Red raspberry leaf
The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), also known as garden raspberry leaf, is a pale-green leaf produced by the raspberry plant; an upright shrub with perennial roots and prickly, biennial canes. The leaf has been used in folk remedies, due to its rich content in vitamins, minerals, and tannins.
Uses [edit]
Pregnancy [edit]
Traditional lore suggests that pregnant women use raspberry leaf tea, especially as an aid in delivery.[1][2] However, scientific research has found no evidence to support this claim.[3][4] While there is no evidence that raspberry leaf tea can help bring on labor, its nutrients have been found to strengthen the uterine muscles which could make contractions more efficient.[5] Every Woman's Herbal claims that raspberry leaf tea will enrich the mother's milk, especially during periods when the baby is going through a growth spurt.[6][unreliable source?]
There is considerable discussion around the possible benefits of raspberry leaf tea taken late in pregnancy.[7] The consensus seems to be that while taking raspberry leaf tea should not be expected to bring the onset of labour forward, it might shorten the second stage of labour.[8][unreliable source?][9][unreliable source?] Most of the evidence available is anecdotal, and a recent scholarly review stressed concern at the lack of evidence for safety and efficacy and called recommendations of its use "questionable".[10]
References [edit]
- ^ McFarlin, Barbara L.; Patsy Harman, Jann O'Rear, Mary H. Gibson (May–June 1999). "A NATIONAL SURVEY OF HERBAL PREPARATION USE BY NURSE-MIDWIVES FOR LABOR STIMULATION Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice". Journal of Nurse-Midwifery 44 (3): 205–216. doi:10.1016/S0091-2182(99)00037-3.
- ^ Palmer, Jane (2000-12-29). "Raspberry Leaf". Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
- ^ Lone Holst, Svein Haavik and Hedvig Nordeng (13 June 2009). "Raspberry leaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary therapies in clinical practice 15 (4): 204–8. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. PMID 19880082.
- ^ "Raspberryleaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 15 (4): 204–208. November 2009. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
- ^ "Getting labour started naturally".
- ^ Christopher, John R.; Cathy Gileadi (1994). Every Woman's Herbal. Christopher Publications. ISBN 978-1-879436-10-7.
- ^ "Does raspberry leaf tea bring on labour?". www.babyworld.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
- ^ Wistv Hovland (February 2005). "I've heard that raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy can help to make labour easier. If so, when should I start taking it and how much should I take?". BabyCenter, L.L.C. Retrieved 10-02-10.
- ^ Parsons, M. (1999). Raspberry leaf. Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Newsletter, 1(2), pp. 1-2
- ^ Holst, Lone; Haavik, Svein; Nordeng, Hedvig (2009). "Raspberry leaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 15 (4): 204–8. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. PMID 19880082.
