Have
you ever picked up a fruit or vegetable in the grocery store and
wondered what the rest of the plant looks like? Or how about if the
rest of the plant is edible or useful in some way? I do this quite
frequently, though I'll admit that I'm strange. When I remember
these questions and do a bit of research, I often wonder why we never
use the rest of the plant. For instance, each and every part of a
banana tree is edible, beet greens are every bit as nutritious as
spinach, carrot leaves are super tasty, and raspberry leaves are one
of the best things a woman can add into her diet.
Raspberries
are members of the rose family, rosacea.
There are two commonly used for their leaves, Eurasian red raspberry
(rubus
idaeus)
and North American black raspberry (rubus
occidentalis).
There have been a number of scientific studies done on this herb.
Most American studies have used red raspberry, but a number of
Chinese studies have branched out and used several different
raspberry species. Most of the findings have determined that the
berries are delicious and packed full of nutrients and antioxidants,
but the leaves contain even more of the active phytochemicals,
and so have even more benefits.
Medicinal Uses:
Summary
of actions-
Astringent, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue,
and a slight stimulant.
Traditional
Chinese Medicine- In
Chinese medicine, raspberry is called Fu Pen Zi or Shan Mei. The
primary meridians it works on are the Liver and Kidney meridians. In
TCM, the Kidneys rule reproduction, especially in women. This makes
a huge amount of sense when you think about how the Kidneys filter
our blood, and how blood is such an integral part of the female
reproductive cycle. However that leads to raspberry's main uses in
TCM. Raspberry stabilizes and tonifies the kidneys, supports Jing,
builds both Kidney and Liver Qi, and is typically used for impotence,
bed wetting, frequent urination, premature ejaculation, incontinence,
to improve eyesight, clear blurred vision, for lower back pain
(around the area of the kidneys), infertility, nocturnal emissions,
and to stop premature graying.
Highly
Nutritious-
The berries are known to be extremely nutritious. However the leaves
are even more so. They contain huge amounts of Vitamins A, B1, B2,
B3, C, and E, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese,
niacin, and selenium.
Anti-cancer
Activity- Several
studies have shown that raspberry leaf has major anti-cancer
potential in both breast and liver cancers. These same studies show
that the leaves are much more potent than the berries.
Pregnancy
and Labor-
Raspberry is a great help in dealing with morning sickness. Some
people attribute this to it's astringent nature, and others attribute
this to the high amounts of vitamins and minerals. Either way, it
works.
Some
midwives and herbalists are cautious with it's use in the first
trimester (however I have known several women who have used this in
the first trimester with no problems), but it's considered safe after
the second trimester has begun. Consult with your
doctor/midwife/herbalist before adding this to your routine in early
pregnancy.
Not
only is raspberry great for helping with morning sickness, but it's
super nutritious and helps prepare your body for labor. Women and
midwives throughout the world credit raspberry leaf for helping
shorten their labor, and prevent hardships during labor. It works
extremely well with nettles to help reduce the chance of hemorrhage.
Fertility-
Raspberry helps to regulate menses, clear the body of toxins,
strengthen the uterus, balance female hormones, and prepares the
uterus for pregnancy. This can help in conceiving as well as
preventing early miscarriages.
Menstrual
Help-
Raspberry is used often as a uterine tonic. It also helps balance
female hormones. These two actions combine to make Raspberry
extremely effective in helping women regulate their menstrual cycles.
Not only does it help regulate both the timing and the flow, it also
helps reduce cramps, PMS, and other negative side effects that come
with menses.
Respiratory
Infections-
Raspberry leaf tea has been used as a gargle, eyewash, and mouthwash
when there have been infections in those areas. It's also been used
to help knock out several respiratory infections such as pneumonia
bronchitis. Just drink 2-3 cups a day during the infection.
Bowels
and Leaky Gut-
The astringent properties of raspberry leaf help to reduce diarrhea
and strengthen the intestines. This helps to prevent and heal leaky
gut issues.
Minor
Wounds and Varicose Veins-
Astringent herbs are great for dealing with wounds. Raspberry has
shown to be no exception. Use it as a wound wash to help speed the
healing of minor cuts and scrapes. Use it for sunburns and minor
burn wounds. It's also great to help heal varicose veins. Just use
a strong tea as a wash, and massage towards the heart. It's also
great for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
I
hope I have given you a little more to think about while picking out
produce in your supermarket, or when deciding to grow your own. If
you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below!
References:
3
Raspberry Leaf Benefits for Women: Herbal Academy:
https://theherbalacademy.com/3-raspberry-leaf-benefits-for-women/
Raspberry:
East West Healing Academy:
https://www.eastwesthealingacademy.com/herbs/raspberry/
Raspberry
Leaf: Richard Whelan Medical Herbalist:
http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/raspberry_leaf.html
Raspberry
Leaf Benefits: Herb Wisdom:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-raspberry-leaf.html
Raspberry
Leaf Herb Profile: Wellness Mama:
https://wellnessmama.com/5107/raspberry-leaf-herb-profile/
Raspberry
Leaf Tea Benefits: Earths Friends:
https://www.earthsfriends.com/raspberry-leaf-tea-benefits/
Red
Raspberry: Dr Christopher's Herbal Legacy:
http://www.herballegacy.com/Corless_Dosages.html
Red
Raspberry: Medicinal Herb Info:
http://medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/RedRaspberry.html
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