Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry leaf is the leaf of the raspberry fruit and it is well known and commonly used during healthy pregnancies as well as an aid in women’s reproductive health.
Raspberry leaf is scientifically documented to contain high levels of:
Magnesium
Potassium
Iron
b-vitamin complex
Vitamin C
Tannins
The high levels of these minerals and vitamins make it a popular choice as a tea to treat a variety of symptoms related to hormonal changes in women.
Raspberry leaf readily grows in rural as well as urban areas, as a matter of fact its pretty much guaranteed that if you left your house today to go for a walk anywhere in Canada you walked by a raspberry bush.
Though the fruit is delicious the leaf is what is used as medicine in tea form. Raspberry leaf is very high in tannins which is astringent making it useful both internally and externally.
Why is Raspberry Leaf considered the “Woman’s Medicine’?
The combination of nutrients in it make it a very useful medicine during pregnancy as well as during menopause and during the menstrual cycle by toning the uterus and strengthening the pelvic muscles which in turn helps with pregnancy and delivery as well in the alleviation of menstrual cramps.
What do we use it for?
As a tea Raspberry Leaf is used to treat the following:
Nausea
Leg cramps
Uterine cramps
To shorten the length of labour and delivery
PMS
Endometriosis
As a tincture OR tea it can be used externally to treat:
Sunburn
Eczema
Skin rashes
And as a mouthwash to treat:
Gingivitis/gum disease
Canker sores
NOW is the time to harvest the leaf, and lay to dry in a dark dry place then by storing in a glass container to be used later.
To make the tea pour boiled water over 1 tablespoon of dried leaf or 3 to 4 fresh leaves, steep for at least 5 minutes and drink. You can also steep a large jug and kep in the fridge to drink as iced tea sweetened with honey, delicious!
No need to go out and BUY this tea, go outside for a walk and pick your own it’ll feel good!
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a pregnant woman please consult your health care professional (midwife/doctor) before drinking this tea.
Part 1: http://www.alternavox.net/20141/plantain-plantago-major-summer-medicine-harvesting-part-1/