Red Raspberry
If you’ve been in the birth community even for just one hot second, chances are that you’ve heard about red raspberry. And for good reason! It’s pretty much the rockstar of all herbs when it comes to fertility, pregnancy, + postpartum. If you’re not in love with raspberries, don’t rule these powerful leaves out because they taste nothing like the fruit.
Red raspberry leaves are so powerful because they can both relax + tone. While they are prepping your uterus + pelvic muscles for birth by toning them, they are also helping your uterus + pelvic muscles relax (something that is also incredibly helpful in preparing for birth!) Red raspberry leaves can also be helpful for toning the mucus membranes throughout the entire body, soothing the kidneys, + urinary tract, + may also be helpful for curbing diarrhea, + stopping hemorrhage. For this reason, red raspberry is highly beneficial to pregnant + postpartum people.
Some people swear by red raspberry leaves to help quell nausea in pregnancy. Some find that red raspberry helps them to relax. And if you’re planning to breastfeed, red raspberry has been known to help stimulate milk production.
Red raspberry leaves contain important minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, + zinc, which are good for every body, but especially postpartum bodies, who need to be replenished.
Even if you aren’t planning to become pregnant, if you are someone who menstruates, red raspberry can be beneficial. These leaves have been known to prevent painful periods + heavy bleeding. Just plan to drink 1-3 cups a week before + during your period to find relief.
The flavor is very mild + I like to combine it with other teas that I enjoy (particularly peppermint + rose). I offer a lovely mix called Recovery Tea to all the mamas that I work with because it’s not only warming + soothing, but filled with red raspberry, so it aids in settling your uterus after giving birth. I also have some available for purchase + shipping if needed, just contact me!
Red raspberry leaves are best consumed as a warm infusion. If you are pregnant, most medical professionals recommend waiting until your third month, so check with your provider. Aim to drink a cup of tea with red raspberry in it once a day until you are 6 months pregnant, then aim to drink 2-3 cups a day. After birth, drink 2-3 cups a day for at least the first 6 weeks postpartum. You can flavor it with honey (I love it with my rose-infused honey!) + you can even prepare a strong batch of it + enjoy it over ice.
Make sure that you are consuming high quality red raspberry leaves. My favorite is Mountain Rose Herbs!
