What Are The Benefits Of Raspberry Leaf Tea?

The pale green leaves of the raspberry or Rubus idaeus plant have been a part of traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits. Along with phenolic acids and hydrolyzable tannins, raspberry leaves also contain common flavonoids such as rutin, kaempferol, quercitin, and quijaverin. According to Drugs.com, 1.5 to 2.4g of raspberry leaves may be consumed per day in the form of tea to achieve health benefits. However, the medicinal properties of raspberry leaves have not been proven scientifically. So, always talk to a doctor before drinking raspberry leaf tea for health purposes.

Pregnancy and Labor

Raspberry leaf tea is also known as "pregnancy tea" and can be consumed by most pregnant women without any adverse reactions, especially after the first trimester. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association, APA, recommends raspberry leaf tea to reduce the length of labor and to prevent artificial rupture of the membranes and C-section. APA also states that raspberry tea leaf promotes uterine health during pregnancy, decreases nausea and helps increase milk production. Always consult a physician before using any herbs during pregnancy.

Diabetes

Raspberry leaf tea prepared by boiling 1 tsp. of leaf in 1 cup of water can be taken once or twice daily to bring down the blood sugar levels, says altMD. It may thus be beneficial to diabetic patients. However, it is important that the leaves are plucked from a flowering plant and are healthy. They should be dried completely before making the tea. The side effects and drug interactions of raspberry leaf tea have not been well studied. Talk to a doctor before taking it.

Diarrhea

Drugs.com recommends raspberry leaf tea to overcome diarrhea. In fact, Herbal Treatment Remedies suggest that the tea, which provides relief from diarrhea by reducing the inflammation of the intestines, may be particularly beneficial to children due to its gentle effects. Do not give any herbs to children without consulting a pediatrician first.

Oral Sores

The astringent properties of the raspberry leaf tea may make it an effective mouthwash. The flavonoids present in the tea may also benefit patients suffering from canker sores and mouth ulcers, says nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch in the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." As stated earlier, the contraindications and side effects of raspberry leaf tea are unknown and hence, should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional.