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Red Raspberry Leaf: Improving your period

May 12, 2022

Red Raspberry leaf is a one of the primary tonics that support fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy. 

Latin name Rubus idaeus, Red Raspberry leaf is a great herb to talk about as the summer rolls around because it is a cooling and astringent herb that supports balance during what is the HOTTEST time of the year.

The same plant as the beloved red raspberry fruit, this plant medicine was actually the first herb that I ever used for medicinal purposes to restore consistency to my menstrual cycle after using hormonal birth control. 

As a plant medicine, it is a slightly sweet, slight cooling and astringent tonic herb. 

It is a great herb to start with if you are just getting into herbalism because it works quickly and is a primary example of how the most simple wellness practices are the most sustainable and valuable. 

 

Hold up! Are you an auditory learner? Feel free to LISTEN to this article in podcast format ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

 

PRIMARY USES

 

Red raspberry is considered a menstrual regulator and fertility enhancer. It is a rich source of iron, niacin, manganese, and it supports healthy connective tissue and metabolism all over the body.

As a slight astringent, it can tone lax tissue and reduce excess moisture. As a tea it doesn’t have an overly drying effect like nettle, which is anti-histamine and arrives fairly neutrally in the body. 

According to Deb Soule, founder of Avena Botanicals, in her book Roots of Healing, the affinity for the pelvic organs and muscles are due to it’s high fragrine content. She says that is makes an excellent uterine tonic for all people with a uterus, regardless of whether or not they are interested in bearing children, although we most often hear about this herb in relation to menstruation and pregnancy.

Deb Soule also says that red raspberry leaf is a valuable tonic to

      • ease premenstraul discomfort

      • Restore hormonal balance

      • Tone the uterus

      • reduce and in some cases eliminate menstrual cramps

      • support hormonal balance in women during and after birth, miscarriage, abortion, throughout menopause, and after a hysterectomy or surgery in the pelvic area in general

      • Heal from sexual abuse

      • support someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one who is connected to the womb such as a mother, grandmother, child, or lover (including losses that are recent or old)

 

USING RED RASPBERRY LEAF

 

While the nourishing quality of this herb is most potent as a daily infusion, it’s fertility enhancing and regulating effects come out quite well in tincture form. 

When working with red raspberry leaf as a tea, I suggest keeping it at a 20-30 minute brew to avoid the overly astringent quality of the beverage which can be unpleasant. 

I really enjoy this tea plain, but if you are brand new to drinking herbal tea, one of my preferred ways to drink it is as a tulsi rose red raspberry latte. 

TULSI ROSE RED RASPBERRY LATTE

 

1 tsp holy basil leaf

1 tsp red raspberry leaf

1 pinch rose petals

Steep for 20 minutes

Add milk and sweetener of choice and top with a pinch of cinnamon. 

 

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Incorporating red raspberry leaf into my monthly routine every few days, a few times a week has a noticeable effect on my ability to intuit my deeper needs and be more connected to the health of my cycle.

It also demonstrates a regulating effect on my overall cycle and supports less emotional and erratic fluctuations during my luteal phase, which is the premenstrual phase often associated with mood swings, cramping, PMS symptoms in general.

I also notice a significant reduction of breast tenderness, heavy cramping, lethargy, and general grumpiness in the 3-4 days around my actual bleeding time. 

BEST USES

 

If you are dealing with significant symptoms of menstrual irregularities, drink this tea everyday. A few cups a day will be really helpful and you should notice some change within the first 1-2 cycles. 

As with any herb, it may not be the complete transformation you are looking for within the first cycle but there should be significant improvement which will let you know you are on the right track. 

 

 

Would you rather LISTEN to this article? Check out the Herbs + Ease Podcast for a more robust educational experience!

 

 

Kristen Prosen