Red Raspberry Leaf: Fact, Fiction and Fertility

Way back when I was pregnant with my first son, I heard about the claimed benefits of red raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy and for easing labor. What I was told was that it "tones the uterus", gives a general overall health boost, and is just all around good for a pregnant mama. I didn't research it thoroughly, but I did order a "brew" that contained red raspberry leaf (along with alfalfa, "good iron booster", and peppermint). Over the course of three pregnancies I can't say with any certainty whether it has done what it was claimed to do. I did have very short labors, and uncomplicated ones, but it wouldn't be scientific to attribute that to an herbal tea without a great deal of study. I did find the tea tasted very pleasant, and it is still a favorite of mine, especially as an iced tea. On that virtue alone, I keep some around.

When considering red-raspberry leaf, it's important to start with an understanding of what qualifies. There are many "raspberry" teas on the market, some even marketed towards pregnant women. In some cases, these are just flavored black tea and don't contain any of the raspberry leaf. If the tea has a strong, fruity, raspberry odor, it is not likely to be the kind of "raspberry leaf" tea that is claimed to be helpful for fertility and pregnancy. So for starters, sniff before you buy.

Anecdotal claims are easy to find. Google "red-raspberry leaf" and you will find all manner of indications for its use. Those marketing the stuff--and those who are dedicated fans--claim everything from menstrual regulation to easing of morning sickness to the famed "uterine toning" that makes birth easier ¹, as well as promoting fertility and preventing miscarriages². If these are all true, red-raspberry leaf tea is pretty amazing stuff.

Unfortunately, although this herb has been used for generations for various ailments that women are prone to as well as for pregnancy and labor ³, hard scientific evidence is difficult to find. Tyler's Honest Herbal refers to the leaf as mostly benign, with some astringent action. However, the author could not find sufficient evidence that it is a useful therapeutic herb. WebMD considers it ineffective for the uses of shortening labor and easing other pregnancy related problems. For most other uses, there is not enough evidence to make an educated decision for or against use. ⁴

Lacking hard evidence for either benefit or harm, at present it seems that use of red-raspberry leaf is entirely left to personal preference. As there seems to be no serious harm caused by its use, there is no apparent danger in using it according to the recommendations by those who believe in it's health-promoting properties. Like many things in the "alternative medicine" world, this herb can begin to take on the personality of a panacea--a cure-all--and perhaps the most danger is in depending on it to fix a problem that may not be fix-able, or may need a more modern approach to healing.

But for a feel-good, refreshing iced tea, in my opinion the stuff can't be beat.

¹Red Raspberry Leaf: A Versatile Herb With Importance to Women, Annika Lundkvist, Suite101.com
²Nature's Medicines Infertility, staff, Mothernature.com
³ Red raspberry Historical or Traditional Use, staff, MDidea.com
⁴ Red Raspberry: Uses, staff, WebMD.com