A cooling and drying plant, Raspberry leaf is an amazing herbal remedy and nourishing tonic. Known for being specific for the intestines and reproductive organs, this herb also acts as an anti-inflammatory and astringent that helps with external and internal infections, ulcers and instances of excessive fluid loss and discharge.
Her latin name means “The Bramble of Mount Ida,” a sacred ritual spot of ancient Greece. Energetically, Raspberry is also great for helping promote healthy boundaries as her thorny leaves and stems serve a protective function both physically and spiritually.
Herb Info:
Common Name: Red Raspberry, Raspberry leaf
Latin Name: Rubus idaeus
Family: Rosaceae, Rose family
Precautions: Some advise against use during the early stages of pregnancy and if you have a history of precipitate labors. The tonifying effect of the herb may cause uterine contractions.
General Characteristics: Rose-like leaves with thorny undersides that are very pale (pale undersides help to distinguish this plant from her cousin, Blackberry). White, rose-like flowers. Grows bright red (sometimes yellow) fruits that are juicy and high in fiber. Likes water and prefers to grow in woodlands and shady hedgerows.
Harvesting info: Collect leaves throughout the growing season and dry slowly in a well-ventilated area to preserve medicinal properties.
Herbal Actions:
Alterative (mild)
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant (fruit)
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Febrifuge
Galactagogue
Hemostatic
Nutritive
Refrigerant
Tonic (especially for uterus and prostate)
Vulnerary
Medicinal Benefits of Raspberry Leaf:
As Raspberry is specific for the reproductive system, it is perhaps most well-known as tonic for the female reproductive system that can be supportive for menstrual issues and is also helpful during late stages of pregnancy, birth and lactation.
If you are pregnant or nursing, please work closely with a well-trained and qualified herbalist to make sure you are using this herb appropriately. Raspberry leaf is generally not recommended during the early stages of pregnancy.
While this herb is most popular as an aid for those with female bodies, there is actually very little difference between the female and male reproductive systems and Raspberry leaf is an amazing prostate tonic through its astringent and diuretic qualities.
Rubus idaeus is also great aid for irregular and excessive menstruation. As an astringent and drying herb, this plant can help manage excessive menstrual bleeding (and also works well to stop bleeding anywhere in the body for this same reason).
Raspberry is also very high in iron, calcium, magnesium and many other vitamins and minerals. This makes her a great daily tonic to nourish the body and minimize menstrual cramps. This herb also has antispasmodic and uterus-toning qualities that can further relax tension and cramps.
At Artemisia Academy, we are taught that menstrual cramps are common but they are NOT normal. Regularly consuming nutritive herbs like Raspberry leaf as an overnight infusion can help to nourish the body and lessen the strain of period cramps. Keep reading for a great recipe on how to brew an overnight infusion.
This herb is an amazing ally for pregnant and nursing parents, but please make sure to work closely with a good herbalist to make sure you take this herb safely. Raspberry leaf works as a uterine tonic by strengthening the longitudinal muscles of the uterus which can help to improve the force of contractions and hasten childbirth. For this effect, it is best to take this herb in the later stages of pregnancy and during labor. Please note that Raspberry leaf is generally not to be taken during the early stages of pregnancy and it is safest to work with a qualified herbalist if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing medical conditions.
In the Earthwise Herbal, Matthew Wood notes that Raspberry leaf has a long ancestral use by Native Americans as a female tonic for pregnancy. He says that this herb “nourishes the mother and child, tones the uterus and makes it conducive to quick and efficient labor.” Juliette de Bairacli Levy also shares that this herb can help to release retained afterbirth as well.
It’s generally good to continue to drink Raspberry leaf tea after labor, but please make sure to always work with a well-trained herbalist to take any herbs if you are pregnant or nursing. This herb can help to relieve morning sickness and reduce after-pains. Rubus idaeus is also a galactagogue and general breast remedy that can help with milk production and reduce breast discomfort.
The Rubus species also functions amazingly for first-aid uses, particularly because of their astringent qualities. Blackberry root bark is the strongest astringent, and Blackberry leaves are also more astringent than Raspberry leaves. Astringents help to tighten the tissues of the body and are a useful remedy for many types of infections, allergies and situations of excessive discharge.
Externally, Rubus can be used on ulcers, wounds and infections. It makes a great eyewash for eye infections and works well as a gargle or mouthwash for sore throats, mouth ulcers bleeding gums and other similar issues. It can also work well as sitz bath or steam for excessive discharge or infections.
Internally, Raspberry leaf is an amazing digestive aid that can soothe diarrhea and gastric inflammation. Herbs are intelligent beings who work with our body to help bring it back to homeostasis. This herb is indicated for both diarrhea and constipation and can be helpful regardless of the gastrointestinal complaint one might be experiencing. The leaves would be better for diarrhea, as they are astringent and drying. The fruit would be particularly helpful for constipation as it is incredibly high in fiber and also a gentle laxative.
Medicine Making: Nutritive Overnight Infusions
At Artemisia Academy, we learn that when herbs are high in vitamins and minerals, they are best processed as an overnight infusion in a water-based solution. This is because minerals are generally more water soluble than alcohol soluble and take a long time to be extracted, so making a 10-minute infusion wouldn't do the trick.
Here is a simple recipe for how to make an overnight infusion with Raspberry leaf to have your own herbal multivitamin:
Fill quart jar with a generous scoop or two of Raspberry leaf
Pour boiling water over herbs
Cover and let steep overnight
Strain and enjoy as a nutritive and nourishing infusion
It can be great to mix Raspberry leaf with other nutritive herbs like:
Ready to learn more about herbs?
If you're interested in learning more about herbs, healing and vitality, check out Artemisia Academy’s Herbal Apprentice Program. I completed this program a few years ago and learned so much about Raspberry leaf and dozens of other herbs, as well as how to make medicines and form intuitive and reciprocal relationships with the plants we work with.
Sources Used
The information I shared in this post comes from my own relationship with Raspberry leaf, Artemisia Academy’s classes, David Hoffman's Medical Herbalism and Holistic Herbal, Lucy Jones's A Working Herbal Dispensary, Matthew Wood's Earthwise Herbal, Dr. Sharol Tilgner's Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth, Andrew Chevallier’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Michael Tierra's Planetary Herbology, and Juliette de Bairacli Levy's Common Herbs for Natural Health.
About the Author
Alicia Cielle Heiser is an Astrologer, Herbalist and student at Artemisia Academy. Her work centers on facilitating a greater understanding of the cyclical nature of the world and the ways that we as humans fit within the greater whole. She is writing a series of materia medica blog posts for Artemisia to make the wisdom and knowledge of herbal medicine more available to more people. Alicia also has a podcast called Conversations with the Planets and she offers herbal astrology readings and crafts personalized herbal tea blends. You can find her at www.aliciacielle.com.
Disclaimer: Information presented on this webpage is for educational purposes only, and does not include the diagnosis and treatment of disease nor replace the advice of a licensed physician. Please refer to a licensed health professional for any illness or persistent symptoms before using herbal remedies.
Herbs can sometimes cause discomfort or side effects, and may interact adversely with pharmaceutical medications. Do not use herbs internally without the approval of a doctor or medical professional if you are currently on medications or have a history of medical conditions.
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