Considered one of the safest and most beneficial herbs to use during pregnancy, raspberry leaf has long been recommended as a tonic for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The raspberry leaf is loaded with vitamins and minerals and contains tannins, which are known for reducing inflammation. Additionally, raspberry leaf contains fragrine, an alkaloid which is thought to give tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus.
Nutrition of Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals essential for human growth and health. These include vitamins A, B, C and E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.
Raspberry Leaf and Fertility
Herbalists usually recommend raspberry leaf be combined with red clover or false unicorn for the best results for enhancing fertility in both men and women. A tea of this combination can help the fertilized egg to implant in the uterine lining and stay attached. The vitamins and minerals in raspberry leaf can help improve overall health, muscle tone, and is generally safe to use through pregnancy, although its use should be discussed thoroughly with a trained health care provider before use.
Other Uses
One of the biggest fears any expectant couple can have is of miscarriage. Raspberry leaf helps prevent miscarriage by relaxing and toning the uterine muscles and aiding in implantation of the embryo. This herb can also help prevent hemorrhage, eases morning sickness, and can aid in reducing pain during labor and after birth. Additionally, a tonic of raspberry leaf can enrich breast milk and stimulate production.
Recommended Dosages
There have been no large documented studies done to date on raspberry leaf, although the herb has been in use by herbalists for centuries. Therefore, there is no standard dosage. Raspberry leaf can be taken by capsule, tea or tincture, but a health care provider knowledgeable in alternative herbal medicine should be consulted for the right dosage on a case-by-case basis. Although generally thought to be safe through the entire pregnancy, some experts recommend raspberry leaf to be administered only after the 32nd week of pregnancy to prepare the uterus for labor. However, for fertility purposes two to three cups of tea can be consumed per day with no known side effects by both men and women.
Because of the nutrient value of raspberry leaf, both men and women can benefit from its use, especially couples struggling with fertility issues. Because of the tannins it contains, raspberry leaf can reduce inflammation and enhance pelvic muscle tone. As always, a trained health care provider should be consulted before implementing the use of this herb for fertility issues.
