Botanical Names
Black Raspberry Leaf
- Family Rosaceae
- Rubus idaeus
- Rubus occidentalis
- Rubus strigosus
Common Names
Cautions
- Avoid high doses of the leaves during pregnancy as they can stimulate the uterus.
Description
A member of the rose family, the raspberry is a deciduous perennial shrub, growing to six feet, producing woody stems with thorns. The pale green leaves are composed of three to seven leaflets. The flowers are white and turn into red or black, juicy fruits. Native to Europe, the plant can be quite invasive in some places, growing wild in woods, thickets, and pastures, on hillsides and roadsides, and often in dry, rocky sites. It is commonly cultivated in many temperate regions. The leaves are collected in early summer, while the fruits are gathered when ripe, also in summer.
Key Actions
(a) Leaves
- astringent
- digestive remedy
- preparative for childbirth
- stimulant
- tonic
(b) Fruit
- diuretic
- diaphoretic
- cleanser
- laxative
Key Components
(a) Leaves
- fragarine
- tannins (gallic and ellagic acids)
- polypeptides
- flavonoids
- vitamins (A, B, C)
- minerals (iron, manganese, magnesium, selenium)
(b) Fruit
- vitamins A, B, C, E
- sugars
- minerals
- volatile oil
Medicinal Parts
- Leaves, fruit, root
- The leaves contain higher levels of vitamin C than do the fruits.
- Aqueous extracts of the leaves contain a smooth muscle stimulant, an anticholinesterase, and a spasmolytic.
- The tannins and flavonoids are astringent.
- Fragarine is a uterine tonic.
Traditional Uses
Raspberry leaf tea is taken during the last six to eight weeks of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth to strengthen the uterus, prevent miscarriage, and relieve morning sickness. During the final months, it is used to prepare the uterus for delivery and reduce labor pains. During labor, warm tea is taken to stimulate labor. Although the exact mode of its action is not known, the leaves are thought to strengthen the longitudinal muscles of the uterus, increasing the force of contractions and thereby hastening the birth.
Although generally considered to be a “female” herb, it is also used to treat men and children for such conditions as diarrhea, stomach upsets, edema, and lung congestion caused by colds or the flu.
Having astringent action, infusions of the leaves are useful in treating diarrhea, as a wash for wounds, and as mouthwashes for sore throats, and mouth ulcers. Eye washes are good for conjunctivitis. Tinctures are more astringent and are diluted to be used on wounds and inflammations. Lotions can be made from the tinctures for similar use.
The leaves are included in rheumatic remedies as a cleansing diuretic.
In France, the leaves are regarded as a tonic for the prostate gland.
The berries have traditionally been taken for indigestion and rheumatism
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