When
I was growing up I spent hours with my mom in the garden and the
kitchen. Growing food, harvesting and preserving jars of tomatoes,
peaches and cucumbers, and lots and lots of weeding! We also scoured the
meadows and forests for wild flowers, herbs, and mushrooms (of course
always on the look out for fairies). I have fond memories of drying
herbs on cookie sheets or paper bags, or on lines strung up in dark
corners of the house. In the summertime she always had a gallon or two
of herbal tea brewing outside in the sun.
My
Mom made a delicious blend of peppermint tea and apple juice that we
all loved, but what stands out most in my memory is the raspberry leaf
tea that was the staple beverage of our house. We weren't milk
drinkers, and my mom chose raspberry leaf tea as our primary source of
easily assimilated calcium, which, along with it's ample supply of
Vitamin C, made this beverage highly nutritious for growing bodies.
When
I reached that long awaited rite of passage of womanhood, my first
menstruation, raspberry leaf increased dramatically in value to me. My
mom taught me to relieve my menstrual cramps and other premenstrual
symptoms with the herb. My mom knew that raspberry leaf tea has been
used widely by herbalists and midwives to tonify the uterus both before,
during and after pregancy. These attributes are due to fragrine, an
alkoaloid that strenthens the musles of the pelvic region, including the
uterus. It's benefits are reported to include reduced miscarriage and
increased fertility.
Susun Weed, a wellknown herbalist, attributes the following benefits to Raspberry leaf:
~
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.
I
recommend doing a bit of your own research before starting any herbal
therapy, but my opinion and that of many others, is that the the vitamin
and mineral content of raspberry leaf is beneficial for any body.
I
usually get my herbs from Sunrise Natural Foods awesome bulk herb
department. It's easy to brew the tea at home. Usually I start with a
quart jar with 2-4 tablespoons of raspberry leaf, add very hot water
to the top, cover, and let it sit anywhere from 1/2 hour to overnight. I
then strain and drink a cup at a time, hot or cold. Lately I have been
loving a blend of raspberry leaf, nettles and red clover, all excellent
herbs for women's health.
