Using Raspberry Leaves During Pregnancy: The Benefits

What does raspberry leaf do for pregnancy?

Raspberry leaf infusion has been used for centuries to support women and is traditionally recognized as a uterine tonic. Recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy, it would facilitate childbirth and reduce the risk of complications. Let's discover the virtues of raspberry leaf and its possible uses before, during and after pregnancy.

The benefits of raspberry leaf

Everything you need to know about the Raspberry bush

The Raspberry , Rubus idaeus , is a shrub of the botanical family Rosaceae, it is also called Bramble of Mount Ida or Red of Ida . It takes its name from Mount Ida in Crete, which the Ancients took for the origin of this shrub. The word Raspberry, comes from the deformation of "Wild Strawberry".

In the wild, the raspberry bush grows in mountainous undergrowth, alongside beeches, rowan trees and elderberries. In France, it is found in the Alps, the Jura and the Massif Central.

Native Americans have used Raspberry for centuries as a natural remedy to support women during periods of transition and hormonal upheaval such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

In France, its cultivation dates back to the end of the Middle Ages. At the time and until the 19th century, the raspberry bush was cultivated for its medicinal virtues , its perfume and the manufacture of drinks. It was only from the 19th century that people began to consume raspberries.

Active ingredients of raspberry leaf

In herbalism, dried raspberry leaves are used. Raspberry leaves are harvested from the young stems of the year, in spring or early summer. Raspberry leaves look a lot like bramble leaves. They are recognizable by their silvery white inner surface and their cottony feel.

Raspberry leaf is particularly rich in gallic and ellagic tannins with an astringent action . It also contains flavonoids , with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action .

What are the benefits of raspberry leaf tea?

raspberry

In herbal medicine, raspberry leaf is known for: 

  • soothe sore throats , tonsillitis and also digestive inflammations such as diarrhea thanks to its anti-inflammatory action (however, bramble leaf seems even more suitable)

  • support the normal structure and function of the uterus. It is recognized as a tonic for uterine function .

  • accompany painful periods , alongside other plants such as German Chamomile , Yarrow, Ginger

  • support uterine fibroids and endometriosis

  • support pregnancy and specifically labor during childbirth (we will detail this point in the next paragraph).

  • support the female reproductive system by promoting the normal structure of uterine tissues, supporting normal menstrual cycles and thus creating favorable conditions for embryo implantation.

Raspberry leaves and pregnancy

Raspberry Leaf Tea for Childbirth

Raspberry leaf infusion seems particularly suitable to accompany the last months and weeks of pregnancy. Why? Because it is known to facilitate the muscular contractions of the myometrium , a very powerful uterine muscle that works to expel the baby during childbirth and to evacuate blood during menstruation.

Regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea would thus seem to positively prepare for labor during childbirth. By toning the uterine muscle, raspberry leaf infusion would promote effective contractions and reduce the risk of bleeding.

Studies  conducted on expectant mothers suggest that raspberry leaf tea has no adverse effects on the pregnant woman and the baby. These two studies tend to demonstrate that taking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy would help to slightly reduce the second stage of labor during childbirth and that this would reduce the use of forceps, suction cups and the need for cesarean section.

When to drink raspberry herbal tea during pregnancy?

Herbalists and phytotherapists suggest that the best time to drink raspberry leaf infusions would be the third trimester of pregnancy (from the 7th month to the 9th month) and especially the last month. As part of a natural preparation for childbirth and if your midwife or doctor gives you the green light , invite this infusion daily during the last trimester of pregnancy and especially the last month.

How many cups to drink per day?

One to two cups per day seems to be the appropriate dose to benefit from the benefits of Raspberry leaf for expectant mothers .

To prepare your infusion, infuse the equivalent of a teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves in boiling water, covering your cup or teapot. Let it infuse for about ten minutes, then enjoy. This herbal tea should be drunk outside of meals.

Can you drink raspberry leaf tea postpartum?

Raspberry leaf tea can continue to be consumed after childbirth. Its tonic action on uterine tissues could help limit excessive bleeding in the postpartum period and help the perineum regain its tone . 

This infusion can also be consumed during breastfeeding . Some traditional uses suggest that it could promote the production of milk and enrich breast milk thanks to its nutritional richness.

What precautions for use and contraindications?

Raspberry leaf is very well tolerated and is not an abortive plant like Rue or Sage for example, however, some precautions for use are necessary: 

Always seek the advice of your midwife or doctor before taking herbal products.

In case of constipation, the action of tannins could reinforce this terrain, the raspberry leaf should therefore be limited.

Limit the consumption of raspberry leaf herbal tea to the last trimester of pregnancy and especially to the last month.

Although raspberry leaves are considered well tolerated during pregnancy, their toning action on the uterine muscle is not desired during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy so as not to promote miscarriage or premature uterine contractions.

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