Latin name: Rubus idaeus
Common name (s): Garden Raspberry, Raspberry, Red Raspberry
Red Raspberry is great for pregnant mothers because it helps to build tissue to the extent in which it prevents the tearing of the cervix of the uterus during labor and childbirth. It reduces false labor pains during labor and regulates the contraction of the muscles in the uterus during childbirth. It also prevents hemorrhaging during and after childbirth.
Red Raspberry was used by the American Indians for dissolving tartar build-up on the teeth. They also used it in the form of an infusion which they applied to sore eyes for healing them. Red Raspberry leaves have been used for centuries to cure morning sickness according to ‘Tropical Fruits’ by A.L. Pitanen.
Red Raspberry is a deciduous shrub with pinnate leaves that grow from bristle stems. The leaves have a wooly white underside to them and are divided in to three to seven ovate toothed leaflets. In the summer it blooms white flowers in drooping clusters which are followed by juicy red fruits. Red Raspberry is a astringent toning herb that is great for the toning of the uterine muscles during pregnancy.
Herbal tea made of Red Raspberry Leaves enriches and increases milk for lactation in pregnant and nursing mothers. It also remedies nausea and diarrhea. It works great in calming an upset stomach. It is excellent for the treatment of dysentery especially in small children and infants.
Red Raspberry is an alterative, anti-abortive, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, cardiac, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, laxative, oxytocic, parturient, refrigerant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The parts of the plant that are used in herbal healing are the leaves and fruits.
The fruits can be cooked, eaten raw or made in to compote, jam, jelly, juice, liqueur, syrup and wine. The leaves are used in the making of herbal tea. Raspberry is used in the flavoring of candy, drinks, food and medicines. Red Raspberry is excellent for cleaning and healing mouth ulcers and tonsillitis.
Red Raspberry can be used to treat any of the following:
After birth pains, bowel problems, breast feeding discomfort, bronchitis, canker sores, childbirth pain, cholera, colds, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diabetes, diarrhea, digestive problems and disorders, dysentery, eye problems, female organ problems, fevers, flu, gas, heart problems, hemorrhoids, indigestion, labor pains, leucorrhea, low lactation, measles, menstrual irregularities, miscarriage, morning sickness, mouth sores and ulcers, mucous membranes, nausea, nervous condition and disorders, pregnancy, prostate gland disorders and problems, rheumatism, sore throat, stomach, strengthening uterus, teething, tonsillitis, ulcers, urinary problems, vomiting and wounds.