Rubus idaeus
| Red raspberry Rubus idaeus |
Red raspberry - Rubus idaeus (in the Rosaceae or Rose family)
Part used: Leaf.
Taste/smell: Bitter, aromatic, astringent.
Tendencies: Cooling.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 tablespoon per cup of water; or 1:4 dry strength liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Use: (a) Mild, soothing astringent, (b) Preparatory parturient, (c) Uterine tonic, (d) Improves uterine tone and blood supply.
Red raspberry is often used during pregnancy. A strong tea can be made into ice cubes and given as ice chips to the women during labor. It will help prevent post-partum hemorrhage. It is used to improve digestion. This herb is also useful in passive uterine hemorrhage, menorrhagia and symptoms of diarrhea.
Contraindications: Although this herb is commonly used in pregnancy, Dr. Francis Brinker says in his book Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions that it is contraindicated where there is a history of precipitate labors. He also claims it has antigonadotropic activity.