly on their own. When these organs are strong and healthy, a woman can go through a healthy preganancy without complications and a healthy baby is born. Women have used raspberry leaf for painful or heavy periods, morning sickness, preventing miscarriage, easing labor and delivery, and enriching breast milk.
Raspberry leaves are high in vitamin A, B complex, C and E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese. The leaves are also astringent and are used for diarrhea and on the skin to tighten tissue.
Raspberry is a nice addition to many herb teas. It also makes a tasty tea on its own. Red raspberry leafs’ astringent properties make it a refreshing gargle or mouthwash and a useful ingredient in skin toners and other skin preparations. For tea: pour 8 oz. boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of raspberry leaf. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes, strain and serve immediately.
