Raspberry Leaf – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Raspberries have long been touted as excellent superfoods, but not many people know that its leaves are just as beneficial. According to the health and wellness website HealthMama.com, raspberry leaves are particularly beneficial in promoting women’s health, especially during pregnancy. The leaves are often combined with other medicinal herbs to optimize its positive effects on women’s overall well being.

List of known nutrients

Raspberry leaves may not be as appetizing as the regular fruits, but they contain a vast number of nutrients that are essential for body function. The Herbal Academy website notes that raspberry leaves contain:

Calcium
Flavonoids
Fragine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Potassium
Selenium
Tannins
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for raspberry leaves

Raspberry leaves are best known as a pregnancy aid, according to an article on the Organic Facts website. Raspberry leaves contain a beneficial alkaloid called fragine, which in turn strengthens and tones the muscles and enhances the health of the uterine walls. Experts infer that the alkaloid is responsible in stimulating labor and easing childbirth. The component is also touted to alleviate labor pain and speed delivery. The same constituent is known to ease menstrual pain in women.

Raspberry leaves are also a rich source of potassium, an essential mineral that improves cardiac function. The high potassium levels in raspberry leaves are shown to lower blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

The leaves are incredibly helpful in boosting the body’s immunity as well. Raspberry leaves boasts with an ample supply of vitamin C that enhances immune function and promotes white blood cell production. Likewise, the anti-inflammatory properties of raspberry leaves are shown to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout.

Aside from this, raspberry leaves are valued for their positive effects on the body’s digestive profile. The leaves are also known to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that sooth muscle contraction in the digestive tract. This results in improved bowel movement and relief from gastrointestinal discomfort, stomach aches and constipation as well as bloating and cramping.

People suffering from fertility issues may also benefits from consuming raspberry leaves. The leaves are known to promote hormonal balance and stimulate fertility in both men and women. Besides this, raspberry leaves are also touted as an effective weight loss regimen as it helps coax the body into feeling fuller for extended periods of time.

Furthermore, the abundant supply of antioxidants and vitamins C and E in raspberry leaves are known to address various skin disorders. Raspberry leaves are found to relieve skin irritation and ease inflammation associated with psoriasis, acne and eczema. The leaves can be used as a topical treatment or consumed as an internal healing agent.

Body systems supported by raspberry leaves

Raspberry leaves are particularly beneficial to pregnancy and women’s overall health status. The leaves also support heart health and the body’s digestive profile. Likewise, raspberry leaves address bone and joint pain and fortifies the body’s defenses against infections. The leaves greatly benefit the skin as well.

Ways to use raspberry leaves

Raspberry leaves are often consumed as hot tea. The leaves are often infused with other medicinal herbs such as nettle and peppermint to alleviate pregnancy woes. A Mountain Rose Herbs entry features a step-by-step guide in brewing raspberry leaf tea. The leaves can also be used in making tinctures and even coolers such as popsicle, according to an article posted on the Calorie Bee website.