Expert Proof That Red Raspberry Tea is Safe Throughout Pregnancy
It’s become fashionable to bicker on the web about the dramatic risks or benefits of drinking red raspberry leaf tea at certain stages of pregnancy. (Namely that if used too early it “might cause a miscarriage!” or should be saved to the end as it can “put you into a strong labor.”) As a midwife who has safely used red raspberry herbals with pregnant and lactating clients for over four decades, I’m rather astounded at the level of incomplete information and fear-mongering that is being promoted as authoritative.
Let’s clear up the confusion!
Species of the raspberry plant (Rubus idaeus var.canadensis, R. strigosus. Red Raspberry) are found around throughout the world, and it grows wild from the Canadian Arctic to Southern California. (1) The berries have long been used as food, and the leaves as medicine. Cultivated and wild species are a bit different, and studies have more often been done with the cultivated form.
These are just some of the expert midwives and herbalists that
Support and document the safety of red raspberry leaf during pregnancy. Contrary to self-proclaimed social media experts, several of these volumes specifically suggest red raspberry as one of the primary herbs to consider if miscarriage threatens in the first trimester!
Red raspberry leaves have astringent properties, which loosely means that it’s action helps to tone relaxed tissue. It’s actions tend to have an affinity for the intestines and uterus. Indications for red raspberry support include respiratory conditions such as colds, flus, and copious nasal discharge; sore throats and strep throat. Weak and queasy stomach conditions often respond well to red raspberry leaf preparations, as does certain intestinal conditions from simple diarrhea to constipation, and even fever and influenza. It’s nourishing support in areas of immune and calming have kept this in my own weekly infusions for decades!
Red Raspberry
Is considered a nourishing plant; a tonic that increases fertility in both men and women. Among herbalist midwives it’s renown for easing morning sickness and protecting against early miscarriage!
With store customers and in my clinical practice over decades, I have regularly seen wonderful results when women use red raspberry leaf preparations throughout their childbearing year, just as the botanical texts outline such as Matthew Woods’ Earthwise Herbal, Volume II; A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants -
Balancing menstrual irregularities
Countering uterine weakness
Preventing miscarriage
Reducing morning sickness
To reduce or eliminate pain and bleeding at birth
Protect normal placenta delivery
Reducing afterbirth pains
Enhancing lactation and milk supply
To get the best results with herbs, it helps to understand that botanical medicine not a healing system that mimics alleopathic (and pharmaceutical medicine), ie. NOT “Take this for this.” In drug store medicine, for instance, the same product would not be both in the isle for female complaints, and the stomach complaints. But herbal action is not necessarily towards a singular symptom or organ, but because of the properties of the herb and nuances of the symptoms. It’s a bigger picture, and worthy of more education through a friendly book* or walk-about with your local community herbalist.
The Botanical Safely Handbook
Is the authority on herbal safety. For Red Raspberry Leaves it notes:
NO contraindictions
NO Precautions
NO Drug or supplement interactions
NO Adverse events or side effects
Herbalist Susun Weed, adds these details to some of the benefits noted above of drinking a Raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy :
Providing a safe and speedy parturition “Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen contractions but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster.
Helping to bring down an undelivered placenta (when combined with Ground Ivy or Angelica)
Assisting in production of plentiful breast milk (though she mentions that it’s astringency may counter that for some women.)
“Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, Rubus is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine/pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry leaf tea throughout pregnancy can be traced to the strengthening power of fragrine or to the nourishing power of the vitamins and minerals found in this plant. Of special note are the rich concentrations of vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E, and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorus and potassium.”
What’s most important
Is that pregnant mamas ask questions until they feel comfortable with their options, that they have support for their choices, and are respected in their decisions.
So what about using red raspberry just at the end of pregnancy? Well, it may indeed help, as it’s action of toning the uterus can be conducive to a more quick and efficient labor. My objection is to the frenetic insistence that this is a dangerous herb, or can ‘make the contractions too strong,’ or somehow can ‘induce labor naturally.’ This is not a drug, and it’s action is toning and nourishing. Healthy uteruses do usually work very efficiently, and second births are not uncommonly shockingly swift (with or without raspberry.) Inducing labor just for postdates and not for unique medical conditions is currently epidemic; red raspberry’s best use is not to try and harass your body into going into labor before it’s ready, just because your medical team is threatening to do it with pitocin. There’s a much bigger issue of lack of informed consent and medical autonomy in these cases.
If someone has suffered repeated miscarriages, I suggest working with an experience herbalist practitioner or midwife to help discern if this herb is for you during the first trimester. It might be, or it may be better used as an herbal ally prior to conception. Also, unfortunately there are early loses sometimes, regardless of what is done or not done, and it’s important to be at peace regarding the herbs or other supplements that are being used.
I’ve supplied information here showing that much of the internet hullabaloo is misplaced. However, under all circumstances, follow your own gut instinct and common sense! I love red raspberry and so has most of my midwifery clients. It’s a great family herbal ally and can be used in many healthful circumstances.
*Friendly herbal books, generally reliable in overall ways, include:
Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care, by Maria Noel Groves
The Earthwise Herbal Series, by Matthew Wood
The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life, by Robin Rose Bennett
Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine, by Rosalee De La Foret & Emily Han
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, by Susun S. Weed (oldie by goodie)