Raspberry Leaf
A particularly beneficial herb for women’s needs, the leaves of the raspberry bush are rich in nutrients that aid the process of a healthy pregnancy and our cycles.
Known as a fertility booster for both men and women, red raspberry leaf is one of the more respected herbs in the eyes of midwives and doctors alike. Herbalist and midwife Aviva Romm, MD says that consuming raspberry leaf tea is incredibly useful when prepping a body to go through birth. Overworked pelvic muscles are relaxed to enable effective contractions, making a birth process run smoother and preventing more medical interventions during labor when compared to women who did not drink the prep tea.
Most herbs when brewed in a tea are only moderately effective and therefore safer to incorporate into a pregnancy diet. This said I would recommend avoiding most herbal treatments during the first trimester.
Highly regarded as a potent medicine for menstrual health, red raspberry leaves contain a large amount of an alkaloid called fragarine. Fragarine has been proven to simultaneously tone and relaxes uterine muscles, balancing muscular actions of the uterus. It’s also used as an astringent which can tighten & tone pelvic muscles which can be used to aid any spasms due to cramping.
A fun addition to summer salads while the bushes are still fresh, these leafs can work as an aid against anemia due to the high iron content and could be a wonderful addition to a vegan diet. High amounts of manganese can assist the body’s production of healthy connective tissue and playing an important factor in energy metabolism.
Some measured nutrients from one ounce of brewed, dried red raspberry leaf include: 408 mg calcium, 446 mg potassium, 106 mg magnesium, 3.3 mg iron, and 4 mg manganese.