Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) 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. It is thought to have many varied properties including those that are beneficial for pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

It is occasionally called the European Raspberry

Traditional Uses for Raspberry Leaf:-

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.
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 naturally high in Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, vitamin C and b-Vitamins which makes the leaf helpful for nausea, leg cramps, and aids in improving deep and calming sleep.  Its high Vitamin C content makes it a good re-hydrating drink during illness and for those who like to make their own energy drinks.

A strong Raspberry leaf infusion or the tincture made from Raspberry Leaf will, if applied topically,  sooth sunburn, relieve eczema, and rash itch. Gargling or rinsing as a mouth was with a tincture or infusion of the herb is great for the gums and can help alleviate the symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease.

It is thought that around one fifth of pregnant women take some form of Raspberry leaf. Some 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.