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Red Raspberry Leaves
Red Raspberry Leaves refer to the leaves of the raspberry plant, which is also
known by its botanical name Rubus idaeus, which has been used in herbal medical
treatments for centuries. Also known as Gauriphal, Reapberry, and Wild Red Raspberry;
Red Raspberry is native to Europe, North America, and the North-West parts of
India, but is cultivated throughout the world. Known for centuries as a “women’s
herb,” Red Raspberry Leaves are used in a variety of herbal treatments for a
number of different medical conditions.
The raspberry plant is a member of the rose family and is a deciduous, perennial
shrub. Growing to heights of six feet, the raspberry plant produces woody stems
that contain thorns. The raspberry plant produces leaves that are composed of
three to seven leaflets. The leaves are colored pale green. The raspberry plant
also produces flowers that are white which eventually grow into red or black
juicy fruits. Although the raspberry fruit is the most used byproduct of the
raspberry plant, it is its leaves that predominantly contain the plant’s medicinal
properties.
The raspberry plant has been used for centuries in a variety of herbal remedies.
Native American tribes such as the Chippewa and Omaha used raspberry roots as
a treatment to dysentery and diarrhea. The Appalachia used the roots as a treatment
to hemorrhaging or hemophilia. Additionally, the leaves were used externally
to treat bee stings. Around the same time, raspberry was used in European herbal
medicine for a variety of conditions. In 1735, the Irish herbalist, K’Eogh recommended
the use of raspberry flowers and honey in the treatment of boils, eye inflammation,
and fevers. Additionally, herbalists recommended the use of raspberry leaves
as a treatment to diarrhea and in speeding the process of childbirth. Raspberry
leaves were also considered a remedy for women with excessive menstrual flow
and also as a ‘partus prepartor,’ which is an agent used to prevent complications
during pregnancy.
Red Raspberry Leaves are widely believed to produce: alterative, anti-emetic,
astringent, hemostatic, parturient, purgative, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic
actions within the body. Its leaves have a high concentration of Vitamin C and
tannins which produces Red Raspberry Leaves’ astringent actions. Consequently,
Red Raspberry Leaves is a useful remedy in treating diarrhea, wounds, sore throats,
and mouth ulcers. Red Raspberry Leaves can also be used in the treatment of
dysentery, upset stomach, edemas, lung congestion caused by colds or flu, cholera,
and passive hemorrhage from the stomach. Red Raspberry Leaves have also been
traditionally used as an herbal remedy for women as a support to the reproductive
system. It is used during the last six to eight weeks of pregnancy as a way
to strengthen the uterus, prevent miscarriage, and relieve morning sickness.
It is used during labour as a way to stimulate labour. However, contemporary
medical studies have yet to confirm Red Raspberry Leave’s effect on pregnancy
and it is recommended not to use the herb during pregnancy.
Red Raspberry Leaves are traditionally used as a tea where 5 to 10 grams of
the herb is boiled in 250 ml of water for 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended
that daily intake of this tea not exceed 1500 ml per day. Red Raspberry Leaves
can also be produced as a tincture, in which the recommended dosage is 4 to
8 ml taken three times per day. Although Red Raspberry Leaves are not associated
with any significant side effects, it may promote constipation and nausea.
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