Raspberry leaf tea is a folk remedy for many ailments, including women's reproductive issues, such as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Symptoms of PMS can manifest as bloating, headache, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, cramps, insomnia and nausea, among others. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 75 percent of women experience some degree of PMS in the days before their menstrual periods. Use raspberry leaf under the direction of a qualified health professional.
What is PMS?
As your body prepares for menstruation, female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate. This flux can cause irritability, lack of concentration, anxiety, exhaustion, water retention, tender breasts and acne. Your particular symptoms may vary in intensity from month to month, and usually dissipate once your period begins. For some women, their PMS symptoms are oppressive enough to impede their day-to-day lives. They may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, which consists of severe depression, anger, nervousness and poor mental concentration, according to the Mayo Clinic. Please speak with your physician about any medical questions you may have.
Raspberry Leaf Constituents
Considered "the woman's herb" by many herbalists, raspberry leaf contains fragarine, according to registered herbalist Amanda McQuade Crawford in her book, "The Natural Menopause Handbook." Fragarine purportedly improves uterine health and function, which can relieve some symptoms of PMS, such as cramps. Raspberry leaf also possesses tannins, also found in tea, which provide the herb's astringent properties. Tannins can alleviate diarrhea and help with indigestion and nausea, conditions which some women experience with PMS. Ask a qualified health care practitioner whether raspberry leaf tea is appropriate for your condition.
Raspberry Leaf Nutrition
Good overall nutrition is important in lessening PMS symptoms. For example, raspberry leaf has vitamin C and E, which are both antioxidants and can inhibit the damaging action of free radicals in your bloodstream. Free radicals are believed to be one of the basic causes of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease, notes herbalist Michael Castleman in his 2010 book "The New Healing Herbs." Other nutrients in raspberry leaf are niacin and thiamine. Niacin helps with the repair of cellular DNA and thiamine assists in carbohydrate metabolism. The herb also contains iron citrate, which helps nourish the blood, according to clinical herbalist Terry Willard, author of the 1993 "Textbook of Modern Herbology."
Using Raspberry Leaf
Dried raspberry leaf is available in single-serving tea bags or in bulk. To make tea, boil 1 c of water and add a teaspoon or two of the dried leaf. Cover and allow it to steep for 15 min. Make sure you fully inform your doctor about any botanical therapeutics that you are taking; and don't use this tea if you are pregnant, without consulting your doctor.
References
- "Textbook of Modern Herbology"; Terry Willard; 1993
- Mayo Clinic: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Definition
- Mayo Clinic: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "The Natural Menopause Handbook"; Amanda McQuade Crawford ; 2009
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