Red raspberry's therapeutic uses
Red raspberry, particularly its leaves, has been traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, especially among pregnant women. Herbalists often recommend raspberry leaf tea to potentially prevent complications during pregnancy and ease delivery. Additionally, red raspberry has historically been utilized to address issues such as excessive menstruation and diarrhea, although scientific support for these uses is limited.
The typical preparation involves steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in boiling water, with pregnant women advised to consume two to three cups daily. While some preliminary animal studies suggest potential benefits for the uterus, clinical research has yielded inconclusive results regarding its effectiveness in shortening labor or reducing complications. A recent aggregation of studies indicated that red raspberry might shorten certain labor stages, yet more extensive human studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Safety assessments reveal that raspberry is generally considered safe; however, its effects in young children and individuals with severe liver or kidney conditions remain unclear. As with any herbal remedy, it's essential to consider potential side effects, especially at high dosages.
Red raspberry's therapeutic uses
Definition: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
Principal proposed uses: None
Other proposed use: Prevention of complications of pregnancy
Overview
Herbalists have long believed that raspberry leaf tea, taken regularly during pregnancy, can prevent complications and make delivery easier. Raspberry has also been used to reduce excessive menstruation and relieve symptoms of diarrhea. However, there is limited evidence that it is safe or effective for these uses.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of raspberry leaf tea is made with 1 cup of boiling water poured over 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried leaf; the tea is steeped for ten minutes and then sweetened to taste. Unlike many medicinal herbs, raspberry leaf actually has a pleasant taste. Pregnant women may be advised to drink two to three cups of the tea daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Red raspberry tea is still commonly recommended for pregnant women. However, while there is weak preliminary evidence from animal studies that raspberry might have an effect on the uterus, clinical studies have only revealed vague and limited benefits during pregnancy. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of red raspberry in 192 pregnant women. Treatment (placebo or 2.4 grams of raspberry leaf daily) began at the thirty-second week of pregnancy and was continued until the onset of labor. The results failed to show any statistically meaningful differences between the groups. Red raspberry did not significantly shorten labor, reduce pain, or prevent complications. In the early 2020s, several studies were aggregated to examine the results of red raspberry on the uterus and in pregnant women. The results of this comprehensive overview did show red raspberry may shorten certain stages of labor. More human study is needed.
Safety Issues
Raspberry is believed to be safe. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial above found no evidence of harm in the ninety-six pregnant women given red raspberry. However, this does not exclude the possibility of rare side effects or toxicity with excessive dosages. Safety in young children and in those with severe liver or kidney disease has also not been established.
Bibliography
Bowman, Rebekah, et al. “Biophysical Effects, Safety and Efficacy of Raspberry Leaf Use in Pregnancy: A Systematic Integrative Review.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, vol. 21, no. 1, 2021, pp. 56. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03230-4.
Cathers, Mickie. “Raspberry Leaf for Pregnancy.” American Pharmacists Association, 7 Apr. 2023, pharmacist.com/Publications/Pharmacy-Today/Article/raspberry-leaf-for-pregnancy. Accessed 17 Aug. 2023.
Simpson, M., et al. “Raspberry Leaf in Pregnancy: Its Safety and Efficacy in Labor.” Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health 46 (2001): 51-59.