Overview:
Raspberry leaf has three primary uses: during pregnancy, gynecological complaints, and cases of diarrhea. Many of the brambles (e.g. blackberry root (raspberry is also a bramble)) have a slowing effect on over-stimulation of the bowels, because they contain high amounts of tannins and act as astringents. For the same reasons, raspberry leaf is good for toning muscle tissue, and has a special affinity for the uterus. Warm raspberry tea is good during parturition (child birth), and for preparing the womb during the latter stages of the second trimester, and throughout the third trimester (it is argued whether it may increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester).
A powerful astringent like raspberry leaf is valued in many herbal formulas, particularly detoxifying ones, as astringency can help cleanse tissue and the bowels by its pulling action. Raspberry leaf is also valued for increasing milk production in mothers, modulating the flow of blood during menses (either increasing or decreasing as needed), and as a tonic for the prostate gland. As an herbalist I primarily use raspberry leaf in cases of diarrhea, as an addition to blends for its astringency, for pregnancy and certain gynecological concerns, and for prostate weakness. Most notably of this noble plant, it produces the most delicious berry known to mankind; a berry which has a powerful nourishing effect on the nervous system, enhances the general health of the entire body, and is a wonder for the development of children to pick and grow strong from.
Description
Family: Rosaceae
Parts used: Leaf, berry
Phytochemistry
Actions
Partus preparator, Parturifacient, Uterine Stimulant, Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, Haemostatic, Astringent, Anti-diarrhoeal, Digestive Remedy, Tonic, Refrigerant.
Historical
Cautions & Contraindications
Concurrent use with mineral supplementation (The astringent nature of raspberry leaf can disrupt mineral supplement utilization. Preferably take supplements separately from raspberry leaf.
Avoid high doses during the first trimester of pregnancy.
High tannin content may reduce absorption of some drugs, inc: Codeine, Atropine, Cardec DM, Ephedrine and Psuedoephedrine, Lomotil / Lonox, and Theophylline / Aminophylline (Healthnotes 2006).
Cultivation
“Generally propagated by suckers, though raised from layers is preferred.” -Grieve. By layers, what is meant is either taking a portion of the lower stem and covering it in soil so that it can form roots; or what is called tip-layering, a more ideal propagation technique for raspberry, which involves planting the tip of a raspberry stalk, watering it for about a month, then separating the new roots from the parent cane. Layering typically produces more vigorous root systems than suckering, and allows the cultivator to choose a strong plant to propagate.
“The canes should be shortened/pruned, but the buds which are placed at a small distance from the stem of the plant must not be cut off, as they produce the new shoots the following summer. Place the plants 2 feet apart in rows, allowing 4 or 5 feet between the rows. If planted too closely, without plenty of air between the rows, the fruit will not be so fine.” – Grieve
Combinations
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This Post was all about Rubus idaeus (Raspberry)..
