When to Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea When Pregnant
Raspberry Leaf tea is one of the most renowned herbal teas. It has a wide reputation as a female tonic for relieving excess menstrual bleeding. For pregnant women, it is used to prevent nausea, relieve nausea, prevent spotting, to tone the uterus in preparation for childbirth and to reduce the pain of childbirth.
What is raspberry leaf tea?
Raspberry Leaf tea (Rubus idaeus) comes from the leaves of the raspberry plant. It is a member of the rose family and it native to England. It does not taste like raspberries, more like a black tea. The generic name ‘rubus’ comes from the Latin meaning red and idaeus from the Latin ‘ida’, the name of a mountain in Phrygia where the plant grew in abundance.
What are the benefits of raspberry leaf tea when you’re pregnant?● May relieve nausea
● Prevent spotting
● Tone the uterus in preparation for childbirth
● Reduce the pain of childbirth, by toning the muscles used during childbirth, labour may be shorter and less painful.
● Increase breastmilk production
Is raspberry leaf tea safe during pregnancy?
A study was conducted at Westmead Hospital NSW with the purpose to examine the safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf products consumed by a group of mothers during their pregnancy, compared to a group of mothers who did not. The sample consisted of 52.8% of women consuming raspberry leaf products while 47.2% didn't. The findings suggest that the raspberry leaf herb can be consumed by women during their pregnancy for the purpose for which it is taken, that is, to shorten labour with no identified side effects for the women or their babies. The findings also suggest ingestion of the drug might decrease the likelihood of pre- and post-term gestation. An unexpected finding in this study seems to indicate that women who consume raspberry leaf might be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group 2.
It's recommended to begin with one cup a day from 32 weeks and gradually increase to three cups.
If you have any concerns we recommend speaking to your health care practitioner prior to consumption to make sure it is suitable for you.
How much raspberry leaf tea should you drink?
Begin with one cup a day, gradually increasing to three cups.
Who shouldn’t drink raspberry leaf tea when pregnant?
Don't drink raspberry leaf tea if:
● You had a previous labour that lasted three hours or less.
● You previously went into labour prematurely.
● You've had any vaginal bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy.
● You've had or are at risk for ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids.
● Your baby is breech.
● You have pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure.
● You have pre-existing or gestational diabetes.
● You experience Braxton hicks.
Does raspberry leaf tea help induce labour?
Raspberry Leaf tea does not induce labour. It builds up in your body and strengthens and tones the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions.
Our Raspberry Leaf Blend has been formulated by our naturopath and herbalist to provide optimal support for labour preparation and post birth recovery. It also contains Nettle leaf which holds astringent properties to help avoid haemorrhage after birth and Peppermint to promote healthy digestion and for its calmative properties. A new mamas BFF!
Available in Pyramid tea bags and loose leaf, learn more here:
References:
- Traditional Herbology - A reference guide to herbs. Mark Pedersen
- Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: Safety and efficacy J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2001 Mar-Apr;46(2):51
- Holistic Herbal - David Hoffman