Raspberry leaves: benefits and contraindications during pregnancy, how to brew and take?

The healing properties of raspberries have long been known, and raspberry jam is the best home remedy for colds. But the berries aren't the only ones that can be used for treatment—the plant's branches and leaves are also beneficial. In alternative medicine, there are many recipes based on raspberry leaves, as their list of beneficial properties is quite extensive, and their contraindications are few.

Raspberry leaf treatment is most often used by women, as this plant can help with many women's problems. However, during pregnancy, drinking this herbal tea or infusion without consulting a doctor is not recommended, as it can be harmful. Also, avoid drinking leaf infusions if you have allergies, stomach problems, kidney problems, or metabolic problems.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of raspberry leaves

Raspberry leaves have a complex and rich composition. The main components are:

• vitamins A (carotene), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol), K (menaquinone);
• B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide) and B9 (folic acid);
• flavonoid compounds – kaempferol, quercetin and cyanidin;
• mineral composition – iron and magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, iodine and zinc;
• tannins and essential oil compounds;
• acids of organic origin;
• amino acid composition;
• plant fiber;
• salicylates.

Due to its composition, the leaves have the following effects on the human body:

• diaphoretic with antipyretic effect, which helps reduce the symptoms of hyperthermic syndrome during colds and flu;
• expectorant, anti-inflammatory;
• antitoxic – helps cleanse the body of toxic elements and waste;
• astringent – ​​used for pathologies in the digestive organs;
• immunostimulating – activates the immune system and “turns on” all the protective functions of the human body;
• The hemostatic property promotes the healing of bleeding wounds and stops bleeding.

The healing properties of raspberry leaf drink for the digestive system:

• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal system;
• improves intestinal microflora;
• used in the treatment of enteritis of various etiologies, gastritis and colitis.

Effects on the circulatory system and myocardium:

• dilates blood vessels;
• reduces low molecular weight cholesterol in the blood;
• lowers the blood pressure index;
• stimulates the activity of the heart muscle;
• restores heart rhythm;
• prevents intravascular thrombosis.

Stimulates the functioning of the central nervous system:

• reduces the negative impact of stressful situations on nerve fibers;
• reduces overexcitation of the nervous system;
• normalizes sleep rhythm, prevents the development of insomnia;
• increases the body's tone and prevents the development of depression.

The main contraindications and harm to the body from raspberry leaves

You should not take raspberry decoctions if:

• nephritis and stones in the kidneys and bladder;
• gouty disease due to the high content of oxalates in the leaves, which can aggravate the course of the pathology;
• combined therapy with anticoagulants and aspirin - may provoke bleeding due to an overdose of salicylates;
• ulcerative lesions in the digestive organs and gastritis in the acute stage;
• chronic bowel movements – diarrhea or constipation;
• allergic reaction to the components of this plant.

Despite its numerous medicinal properties, there are some contraindications for women:

• Due to increased tone of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus, it is prohibited to consume raspberry drinks before the 36th week of pregnancy, so as not to provoke a miscarriage;
• during lactation – to avoid the development of allergies in the newborn.

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Features of the use of raspberry leaves for women

Raspberry leaves have a wide range of effects on the female body. Products containing them include:

• reduce pain during menstruation and prevent heavy discharge;
• used in the treatment of gynecological pathologies and during menopause;
• normalize the functioning of the reproductive organs in the last stages of pregnancy.

During menopause

To relieve severe menopause symptoms and reduce the intensity of hot flashes, prepare the following decoction:

• 1 tsp leaves + 200 ml water;
• Bring the liquid to a boil, but do not boil;
• Let it brew for 20-25 minutes.

To relieve tension and depression during menopause, prepare a soothing herbal tea. Take all ingredients in equal amounts:

• hawthorn inflorescences;
• chamomile and St. John's wort;
• raspberry leaves.

Grind the ingredients and mix well. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 200 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 20 minutes. Drink the tea in small sips.

In early pregnancy

Almost all pregnant women experience morning sickness symptoms in early pregnancy, including morning sickness that leads to vomiting. Many take raspberry leaf teas, but this herbal remedy is unsafe during this period.

Raspberries stimulate the female reproductive system and promote conception, but in the first trimester of pregnancy, they can be harmful and may even cause miscarriages. Therefore, to avoid premature termination of pregnancy, avoid raspberry infusions and teas during the first two trimesters.

Before childbirth

A raspberry leaf-based drink strengthens the smooth muscles of the vagina and uterus, making them more elastic, which helps the baby pass quickly through the birth canal and reduces the risk of internal ruptures during childbirth.

The leaves contain the alkaloid compound fragrine, which can induce "practice contractions" in late pregnancy. These contractions, which occur during the last two weeks of pregnancy, prepare the body for labor. If a woman doesn't experience these symptoms, drinking raspberry tea is recommended.

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A diagram of the use of concentrated drinks from raspberry leaves for pregnant women in the last stages of pregnancy:

• You can start using the leaf from the 34th week - add 1-2 pieces to regular, not hot tea;
• at 36 weeks you can drink the decoction, but only in a slightly warmed form and no more than 150-200 ml per day;
• At 37 weeks, the dosage can be increased to 300-400 ml per day. The drink should be slightly warm;
• You can consume up to 600 ml of the warm drink per day from the 38th week;
• 600-800 ml of warm drink is allowed to be consumed at 39 weeks;
• At 40 weeks, you can drink 600-800 ml of tea, heated to 45 degrees.

How to brew and take raspberry leaves

When choosing a method for brewing raspberry leaves, you should consider the goals of such therapy, but there are also universal methods for preparing useful remedies.

Universal recipes

There are several methods for making healing drinks:

• Raspberry infusion – 2 tablespoons dried leaves + 500 ml boiling water. Infuse in a tightly sealed container or thermos for 3-4 hours. After infusing, filter the liquid and store in the refrigerator. Use as directed by your doctor. Warm the required volume of infusion before use.
• Raspberry infusion: Add 25 g of crushed leaves to 500 ml of water and simmer over very low heat for 7-10 minutes. After the infusion has cooled, filter it and store in the refrigerator. The dosage and treatment regimen will be prescribed by a doctor.

  

• This refreshing, non-concentrated tea can be taken daily as part of a preventative measure against seasonal respiratory illnesses. The recipe is to combine 1 teaspoon of leaves with 1 teaspoon of any tea (preferably green) and pour 400 ml of boiled water over it. Let it steep for no longer than 10 minutes, and then drink. Sugar and organic honey can be added to the tea.

From pressure

For hypertension, it is recommended to brew the leaves and drink them throughout the day as tea. Add 5 fresh or dried leaves to 200 ml of boiling water, steep for 30 minutes, and drink with 1 teaspoon of honey.

At temperature

To relieve the symptoms of hyperthermia caused by viruses or infections, use this leaf infusion: 1 tablespoon of chopped leaves + 200 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 20-30 minutes and strain. Drink 70 ml three times daily, 15-20 minutes before meals.

For cough

To treat unproductive coughs and improve mucus removal, use a mixture of raspberry leaves and twigs. Chop the leaves and steep them in boiling water at a ratio of 1:10. You can also add cranberries, rose hips, or viburnum to the mixture. This will enhance the effectiveness of the drink. Let the mixture steep for 30-40 minutes and then strain. Drink 100-150 ml warm three to four times daily. You can add 1 teaspoon of natural honey to the infusion.

You can also drink an infusion of raspberry leaves and mint for a cough. Take equal parts of each ingredient—20 grams each—and pour 200 ml of boiling water over the mixture. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. After filtering, add organic honey to the tea. You can drink this infusion two to three times a day, but be sure to drink it 30 minutes before bed.

For male potency

The "Male Power" drink not only enhances male potency but also improves sperm quality, increasing the number of active sperm. For the infusion, you'll need the following herbal ingredients:

• 2 tbsp tea;
• 1 tbsp mint;
• 1 teaspoon chamomile;
• 1 tsp raspberry leaves.

Vitamin drink

The vitamin drink is prepared from a collection of medicinal plants:

• 3 tsp green tea;
• 1 teaspoon each of currant and raspberry leaves.

Combine all ingredients in a finely chopped form and add 250 ml of boiling water. Let steep for 5 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of fresh or frozen raspberries and 250 ml of boiling water.

For colds

To treat colds, use raspberry leaves and flowers. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and let steep in a thermos for 6 hours. After filtering, you can add 1-2 lemon slices and organic honey.

To strengthen the immune system during the onset of seasonal colds and to prevent vitamin deficiency, drink a tea made from raspberry leaves and rose hips, brewed in equal parts: 1 tablespoon of the mixture per 250 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for 2 hours and drink 70-80 ml three times daily.

To treat colds in children over 6-8 months, pour 200 ml of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves or berries and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Give children 50 ml 4-5 times daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions patients ask are whether raspberry leaves boost immunity and whether this tea can be given to children, and from what age:

Raspberry leaf is an effective herbal remedy for treating various conditions. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine, including in infusions. Different parts of the raspberry bush can be combined in a single infusion, or the mixture can be supplemented with other medicinal plants.