Red Raspberry Leaf

[Pat Robinson]

Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the
pelvic region, including the uterus itself.

Of special note are the rich concentration 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 phosphorous and potassium.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not,
however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.

~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.

~ Providing a safe and speedy pariuntion. 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.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm


Raspberry leaf is used in pregnancy because of its regulating effect on the hormones and uterus. For Pregnancy it helps the womb to become a
strong and health muscle, which is essential to an easy and
straightforward birth. Raspberry leaf can be safely drunk throughout
ones entire pregnancy.
Drinking it before conception can help fertility. Some books say that
because of its ‘stimulating’ effect on the uterus it should not be drunk
until after the first 12 weeks.

Raspberry is also a hormone balancer, it regulates and cleanses the blood of excess hormones, therefore it is recommended during times of
hormone flux, such as PMS, Pregnancy, and Menopause. Headaches,
moodiness, over active emotions, even painful cramping
, and other symptoms of these ailments can all be caused by an imbalance
of hormones in the body. Drinking Raspberry leaf tea will help to flush
out any excess of hormones in the blood helping to relieve all of these
symptoms.

It is a rich source of iron and is used in cases of an iron poor diet with nettles. It contains high amounts of Niacin, and Manganese. Niacin,
or Vitamin B3, is essential for cell respiration, metabolism, proper
circulation, healthy skin
, nervous system functioning, memory and the normal secretion of bile and
stomach fluids. Manganese is a trace mineral that is used for healthy
connective tissue; bones and cartilage; it is also a factor in energy
metabolism, as well as the absorption of Vitamin C.

Read more at Suite101: Raspberry Leaf for Everyone! http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/shamanic_healing/99966#ixzz0w1C...

Raspberry leaves are among the most pleasant-tasting of all the herbal remedies, with a taste much like black tea, without the caffeine.

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries as a folk medicine to treat canker sores, cold sores, and gingivitis in persons of all ages
and anemia, leg cramps, diarrhea, and morning sickness in pregnant
women, and as a uterine relaxant.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/raspberry_leaf.php

Read more at Suite101: Raspberry Leaf for Everyone! http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/shamanic_healing/99966#ixzz0w1C...