Raspberry Leaf . . . More Than Just A Tea

Raspberries, genus Rubus, have over 200 different varieties and are a member of the rose family. It is a wonderful plant to have in your life and your garden with its bountiful, delicious fruit, but most are unaware of the hidden powerhouse of nutritional compounds found within its leaves, which can support the health of the whole family. Archaeological evidence shows that as far back as Paleolithic times, our ancestors were working with the raspberry plant and although it was valued for its sweet berries, more value was likely placed upon the leaves, which have long been applied in medicinal preparations throughout history to modern day times.

Even ancient Greeks and Romans recognized the inherent value of raspberry leaves, working with them to treat many ailments, including diarrhea, infertility, low backache, poor eyesight and frequent urination (Hummer 2010). While raspberry leaf is commonly applied by women, this is an herb that is valuable to men and children as well, due to its extremely high nutritional content, boasting an array of antioxidants, minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, niacin, magnesium and a number of vitamins including A, B and C.

Although raspberry fruits have their own health benefits, raspberry leaves have been worked with for thousands of years for women's health, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory support, minor wounds and as a blood tonic.

The best time to harvest the leaves are before the canes begin to focus their energy on flowering, resulting in a higher antioxidant content within the leaf. You can infuse either the fresh or dried leaves into boiled water for a tea, or into vinegar for a mouth wash to soothe inflammation and sore throats, it has also been made into tinctures as well as smoking blends. Do not use slightly wilted leaves because the chemical compounds are in the process of change at that point and could potentially inhibit blood clotting, wait until they are fully dried.

RASPBERRY LEAF ACTIONS

Antidiarrheal: Diarrhea alleviator, due to it's high tannin.

Antiemetic: Prevents vomiting during illness with a cold or flu, combining raspberry leaf with ginger is particularly effective for those going through chemotherapy treatments, or for pregnant women in dealing with morning sickness.

Antioxidant: The antioxidant effect of raspberry leaves is found in its tannin and flavonoid compounds, helping to protect cells from damage and neutralizing carcinogens.

Antiseptic: With its antiseptic properties the leaf infusion (tea) can be applied topically to soothe skin rashes, sunburn, eczema, or swished around inside your mouth to alleviate symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease.

Antispasmodic: The concentration of both magnesium and potassium compounds within raspberry leaf provides the antispasmodic action on muscles, offering relief from heavy, painful periods.

Astringent: Causes the tightening and toning of tissues, particularly in the uterus as well as the digestive and urinary systems.

Cardiac Tonic: Studies have shown that the potassium levels in raspberry leaves may help keep blood pressure within a healthy range and reduce the risk of stroke.

Emmenagogue: Stimulates or increases menstrual flow.

Fragrin: This is an alkaloid contained within the leaves and is responsible for increasing blood flow to the uterus, nourishing and relaxing the pelvic region during pregnancy, or during a woman's menstrual cycle.

Galactagogue: Promotes or increases the flow of breast milk through its nutrient and general reproductive support.

Refrigerant: This provides the cooling action in raspberry leaves, serving to dispel or reduce a fever.

Some of the nutrient content found in one raspberry leaf:

• 408 mg calcium

• 446 mg potassium

• 106 mg magnesium

• 3.3 mg iron

• 4 mg manganese

Raspberry leaves are a rich source of iron and are very useful in cases of anemia, especially when combined with nettle to help with depleted energy. Rosemary Gladstar suggests that the high amounts of manganese in raspberry leaf may also be “used by the body to produce healthy connective tissue, such as bone matrix and cartilage, and [as] an important factor in energy metabolism” (Gladstar, 2001).

RECIPES

Tea

Use a ratio of 1 tbsp of raspberry leaf to 1 cup of boiling water.

• Pour boiling water over the leaves and cover, steep for 10-15 minutes.

• Strain the tea and if desired add honey to taste.

• For a larger amount (1 quart), use 4 cups of boiling water and 4 tbsp of raspberry leaf, after straining place in the fridge and when ready to drink add honey and lemon for an alternative flavour.

Mouth Wash

Use for inflammation in the mouth, such as canker sores and sore throat etc.

1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar (recipe below) to 1/2 cup warm water.

• Place dried raspberry leaves into a glass jar, just until three quarters full.

• Cover with apple cider vinegar and fill to the top of the jar.

• Seal with a non-corrosive (plastic) lid, or place parchment paper on the jar if using a metal lid and label with the date. Store in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking every couple of days.

• Strain the vinegar through a cheesecloth to remove all plant matter.

• Store the infused vinegar in a clean jar for 5-6 months.

Raspberry Orange Lemonade

1 quart of raspberry leaf infusion (from above tea recipe) ⅓ to ½ cup of honey depending on how tart you like your lemonade ½ cup of lemon juice ½ cup of orange juice 2 cups of water, optional

• Mix the honey into the infusion while it is still warm to help the honey melt.

• Next add your honey/raspberry leaf infusion blend to the lemon and orange juice.

• Stir well and taste. If the blend is too strong for you, add some water.

• You can also add more honey if the lemonade is too sour for you! Simply heat a small amount of water to hot and dissolve the honey in the water before adding to your lemonade.