Raspberry leaf is probably my favorite herb and definitely the one I consume the most because of its amazing nutrient profile. I even use it in my homemade multivitamin tincture.
While the taste is nothing like raspberries, it has gentle taste similar to regular black tea (but without the caffeine).
Raspberry leaf is generally known for its benefits during pregnancy, but its nutrient profile makes it an excellent choice for women at any stage of life as it helps support female health in many ways.
Here’s why!
Why Use Raspberry Leaf?
As its name suggests, raspberry leaf is the leaf of the raspberry plant. Also known as “the woman’s herb,” it is naturally high in vitamins and minerals we need for female health specifically: magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins B, A, C, and E. The high level of B vitamins in particular makes it useful for relieving nausea, soothing leg cramps, and improving sleep. (Symptoms that definitely increase during pregnancy!)
Immune Support
The high concentration of vitamin C in raspberry leaf makes it great during illness and I use it in a variety of my favorite herbal tea recipes for immune support during sickness. It’s soothing and tasty (and the fact that it’s safe to give to kids really helps!). I explain why a little extra vitamin C support is good for health here.
Pregnancy and Labor
The specific combination of nutrients in raspberry leaf makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles which some midwives say leads to shorter and easier labors.
This study published in a midwifery journal gives some support to the anecdotal evidence. In a control group of 108 women, about 50% took red raspberry leaf throughout the pregnancy. In their words, the result seem to indicate that “women who ingest raspberry leaf might be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group.”
I personally use it as a tea throughout pregnancy, even in the first trimester, as I’ve never seen any conclusive reason not to and the health benefits are wonderful during pregnancy, but I’d definitely consult a midwife or doctor before taking any herb while pregnant.
I also use it in this herbal tea blend for nursing moms. It’s a great choice at this time because of its safety profile and flavor, not to mention its other benefits.
Female Health
As I mentioned, red raspberry leaf isn’t just for pregnant women. Many women claim it helps ease the symptoms of PMS, endometriosis, and menopause, and some couples find it helpful when trying to conceive. This is due to its high vitamin and mineral content, which helps balance hormones and strengthens the walls of uterus and the general pelvic area. Because these nutrients are coming from a food-based source, they are highly absorbable and better than a supplement (in my opinion!).
Dental Health
The tannins in raspberry leaf give it astringent properties which make it soothing both internally and externally. A strong raspberry leaf tea or tincture will sooth sunburn, eczema, and rashes when used externally. Swishing with a tincture or infusion of raspberry leaf is great for the gums and can help alleviate the symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease.
How to Take Red Raspberry Leaf
I like to take this mainly as an herbal tea, which I drink iced in the summer and hot in the winter. I also make a pregnancy tea using 4 parts raspberry leaf and 1 part nettle leaf. You can also add 1 part peppermint leaf for help with nausea during early pregnancy.
For those trying to improve fertility, it is recommended to consume three or more cups daily. I also consume this amount during pregnancy. It tastes very similar to regular tea without the caffeine, which makes it wonderful in the evening. If you’re a tea drinker, consider adding this in place of regular tea.
How to Brew Raspberry Leaf Tea
Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of raspberry leaf (depending on how strong you like your tea). Steep, covered, for at least 5 minutes and drink as regular tea.
I often keep a gallon of cold raspberry leaf tea in the fridge so that I don’t have to brew by the cup. To make a gallon, just use 3/4 to 1 cup of raspberry leaf per gallon of boiling water. I pour the herbs and boiling water into a gallon glass jar, cover with a plate, and leave overnight before straining for a strong tea.
Starting off with one cup per day and then keeping consumption to no more than 3 cups in a day is recommended.
Check out my favorite herbal tea blends here … many of them include raspberry leaf!
How to Make a Tincture
You can also make a tincture of raspberry leaf using the same proportions that you use to make chamomile tincture. This is great for the skin if used externally and to help alleviate PMS, menstrual troubles, heavy bleeding and infertility when used internally.
Is It Safe for Pregnancy?
In the health world there must, of course, always be some controversy, so it’s worth mentioning that some sources recommended avoiding raspberry leaf in the first trimester.
Though I’ve used red raspberry leaf in all of my pregnancies without a problem, some speculate that it shouldn’t be used until later in the pregnancy, thinking that there could be a risk of miscarriage. I’ve never found any evidence of it being a problem, but of course, any pregnant woman should consult her own doctor or midwife before taking anything during pregnancy.
This article explains where some of this speculation comes from:
Some medical and popular media make reference to raspberry leaf tea as something to avoid during pregnancy for risk of miscarriage. This notion stems from a study conducted in 1954 where fractions were isolated from Rubus sp. and applied in vitro to the uterine tissues of guinea pigs and frogs. The scientists discovered such things as one fraction acted as a spasmolytic whereas another caused uterine contractions. Herein lies the risk of isolating the parts of a whole. When used as a whole plant, neither action is exacerbated and the herb is deemed safe. If a mother is prone to miscarriages she may feel safer avoiding raspberry until the third trimester. This is an herb with centuries of safe use behind it, there is usually little cause for concern.
To date there is little clinical data on the safety of herbs during pregnancy, but the anecdotal evidence and long history of use in many cultures seems to indicate raspberry leaf is quite safe.
Where to Buy Raspberry Leaf
I order dried raspberry leaf in bulk to make into tea, infusions, or tinctures. We go through a bag pretty quickly since my kids love it too!
Try red raspberry leaf tea as your tasty new nightcap or in your favorite herbal blend. It’s a delicious addition to your herbal remedy cabinet and one I highly recommend in or outside of pregnancy.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first board certified female urogynecologist in the United States. She is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Do you use raspberry leaf? Ready to start? Share below!
Do you happen to have the sources cited by Mountain Rose Herbs? I couldn’t find it from them.
I am 16 weeks and planning on a VBAC. Was wondering if RRL tea was recommended – my only (totally baseless) thought is that it will make my uterus so strong that a rupture is more likely?
I felt comfortable using it but check with a doc!
I had a very successful vbac with my second child, i drank a ton of the rrl tea, and my midwife was amazed i was only in active labor for 6 hours. my first child was an emergency csection so i hadnt even pushed with him. rrl works, my body did most of the pushing by itself, kind of weird…
Thanks for sharing! I’m just 7 weeks and hoping for a VBAC after an emergency C in 2011. I’m also hoping the magnesium and vitamin B will help with my nausea since I had hyperemesis with my first pregnancy.
I recently had a missed miscarriage. I waited four weeks to have it happen naturally, but ended up getting a d&c. Is it recommended to drink after a d&c, while still bleeding? I want to get in the best physical condition for my next pregnancy, but understand this tea is supposed to reduce cramping/bleeding, which maybe I need to do right now? Thanks very much to anyone with insight into this!
It should help your uterus tone and return to normal as it needs to but I’d check with a doc if you have concerns…
Do you know if I could get the same properties if I just infused the herb to my water? For example, I get a glass water bottle infuser, used tap water, added the leaves, and left it for 24 hours? Thanks for your answer!!
Yep 🙂
I saw your post and I just bought a box if bagged raspberry leaf tea to try. I thought it would be easier for on the go to have the bags and make sure I like it. I appreciate the post. We’ve been trying to conceive our 2nd baby for almost a year now and I’m trying herbal remedies before going to a specialist. This tea is the first thing on my list. Thanks!
I’ve been trying to balance my hormones since coming off the pill two years ago. I drink this sparingly. Will upping the amount I drink everyday aid in the balancing of my hormones? I’ve tried Maca root capsules (2/day) for a month but I felt it made me break out in acne on my chin.
I know this is an old post, but I just stumbled across it while googling. I too took Maca Root trying to balance my hormones and it caused me to break out. Did the RRL tea balance your hormones?
I have heard that Red Raspberry Leaf will make you start your menstrual due to balancing. Is this true?
not sure where you heard this… i take it throughout my pregnancy from day 1 to delivery and i’ve never bled a drop. I also take it postpartum and it aids in helping me dry up faster by about 2 weeks. In my experience, it seems to make my uterus more efficient at its current job, be it carrying 3 pregnancies, emptying lochia, or just keeping my cycle regular. I love rrl.
Hello, I just started drinking a pregnancy tea (main ingredient = RRL) 2 days ago. I drank 2 cups the first day and just over 2 cups the second day (thanks to my nephew spilling most of my first cup, lol.). This morning I woke up to my cycle which is 5 days early. My husband and I are ttc and I’ve had irregular cycles in the past (anywhere from 26 days to 33 days, averaging 28) and lately, the last 6 months or so, they have started between 30 and 32 days. Now 2 days of a pregnancy tea and I started on day 26… Not sure if there is other factors but it seems, at least for me so far, to shorten the length. Do you have any updates/did it seem to help?
Hello,
I was pregnant 4 weeks and when yesterday I drank red raspberry tea, my strong bleeding immediately started and now I guess I am not pregnant any more. I can feel it might be the result of the tea. Be careful with raspberry tea!
Similar thing happened to me last year when we were pregnant. I took raspberry leaf tea and within a week miscarried.?Currently 37 weeks with second pregnancy and began again for help with labor. I definitely caution against using this early pregnancy, but later, third trimester, seems ok so far.
I drank it for about 2 weeks and my period, which is always every 26-28 days, started early by almost a week. I stopped drinking it after about 3-4 weeks because it made my stomach hurt. I’m going to try again though and see if my body will get used to it.
I just received my 2lb bag of raspberry leaf today from Mountain Rose Herbs. I tried a cup and loved it! I am currently 16 weeks pregnant – is there a limit to how much should be consumed daily?
Ask your doctor or midwife, but in second trimester I drink a few cups a day usually.
Maybe this is a silly question but do you use a tea strainer or just drink the leaves?
Use a tea strainer 🙂
Will drinking several cups of the tea daily supply enough magnesium, or we still need a supplement?
I know this is a year old post but in case someone stumbles on it like I did, I will say this about the Magnesium..another good natural way to get it and easily absorbed, is a long hot soak in epsom salt. Grandma had it right.=)
Is drinking the raspberry leaf tea throughout the day not going to supply enough magnesium that we still need to supplement?
It will definitely boost your levels, but some people with gut issues (most of us these days) also benefit from the oil for a while too since we don’t absorb it intestinally very well.