Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Parts Used: Leaves
Energy: Cooling, drying
Systems: Digestive, urinary, circulatory, uterus, mucus membranes
This past year I have personally discovered how amazing this plant is in the healing kingdom of God's medicinal world. We have all enjoyed the delicious berries associated with this plant, but did you know that its leaves are where the real nutrition lies? Many know that Red Raspberry leaf tea is a great uterine tonic to tone and prepare the uterus for childbirth, but its list of properties do not end there. It is one of the most nutritive herbs out there for building all systems in the body, including the immune system. When someone is not feeling well, this is the #1 herb I turn to, to strengthen the body and get the systems back in working condition. In fact I don't think there is an herbal blend I make that I don't include raspberry leaf in.
Properties
- Astringent
- Antispasmodic
- Tonic
- Stimulant
- Alterative
- Stomachic
- Anti-emetic
- Parturient
- Hemostatic
- Cathartic
- Anti-septic
- Anti-abortive
- Nutritive
- Diuretic
- Hemostatic
The Woman's Herb
- Before pregnancy: prepares the body by feeding the proper nutrients to the reproductive system and other body systems so they are ready and in prime condition when the time comes for conception.
- During pregnancy: tones the uterus, uterine hemorrhage, assists contractions and labor, relieves after birth pains, and enriches milk.
- PMS: helps alleviate all symptoms of PMS, decrease menstrual flow, relieves painful cramps, hot flashes, balances hormones.
- Prolapsed or enlarged uterus, fibroids, endometriosis
Uses
- Drink the tea to replenish lost fluids and nutrients when sick with vomiting and diarrhea
- Anemia and other blood conditions: works as a blood cleanser while being high in iron and other nutrients to build the blood.
- Sore throat, colds, fever, flu, etc.
- Mouth sores, cankers, spongy gums - use as a mouth wash and swallow
- Tones and strengthens the stomach and bowels
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, etc.
- Appendix complaints
- Nourishes and supports all glands
- Prostate and urinary tonic
- Hemorrhoids, ulcers, abscesses
- Infant issues: colic, jaundice, thrush
- Wounds, cuts, burns, rashes, and oozing skin conditions
- Supports ligaments, cartilage, skin, hair, bones, and nails
- Acne - take internally as well as using the tea as a facial toner
- Infection in the body or on the skin
- Inflamed mucous membranes
- Use as an eyewash/rinse for sore, inflamed, infected eyes
- Has been known to stabilize the pancreas making is useful for diabetics
Methods of Use
- Infusion - drinking the tea is the best way to utilize the properties of this herb, make a quart of tea in the morning and sip on it throughout the day. (dry leaf is best)
- Extract: tincture, glycerite, vinegar
- Poultice/compress - use this for skin conditions
- Gargle/mouthwash
- Eye wash
- Douche - this puts the nutrients right in the place it is needed for uterine issues
In the Garden
- Plant in sandy soil, rich in organic matter in full sun.
- It is a good idea to plant in rows about 2-3 feet apart, the plants themselves space about every 18"- 2 feet.
- Water regularly, they like to be moist but well drained
- Keep mulched and all weeds and grass at bay.
- Lay a thick layer of compost down each fall, at least 3"
- Train the canes up a fence, trellis, or stakes with wire strung between them. (I use weed wacker string)
- The leaves can be harvested anytime. (I've read harvesting while flowering is most potent, but I've also read before flowering and after going to fruit is best, so take your pick :))
- You can harvest up to 1/3 of the plants leaves without doing any harm to the plant.
- Leaves can also be harvested from the new shoots the plant sends out that are pruned each spring and fall.
- Only use leaves that are fresh and green, do not use brown, spotted, bug eaten, or bruised leaves.
Cautions
Herbal Blends
Resources
Herbal Legacy - Red Raspberry
Raspberry History and Lore
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, p. 477
Nutritional Herbology, p.145
Prescription for Herbal Healing, p. 115
Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, p. 128
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, p. 93
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, p.219
Backyard Medicine, p. 136
A Handbook of Native American Herbs by Alma Hutchens, p. 158
The How to Herb Book by Velma J. Keith, p. 53
The Ultimate Healing System by Donal Lepore, p. 191
Mountain States Medicinal Plants, p. 179
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James Duke, p. 181
Practical Herbalism by Philip Fritchey, p. 259
School of Natural Healing, p.143
The Healing Garden, p. 174
Herbal Health Secrets, p. 166 (case studies and combinations)
Today’s Herbal Health for Women, p. 202
The Woman’s Herbal Apothecary, p. 68
The New Age Herbalist, p. 105
Botany in a Day, p. 150