What is Raspberry leaf tea?

RASPBERRY LEAF TEA

Have you ever wondered what is so popular about raspberry leaf tea? Why is it widely used in women’s remedies? What does it actually do to make midwives recommend it all the time? Today we will answer some of your questions.

Rubus idaeus commonly known as red raspberry is berries natively found in mountainous and rocky regions of Europe, America and some parts of Asia. It is popular for its delicious and nutritious berries [1]. The leaves of raspberries used to go wasted, but as interests grew, there have been more scientific researches conducted to explore its nutritional value and therapeutic use [11].

Leaves of raspberries have been used as complementary medicine for centuries. In the 16th century, the medicinal use of raspberry leaf tea was introduced. It has been used to treat general health problems like mild diarrhoea, gastric and abdominal issues, minor infections and ulcers. Proven in some studies, raspberry leaf has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative properties, which makes it a great choice for natural herbal therapy [11].  

What is Red Raspberry Leaf Tea?

Dried leaves of raspberry are utilized to make herbal tea. Delicate hairs are present on the surface of the raspberry leaf which characterizes it by giving it a silver lining. 

Raspberry leaves have been commonly used in women of childbearing age to assist in menstruation, pregnancy, labour, and childbirth [2]. That is why it is also known as the women’s herb. In recent years, we can see raspberry leaves in teas or capsules that are easy and convenient for modern society. Women who prefer natural therapy drink this tea to support their gynaecological conditions and reproductive health.

Flavour of Tea 

Unlike the taste of red raspberries, tea of this herb has a similar taste as fruity black tea, characterised by its fruity and sharp taste. It gives a good tinge of flavour similar to hibiscus tea, and it is sweeter in flavour as compared to chamomile tea [1].

Nutritional Value of Raspberry Leaf 

The presence of multivitamins and minerals in raspberry leaf tea enhances its medicinal properties. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E; and it is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron. 

Raspberry leaf tea contains zero calories and possesses ellagic acids which may help fight against cancer cells [5]. The phytochemicals like phenolic compounds that are abundant in raspberry leaf give rise to its antioxidative activity [11]. In other words, a raspberry leaf tea is packed with a lot of goodies.

General Health Benefits 

The leaves of red raspberries have been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, treating conditions like tonsillitis and mouth ulcers. It is considered an astringent agent, hence used in bleeding gums, wounds, and some chronic skin conditions [12].

It balances sugar levels in the body, which makes it beneficial for people with diabetes, or anyone who has a sweet tooth especially with the diet we adopt in the modern days. It is also frequently used in treating some GI tract problems like mild diarrhoea and bloating [4, 11].

RASPBERRY LEAF AS A WOMEN’S HERB

Raspberry leaf tea is believed to be beneficial for women’s reproductive systems. Alkaloid fragarine and tannins that are present in the leaf of the raspberry makes it a good uterine tonic. It strengthens the uterine muscles and pelvic area of women [10,12]. Due to this reason, it is widely used by midwives who recommend natural herbal medicines.

Does raspberry leaf tea Relieve Menstrual Cramps?

Traditionally, Raspberry leaf tea was used to treat painful cramps during the menstrual cycle. It has been reported to have a positive effect on other premenstrual symptoms such as relieving diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and spasm [4].

Planta Medica, a peer-reviewed medical journal has published a study that highlights the use of raspberry tea as a pain reliever during periods and tonic to help reduce the urge to urinate [8]. Additionally, iron present in the raspberry leaf tea also helps those who experience heavy bleeding during their cycle.

Does Raspberry Leaf Support the Reproductive System?

For women who are trying to conceive, having a strong and healthy uterus is very important. Being a good uterine strengthening tonic, a raspberry leaf tea can be very beneficial. Having balanced sugar levels and sex hormones increase the possibility of conceiving successfully with fewer complications like gestational diabetes. It is believed that raspberry leaf tea can aid in balancing progesterone levels in females due to its constituent, Phyto-progesterone. This is particularly helpful in the luteal phase of a cycle when progesterone is the main hormone that supports embryo implantation and later helps sustain a healthy pregnancy. 

In addition to the highly nutritious value, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of raspberry leaf tea also play important roles in boosting fertility. On top of that, it is believed that the use of raspberry leaf tea may also reduce the risk of miscarriage after conception [2].

Does it Shorten Labor and Reduce Childbirth Risk?

Raspberry leaf tea potentially improves blood supply towards uterine muscles to make the contractions more controlled and organised. Several studies have been published regarding the use of raspberry leaf tea for labour and childbirth.

It is usually used starting from 32 weeks of pregnancy, strengthening the uterine and pelvic muscles to make the delivery easier. Some women have found that the tea has helped reduce the duration of labour, eased the pain, and lower the chances of needing medical interventions such as C-sections or the use of forceps [4, 10].

Side Effects

Consumption of raspberry leaf tea in a recommended amount is perfectly safe however it is good to be aware of the possible adverse effects.

The laxative effect of raspberry leaf tea may upset the gastrointestinal tract and cause upset gut, diarrhoea and vomiting if consumed in large quantities. Though it can be a beneficial use, cautions should be exercised around the change of blood pressure [10]

Intake of raspberry leaf tea in complicated pregnancy may cause Braxton Hicks contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage in complicated cases. [7]. Therefore, it is always wise to consult your health professional before taking it especially if you have a complicated pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage

To assist in your fertility and reproductive health 1-3 cups of tea is generally safe to consume.  If you are pregnant or are planning to have this to help with your labour and childbirth, be sure to consult your obstetrician and midwife before starting.   

 

 

 

Co-authored and reviewed by Dr Buddhini Dolapihilla (MBBS).

Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

 

REFERENCES

1. Rash R. Raspberries. Appalachian Heritage. 2006;34(3):89-89.
2. Bowman R, Taylor J, Muggleton S, Davis D. Biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf use in pregnancy: a systematic integrative review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2021;21(1). https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-021-03230-4 
3. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. RASPBERRY LEAF IN PREGNANCY: ITS SAFETY AND EFFICACY IN LABOR. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2001;46(2):51-59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11370690/ 
4. Ferlemi A, Lamari F. Berry Leaves: An Alternative Source of Bioactive Natural Products of Nutritional and Medicinal Value. Antioxidants. 2016;5(2):17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931538/   
5. Lee B, Shin H, Jung J, Hwang K, Lee Y, Kim T. Anthocyanins, Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activities of Black Raspberry Exudates. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. 2009;38(2):125-130. https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO200906261461503.page 
6. Caballero B, Trugo L, Finglas P. Encyclopedia of food sciences and nutrition. Amsterdam: Academic; 2003.
7. Frankel D. Beware raspberries!. The Lancet. 1996;348(9019):48.
8. Gruber C, O'Brien M. Uterotonic Plants and their Bioactive Constituents. Planta Medica. 2010;77(03):207-220. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407953/ 
9. Romm A, Hardy M, Mills S. Botanical medicine for women's health.
10. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: Safety and efficacy. Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal. 1999;12(3):20-25. https://sci-hub.mksa.top/10.1016/s1031-170x(99)80008-7 
11. Luo T, Chen S, Zhang H, Jia S, Wang J. Phytochemical composition and potential biological activities assessment of raspberry leaf extracts from nine different raspberry species and raspberry leaf tea. Journal of Berry Research. 2020;10(2):295-309.https://sci-hub.mksa.top/10.3233/jbr-190474
12. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) European Medicines Agency; London, UK: 2012. Assessment Report on Rubus idaeus L., Folium. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-rubus-idaeus-l-folium_en.pdf