Raspberry Leaf
Rubus idaeus
History: The berry of the raspberry shrub is a well-known item in any grocery store. However, its leaves and roots have been used by Native Americans for centuries as a medicinal remedy, using them as an astringent..
Red Raspberry Leaf contains many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are all vital for the female body and may be lacking from the diet. Even better, the nutrients found in Raspberry Leaf are readily available and easily assimilated by the body- something that can’t always be said for lab-made supplements.
The herb also contains other essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and manganese and Vitamins C, A, E, and B complex. And if that wasn’t good enough, Red Raspberry also has strong antioxidant properties due to the bioactive compounds found in the leaf.
One ounce of Red Raspberry Leaves are packed with 3.3 mg of Iron, which is 18% of the daily recommended amount for women ages 19-50yrs.
The nutrients found in Red Raspberry Leaf can especially help with a healthy and effectively functioning uterus. It provides almost all of the nutrients needed for uterine health, which in turn will help with a healthy pregnancy.
Red Raspberry can also help to both tone and relax muscles in the pelvic region, including the uterus, which can help the uterus to contract more effectively and lead to an easier birth. (1)
These benefits are why Red Raspberry Leaf is a popular choice for herbalists to recommend before, during, and even after pregnancy. It’s beneficial for both the mother’s and the baby’s health.
Relief for PMS and Cramps
Along with supporting women throughout pregnancy, Red Raspberry Leaf benefits also include help and relief for PMS symptoms. The leaf contains a compound called fragarine, which helps to tone muscles in the pelvic area and can help relieve menstrual cramps.
Getting enough calcium can also help with PMS symptoms, since calcium plays a large role in regulating hormones. Elevated levels of hormones can be partly responsible for cramps, irritability, and mood swings, so getting an adequate amount of calcium may relieve some of those symptoms. As noted before, the calcium in Red Raspberry Leaf is easily assimilated, so that means it can actually be absorbed and utilized by the body.
In addition to calcium, Raspberry Leaf also provides the body with iron. Those with heavier menstrual flows will sometimes experience anemia related to their flow, and the iron in Red Raspberry can help to combat this.