Raspberry leaf tea is a traditional folk remedy to nourish the female reproductive system. It can be especially useful during a woman's passage through perimenopause, which is the time just before menopause. Raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic and has nutritive value as well, according to the 2002 book "New Menopausal Years" by herbalist Susan S. Weed. Use raspberry leaf tea under a physician's supervision.
What is Perimenopause?
The term "menopause" means that a woman's menstrual cycles ceases permanently. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Sometimes this period is called "premenopause." The age at which perimenopause begins varies greatly. It usually starts when a woman is between 40 and 55, according clinical herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her 2001 book "Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal." Estrogen levels are in flux during perimenopause, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles, heavy or light menses, hot flashes, depression and mood swings, along with other symptoms. For most women, these symptoms last between six months and two years, notes Gladstar.
Botanical Facts
The leaves of the raspberry plant, Rubus idaeus, contain tannins, amino acids and fragarine, which is a uterine-stimulating compound, according to clinical herbalist Penelope Ody in her 1993 book "The Complete Medicinal Herbal." She also observes that the leaves can act as an astringent, tonic and digestive aid. Pick raspberry leaves to use as tea in summertime, before the raspberry fruits become ripe. You can also buy dried raspberry leaf tea in individual tea bags or in bulk. Speak with a qualified health practitioner if you have any health concerns.
Nutrients
Raspberry leaves contain thiamine, niacin and vitamin C. They also possess minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium and molybdenum. Molybdenum helps relieve hot flashes and may prevent anemia. Thiamine and niacin are both B vitamins. Niacin can decrease the frequency of headaches, and thiamine helps strengthen your nervous system, notes Weed. Vitamin C is important during perimenopause because it helps your adrenal glands function at their peak. In addition, calcium is critical during the perimenopausal years because you are more susceptible to osteoporosis as your estrogen levels drop.
Dosages and Considerations
To make raspberry leaf tea, steep 1 to 2 tsp. of dried or fresh raspberry leaves in one cup of boiling water, according to herbalist Michael Castleman, author of the 2010 book "The New Healing Herbs." Allow the leaves to steep for up to 15 minutes, and strain out the plant material. Avoid raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy since there is a potential for miscarriage.
References
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal"; Penelope Ody; 1993
- "New Menopausal Years"; Susan S. Weed; 2002
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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