The benefits of raspberry leaf tea are quite versatile. This tea is said to aid digestion and give a boost to your immune system. The most popular use of raspberry leaf tea is during pregnancy to help facilitate birth. Learn more about the effects, applications and proper dosage.
Women have been drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy for centuries. It is said to have a positive effect on body and soul — if used correctly, it may reduce pain and make childbirth easier.
Studies imply that raspberry leaf tea has many benefits. It can:
- shorten the second contraction phase
- reduce the likelihood of requiring a C-section, the use of forceps, or vacuum birth
- prevent perineal tears and premature birth or transfer
Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits
There are several benefits attributed to raspberry leaf tea. Although they are not scientifically proven, they are backed by many years of experience.
- Promoting contractions: raspberry leaves stimulate blood circulation and can loosen and relax the cervix and pelvic floor muscles. The muscles of the intestines and uterus are stimulated at the same time, promoting labor.
- Painkilling: the antispasmodic effect of the leaves should reduce pain.
- Promoting milk production
- Source of important nutrients: raspberry leaves are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, tannins, flavonoids, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
- Mood boosting: magnesium found in raspberry leaves has a calming effort on the nervous system and may promote psychological balance during pregnancy.
Effects, Use and Dosage During Pregnancy
One of the benefits of raspberry leaf tea is its ability to stimulate blood circulation and consequently stimulate contractions. Therefore, you should not take it before the 34th week of pregnancy!
Discuss the exact dosage with your midwife or doctor. It is best to increase the dosage from the 34th week of pregnancy until the birth, taking breaks so the tea has time to take effect. This way you will also avoid overdosing. A potential dosage may look like this:
- Week 34/35: one cup a day
- Week 36: break
- Week 37: two cups a day
- Week 38: break
- Week 39: up to three cups a day
- Week 40: break
If you want to go into labor shortly before the birth, you can drink up to four cups a day (after consultation with your midwife!). You should not drink the tea during the birthing process.
How to Prepare Raspberry Leaf Tea
You can buy raspberry leaves in any pharmacy, health food store, organic food store, tea shop or on websites like Amazon**.
Remember to shop local (when possible) and purchase organic quality, in order to consume less harmful substances. Since raspberry bushes grow well across the country, you can also harvest the wild leaves or plant your own raspberry plant. Here’s how to prepare and enjoy the benefits of raspberry leaf tea:
- For one cup, pour boiling water over one teaspoon of raspberry leaves.
- Leave the tea to brew for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Pour the tea through a sieve.
Important: Make sure to pour boiling water over the leaves to destroy any lingering germs!
Possible Risks
- Some midwives advise against raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy as its cirulation-enhancing effect may lead to increased bleeding during and after birth.
- Occasionally, raspberry leaf tea can also causes rashes – so check if you are allergic before drinking it.
When to Avoid Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is not beneficial for everyone, as each pregnancy is different. Avoid drinking raspberry leaf tea if you:
- experienced complications throughout your pregnancy, including high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding
- have previously had a C-section, or are planning to have one for medical purposes
- previously had a labor less than three hours from beginning to end
- are expecting twins or a breech baby
There is a lot of contrasting information regarding the safety of drinking raspberry leaf tea while pregnant. Please consult with your doctor or midwife to find out if this tea is safe for you to drink during your pregnancy!
This article has been translated from German by Karen Stankiewicz. You can read the original here: Himbeerblättertee: Anwendung und Wirkung in der Schwangerschaft
Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.
** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.Do you like this post?