Topically, raspberry leaf can be used as a mouthwash to treat canker sores, gingivitis, sore throat, and tonsillitis; as a douche to treat leukorrhea or organ prolapse; as an eyewash to reduce discharge and inflammation in the eyes; or in lotions, toners, or masks to tone and soothe oily or inflamed skin.
Botanical Name
Rubus idaeus
Part Used
Leaf
Common Names
European wild raspberry, Ahududu, American Red Raspberry, bramble of Mount Ida, hindberry, raspbis; Common Red Raspberry, Framboises, Frambosia, Frambueso, Red Raspberry, Wild Raspberry, hindberry, raspbis; Framboisier (French);
Brief History
Wild raspberries have been picked and eaten since prehistoric times. According to Dioscorides, the raspberry originated at Mount Ida, in Crete, from which it got its names “Mount Ida bramble” and idaeus.
In 1735, the Irish herbalist K’Eogh described uses for raspberry flowers and fruit: “An application of the flowers bruised with honey is beneficial for inflammations of the eyes, burning fever and boils…The fruit is good for the heart and diseases of the mouth.”
Raspberry leaves have also been taken for centuries, often in the form of a tea, to help speed childbirth. Native Americans used the shrub as an astringent, making an infusion, or tea, of the root bark, which they applied to sore eyes.
Cultivation
Raspberry bushes are easy to cultivate. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade and require moderate amounts of water.
Constituents
Edible
Therapeutic Properties
Astringent, tonic, parturient
Vitalist Properties
Flavour: bitter
Temperature: neutral
Moisture: dry
Polarity: yin
Therapeutic Indications
Anemia, diarrhea (even in infants), dysentery, dysmenorrhea, hemorrhage, herpes, incontinence, infertility, laryngitis, muscle cramps, miscarriage (threat of), menorrhagia, morning sickness, mumps, nausea, overactive bladder, ovulation difficulty, prolapse of the uterus or anus, rheumatism, sore throat, stomachache, thrush, and weak vision.
Primary Use
Pregnancy, Childbirth
The leaf tea is traditionally drunk by expectant mothers during the last three months of pregnancy to strengthen the uterus and to ease painful contractions during labor as well as checking any hemorrhage. This action will occur if the herb is drunk regularly throughout pregnancy and also taken during labor. Although the specific mode of action is unknown, the leaves are thought to strengthen the longitudinal muscles of the uterus, increasing the force of contractions and thereby hastening childbirth.
Dosage (Divided Daily)
• Dried Leaf: 4,000 – 8,000mg (as a tea)
• Tincture: 5 – 15mL (1:2)
Contraindications
None known
Side effects
None known
Interactions with other drugs
None known
Bibliography
Balch, Phyllis A. and Stacey J. Bell. Prescription for Herbal Healing. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Avery, 2012.
Bone, Kerry. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs : Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone, 2003
British Herbal Medicine Association. Scientific Committee. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Consolidated ed. West Yorkshire: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
Herbalpedia 2013 (CD-ROM)
Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism : The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine : The Ultimate Multidisciplinary Reference to the Amazing Realm of Healing Plants, in a Quick-Study, One-Stop Guide. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub., 2007.
Ulbricht, Catherine E. and Natural Standard (Firm). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide : An Evidence-Based Reference. 1st ed. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Elsevier/Mosby, 2010.
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