raspberry leaf tea?

Question

Does raspberry leaf tea really work to bring on contractions?

Answer 1

This is from an Australian website, pregnancy.com. It was written by Jane Palmer, and published to the web in 2000:

"You are probably familiar with the popular fruit, the Raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The raspberry 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 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.




Raspberry leaf is also used for the following:

To aid fertility.

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 thought that around one fifth of pregnant women take some form of raspberry leaf. 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.



This article is for information purposes only. Please consult your health care practitioner before taking raspberry leaf.



With thanks to Myra Parsons (Research Midwife) - who assisted with the preparation of this article "

There is other information about raspberry leaf on the site as well.

Answer 2

You can always trust Mrs. Grieve
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/raspbe05.html#med