red raspberry leaf

In prepping for this pregnancy there have been many things I have looked into that have defied convention but after further research they have been things I am comfortable doing with my body that I hope will eventually benefit baby. One of them is red raspberry leaf.

The herbalist I trust at my local apothecary has said red raspberry leaf is good in teas for all three trimesters of pregnancy. Yet I said no way for my first trimester and did a tea of nettles and fennel instead. Herbs affect different people in different ways and one popular idea about red raspberry is that it can contribute to miscarriages by relaxing the uterus too much which affects implantation (this notion is cautioned more if you have a history of miscarriage). However it is in a lot of pregnancy tea blends because it is thought to strengthen the uterus and add to its pliability while reducing constipation and easing contractions towards the end of pregnancy. Hmmm, conflicting ideas.

With these conflicts I decided to hold off until today when at 17 weeks I returned to the apothecary to pick up 2 oz. I wanted to be at a point where the baby is firmly implanted and the placenta is strong enough to be an organ that even creates its own hormone cocktail. The ultra-conservative approach would be to use it from week 36 onward when a baby is already considered full-term. The ultimate conservative approach would be not to go near this herb at all.

So here is some 411 on this herb. It is in the rose family which is well known for Vitamin C. It contains the alkaloid fragrine which is known for its toning properties. It has astrigent properties so cleanses and needs to be used with caution if taking medications, but can be used to clean the skin or as a mouthwash. And it does not taste like ass.

In pregnancy steep one cup of hot water over 2 tsp. for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup/day in first tri, 1-2 cups/day in second tri, 2+ cups/day in third tri. I will be drinking 1 cup/day in my second tri.

For your own research do an internet search of “red raspberry leaf and pregnancy” and go with the sources you most trust.

****With all herbs contact your healthcare provider before you begin taking them. Your OB or midwife may have other precautions or suggestions. Don’t blindly follow interwebs advice 🙂