Red raspberry leaf
Rubus idaeus
Herbs & Roots. Western & European.
Also called Raspberry leaf
Spanish: Hoja de frambueso
Avoid in early pregnancyThe dried leaf of the red raspberry plant, made into tea mainly for women's health and pregnancy.
Did you know? The leaves contain tannins, the same kind of plant compound that tanners use to turn animal hides into leather.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Pain & headaches. Used for period cramps and heavy periods. Human trials are lacking, so the support is traditional.Traditional proof
- Digestion & gut health. Used for diarrhea because of its tannins. Evidence is traditional and from lab work.Traditional proof
- Women's health. Said to shorten and ease labor. The best-known trial, with 192 first-time mothers, found no shorter first stage of labor and no harm.Not supported
Parts of the body
Hormones & reproduction, Nerves & pain, Gut & intestines, Stomach
Traditional use
Herbalists in Europe and North America used the leaf to tone the womb, ease childbirth, and calm diarrhea. These claims come mostly from old herbal books.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Astringent, Antispasmodic. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
The best-known controlled trial used 2.4 grams a day in tablets, starting at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Tea and tincture strengths are not standardized, so amounts vary widely.
Tea, tincture and capsule.
Where to get it
The leaves come from cultivated raspberry plants grown in Europe and North America. Buy dried leaf, tea bags, capsules, or tinctures from brands that test for contaminants.
Be careful
The main side effects are mild stomach upset and nausea from the tannins. Most experts advise avoiding it in early pregnancy because it may stimulate the womb. Ask a midwife or doctor before using it in late pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Avoid if: early pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Often combined in women's cycle blends.
- Works well together
Common in women's herbal blends for cycle and childbirth support.
The honest take
The main claim, shorter labor, failed in the best-known trial. Other uses, like period cramps and diarrhea, rest on tradition and lab work. Think of it as a traditional drink, not a proven aid for childbirth.