Raspberry
Most people are familiar with raspberry as a summer fruit, with vibrant red berries. Raspberry is native to Europe, Asia and North America. They are a member of the rose family (Roseceae). It’s often found growing wild in the countryside, but it has also been cultivated since the 16th century. Various varieties of raspberry exist, which fruit at different times of year. We use Rubus idaeus, a red-fruited species of Rubus native to Europe and northern Asia. It is commonly cultivated in other temperate regions.
The berries are highly nutritious, and delicious! As well as the fruit, dried leaves are commonly used as a tea. They tend to be harvested in early summer. The raspberry plant grows up to 2m high. It’s a deciduous shrub with prickly stems and a spread of between 1 and 2m. Raspberry plants prefer moist, slightly acidic soil. After harvesting fruited canes are cut back to ground level. Young canes are best supported for growth.
Parts Used in Herbal Remedies
Leaves, berries.
How Raspberry is Used by Herbalists
Herbalists prescribe raspberry leaf infusions, made from the leaves of the plant. It is believed that raspberry infusions or tea can help prepare the womb for childbirth. Raspberry leaf tincture has also been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, as well as reducing inflammations of various kinds. Herbalists will sometime prescribe a gargle of raspberry leaf infusion for sore throats and mouth ulcers. Traditionally the juice has been used as a remedy for mild fevers.
Red raspberries contain upto 31 μg/100 g of folate. Red raspberries have antioxidant effects that may play a role in the killing of stomach and colon cancer cells. Young roots of Rubus idaeus have been shown to prevent kidney stone formation. Raspberry fruit may help protect the liver. Vitamin C and phenols are present in red raspberries.
Raspberry Leaf Fluid Extract
This tincture is produced with 1 part raspberry leaf to 1 part liquid. The liquid is 75% water and 25% ethanol.
Caution
Therapeutic doses of raspberry leaf should be avoided in early pregnancy and only taken in the last trimester.
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