Red Raspberry Leaf

Wise women and midwives have been recommending red raspberry leaf, Rubus, for fertility and pregnancy for centuries. Not to be confused with the raspberry fruit itself, raspberry leaf (RRL) is a uterine tonic packed with many vital minerals and nutrients. Specifically, RRL is highly concentrated with vitamin C, A and B complex as well as easily assimilated iron and calcium; not to mention minerals - phosphorus and potassium. Essentially, it is a powerhouse herb! It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which tones the muscles of the pelvic region, especially the uterus. In her book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, Susan Weed states that brewed as a tea or infusion,

Rubus is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine /pregnancy tonic herbs.

She goes on to say that drinking a brew of RRL before pregnancy can increase fertility in both men and women! So, if you are struggling with fertility, consider buying some loose leaf red raspberry leaves and creating your own brew to drink daily. Not only will it help to tone the muscles of the uterus, but the many vitamins and minerals will help boost overall health as well! To make a single cup of tea: Take 1 tsp of loose RRL and pour 6 oz of boiling water over. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, strain and press out the leaves to receive all the benefits. If you like a sweet tea, add a bit of honey, stevia or agave nectar. To make an infusion: Place 1/4 cup of the loose leaves in a quart sized jar, pour boiling water over the leaves and allow the infusion to steep for 4-8 hours. Strain the brew, being sure to press the leaves - place back in the jar and refrigerate. Drink iced or reheated throughout the day, sweeten with honey, stevia or agave nectar to taste. Red raspberry leaf does have an earthy flavor - consider adding some peppermint to lighten it up some.