Plant Medicine Summary: Red Raspberry

Red Raspberry Leaf is also in our "TOP TEN" herbs that we use all the time. We especially use it as part of our daily tea because of the high amount of vitamins and nutrients it possesses. 

Brief History
Red raspberry fruit and leaf has been used as medicine for centuries. The therapeutic use of raspberry leaf was first described in 1597 in a book called “The Herbal,” or “A General History of Plants. (www.webmed.com ) In the middle ages it was well known as a female tonic. The leaves are still used in herbal teas or tisane to sooth the digestive system and to help soothe menstrual cramps.

How Do I Use It?
This plant was made for girls! It helps at all ages and stages of life. Helps with heavy periods and crazy hormones at that time of the month.  It is high in magnesium, potassium, iron, b-vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus. Because of these vitamins and minerals it helps with anxiety and hormone issues. The tannins soothe inside and out. It helps with bed wetting, calms diarrhea, stomach problems and colds. Oh and almost forgot – sore throats too! It is a great herb.

Dried

• The fresh leaves might bother stomachs. It is better to make sure the leaves are totally dry then use them. 

Tea

• Can use the tea to gargle if experiencing a sore throat. Use 3 tbs dried leaf (herb) per quart of water, strain and gargle.
• You can also use the tea on skin irritations and rashes – it is very soothing. To make it for this use 3 tbs dried herb per quart of water.
• Have someone struggling with bed wetting take this tea as their daily regime during dinner time. 
• We love it as a tea with a little sweetener in it lemon added is yummy too. You can add a little orange peel and rosehips to up the vitamins. You can also combine it with blackberry leaves for a little different taste.

Tincture

• This can be tinctured for to have for on the go.

Our Experience With It

• (Paula) "Red Raspberry  Leaf tea is one of my favorites. It is the first store bought packaged herbal tea I ever used. Several years ago we put in raspberry bushes and I was totally excited when I realized the leaves were the same thing that I had been purchasing and started making my own. I drink several cups of this tea a week."
• It settles the stomach if anyone ever feels a little off. 
• Helps with diarrhea.
• (Paula) "I was having awful periods – heavy flow, cramping, etc. It was to a point I couldn’t leave the house. When I discovered red raspberry leaf, my life changed during that “time of the month!” I could be live life again!"
• When in the habit of taking it everyday, it makes a huge difference with the up's and down's of hormone levels. It is also amazing to help prepare your body for child birth AS WELL AS menopause!

Few Properties of Red Raspberry Leaf
Anti-Cancer – May help in lessening cancer
Astringent - The tannins give astringent properties are tightening and soothing
Diuretic – Stimulates the body to let go of fluid
Febrifuge – Reduce fever
Parturient – Promotes and eases childbirth
Stomachic – Helps relieve stomach pain and cramping
Tonic – Supports the Immune System
Uterine tonic – Helps with girl problems

List found on http://www.anniesremedy.com
 
Recipe:
Red Raspberry Tea
Pour one cup boiling water over 1 Tablespoon dried red raspberry leaves. Cover and let steep for about 20 minutes. Sweeten. You can add lemon, orange, mint, ginger, or any other culinary herbs that you personally like.

• In season make a quart of this at a time and cool in the fridge, add fresh berries to it for a cool soothing summer drink.

 NMM Products With Red Raspberry Leaf

Anxiety R&R Tea - Amazing combination of herbs to help with anxiety issues. It is a tea that we have used on a daily basis!
Powerhouse - Powerful combination of herbs that restore energy and nutrients after exercise, hard physical labor, etc.