Raspberry Leaf Tea – What You Need to Know
Raspberry leaf is both a parturient and astringent, toning the uterine membranes and strengthening the pelvic floor and uterine muscle tissue which may assist with childbirth. This toning action may increase the contractility of the uterine walls and makes for more effectual contractions during labour.
Is Raspberry Leaf Tea safe for pregnancy?
Not only does Raspberry Leaf Tea have amazing health benefits for pregnancy, but it also serves as a nourishing health elixir during birth and postpartum, too. Raspberry Leaf tea has been historically used for support during pregnancy and labour.
The herb is a galactagogue – assisting to increase and enrich milk supply after birth. Studies have shown that women who take red raspberry leaf have a reduced incidence of birth interventions. Research has also found that women who drink red raspberry leaf tea regularly towards the end of their pregnancies had a shorter labour with no identified side effects for the women or their babies.
The findings also suggest that women who ingest raspberry leaf tea might decrease the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation. They may be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than women who do not consume raspberry leaf.
For additional reading, refer to the following article from the National Library of Medicine
More amazing benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea
Continuing to consume Raspberry Leaf Tea after labour may help the uterus return back to its normal size, shape and elasticity.
Raspberry leaf can also boost the immune system and help fight infection.
Organic Merchant Mother Nurture – Raspberry Leaf Tea
Organic Merchant's Mother Nature Raspberry Leaf Tea is a nurturing herbal tisane with nettle, a raspberry aroma and rosy overtones. It has been naturopathically formulated and has traditional benefits and plant compounds that are:
- Astringent
- Anti-spasmodic
- Calmative
- Mineral rich
Which may naturally:
- Tone the uterus
- Replete iron
- Relax tension to promote a healthy pregnancy
- Birth and post birth recovery
It's delicious-tasting profile is
earthy + floral + herbaceous
Nettle leaf: Known to be extremely nutritious and has an impressive nutritional composition, most notably for its iron content which is most important during the 3rd trimester.
Shatavari: A highly regarded reproductive tonic for women’s health. Asparagus racemosus is also the best-known Ayurvedic tonic for women after childbirth. This rejuvenating herb has traditionally been used for balancing hormones, and may strengthen and support the nervous system, help prevent postnatal depression, enhances and enriches milk supply, promote healthy energy levels, and soothes the digestive tract and boost the immune system.
Rose petals: Used in Chinese medicine for more than 4000 years. Rose is especially useful in alleviating insomnia typical in the 3rd trimester, as well as tension and anxiety around childbirth and preventing postnatal depression.
Benefits may take several weeks to accumulate in the body and take effect. Starting in the 3rd trimester, around 8 weeks before birth, we suggest drinking 1 cup per day and gradually increasing this to 3 to 4 cups per day.
Be mindful
There are no known contraindications for raspberry leaf when used in the third trimester at an appropriate dose. An exception being if previous labour(s) have been really fast. Then it’s best avoided. Most women do not experience any side effects from taking raspberry leaf tea, however the following side effects are possible:
- Nausea
- Loose stools
- Increase in Braxton Hicks contractions
