Red raspberry leaf

The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) 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

Pregnancy

Traditional lore suggests that pregnant women use raspberry leaf tea, especially as an aid in delivery. However, scientific research has found no evidence to support this claim.

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. Continuing to consume raspberry leaf after the baby is 6 weeks old is not dangerous to the mother or the infant and may be beneficial.^{[citation needed]}

There is considerable discussion around the possible benefits of raspberry leaf tea taken late in pregnancy. 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. Most of the evidence available is anecdotal, but a recent scholarly review stressed concern at the lack of evidence for safety and efficacy and called recommendations of its use "questionable".