The Wonders Of Red Raspberry Leaf
Herbs are gifts from the earth. Each one offers a unique benefit based on its quality, taste, and effect on the body. For women, red raspberry leaves are particularly beneficial because they strengthen, soothe, and nourish the reproductive system.
When taken daily, red raspberry leaves have a special effect on the uterus. Similar to how squats are good for building the thigh muscles, red raspberry leaves help to build the muscle tone of the uterus. The Improved muscle tone of the uterus effectively enhances the uterine contractile function. This contractile function, of the uterine muscle, is needed to sufficiently release menstrual flow. Improved tone, strength, and function of the uterine muscle overtime can ease away painful menstrual cramps. What woman wouldn’t want to be free of menstrual cramps!?
Red raspberry leaves have an astringent taste similar to black tea. The astringent taste has a drying, cooling, and tonifying effect on the body. Specific to the female reproductive system, this works to ease uterine discomforts caused by excessive bleeding, blood clots, and overgrowth tissue like fibroids and endometriosis. Precaution must be taken with over-usage especially when the menstrual flow is already light as the drying and cooling effect can further decrease an already scant flow.
Not only do red raspberry leaves strengthen and soothe menstrual flow by improving the uterine function, but they are also loaded with vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. These vitamins and minerals help to keep a woman's body nourished throughout all stages of her womanhood from pregnancy to menopause.
Yes, I said pregnancy! In fact, I took red raspberry leaf infusions throughout my pregnancy. I truly believe it is what helped me to have an uncomplicated natural home childbirth. Despite some of the miseducation around red raspberry leaves, they do not create contractions. The same way that red raspberry leaves will not suddenly induce menstruation, they also will not spontaneously induce labour. What they do is help make the function of the uterus healthy and productive, so that when it is time to contract, be it for menstruation or childbirth, the uterine muscle is well equipped. I believe that taking red raspberry leaf tea consistently helped my uterus to have effective and productive contractions during my labour which lead to a natural trauma-free home childbirth. You can read more about that here.
Red raspberry leaves support uterine health; however, similar to how exercise is only beneficial when done regularly, the same goes for red raspberry leaves. Regular intake is the best way to ensure its benefits. We must build our relationship with herbs slowly and mindfully and just like any relationship, we must give it time!
I suggest starting a journal to note down what uterine discomforts you feel, how and why you resonate with red raspberry leaves, their taste, smell, etc. Most importantly, document how you feel and the changes you notice. That’s what I did.
No matter which stage of womanhood you are in, red raspberry leaves are Mother Earth’s gift to you. You can finally say goodbye to your female woes and say hello to red raspberry leaves. Trust me, your uterus will thank you!
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:
- 1 Tbsp of dried red raspberry leaves
- 1 cup of boiled water
- Steep for 3-5 minutes
- Strain
- Sweeten, if desired
Enjoy one cup per day for three months.
Give it a try! If you decide to keep a journal, let me know your experience by leaving a comment here.
xo
D
