Using Raspberry Leaf During Pregnancy: The Benefits

Everything You Need to Know About Raspberry Leaf

The raspberry plant, Rubus idaeus, is a shrub from the Rosaceae botanical family. It is also known as Mount Ida bramble or Idaean bramble. Its name comes from Mount Ida in Crete, which the ancients believed to be the origin of this shrub. The word "raspberry" comes from a variant of the old French term for wild strawberry.

In the wild, raspberry grows in mountainous woodland, alongside beech, rowan and elder trees. In France, it is found in the Alps, the Jura and the Massif Central.

Native Americans used raspberry leaf for centuries as a natural remedy to support women through hormonal transitions such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

In France, its cultivation dates back to the late Middle Ages. At the time, and up until the 19th century, raspberry was grown for its medicinal properties, its fragrance and for making beverages. It was only from the 19th century onwards that raspberries began to be eaten.

Key Active Compounds in Raspberry Leaf

In herbal medicine, dried raspberry leaf is used. The leaves are harvested from young stems of the current year's growth, in spring or early summer. Raspberry leaves closely resemble those of brambles. They can be identified by their silvery-white underside and soft, velvety texture.

Raspberry leaves are particularly rich in gallic and ellagic tannins, which have astringent properties. They also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

They also contain phytoestrogenic lignans, natural compounds from the polyphenol family.

In herbal medicine, raspberry leaf is known for: 

• soothing sore throats and tonsillitis, as well as digestive inflammation such as diarrhea thanks to their anti-inflammatory action (though bramble leaf appears even better suited for this)

• support the structure and normal functioning of the uterus, it is recognised as a tonic for uterine function.

• easing painful periods, alongside other plants such as chamomile, yarrow, and ginger

• supporting uterine fibroids and endometriosis

• supporting pregnancy, and specifically labour during childbirth (we will cover this in more detail in the next section)

• supporting the female reproductive system by promoting normal uterine tissue structure, supporting normal menstrual cycles and so creating favourable conditions for embryo implantation

Raspberry Leaf Tea for Childbirth

Raspberry leaf tea is traditionally used to support women during the final months and weeks of pregnancy. It is particularly valued for its reputation as a uterine tonic, helping to prepare the uterus for labour. It is believed to support the normal contractions of the myometrium, the powerful smooth muscle that forms the wall of the uterus and is responsible for contractions during childbirth and menstruation.

By helping to tone the uterine muscles, regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea during late pregnancy is traditionally thought to promote more effective contractions during labour and support the normal birthing process.

Two studies [1] [2] conducted on expectant mothers suggest that raspberry leaf tea has no adverse effects on the pregnant woman or the baby. These two studies suggest that drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy may slightly shorten the second stage of labour during childbirth and reduce the use of forceps, vacuum extractors, and the need for a caesarean section.

When Should You Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea During Pregnancy?

Herbalists and phytotherapy practitioners traditionally recommend drinking raspberry leaf tea during the third trimester of pregnancy (from the seventh to the ninth month), with particular emphasis on the final month before birth. As part of a natural approach to preparing for labour, and provided your midwife or doctor agrees, raspberry leaf tea can be enjoyed daily throughout the last trimester, especially during the final weeks of pregnancy.

How Many Cups of Raspberry Leaf Tea Should You Drink Per Day?

For expectant mothers, one to two cups of raspberry leaf tea per day is generally considered an appropriate amount to enjoy its traditional benefits.

To prepare the tea, steep one teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves in a cup of freshly boiled water, keeping the cup or teapot covered to help preserve the plant's aromatic compounds. Leave to infuse for around ten minutes, then strain and enjoy. Raspberry leaf tea is traditionally drunk between meals.

Can You Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea After Giving Birth?

Raspberry leaf tea can continue to be consumed after childbirth. Its traditional toning effect on uterine tissues may help support the uterus as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state and may contribute to reducing excessive postpartum bleeding.

This infusion may also be consumed during breastfeeding. According to traditional uses, raspberry leaf is sometimes believed to support milk production and contribute to the nutritional quality of breast milk due to its naturally occurring plant compounds and minerals.

Raspberry leaf is generally well tolerated and is not considered an abortifacient plant, unlike Rue or Common Sage, for example. However, some precautions should still be observed:

Always seek advice from your midwife or doctor before using herbal products, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In cases of constipation, the tannins naturally present in raspberry leaf may potentially reinforce this tendency, so its use should be limited.

It is recommended to restrict raspberry leaf tea consumption to the third trimester of pregnancy, particularly during the final month before birth.

Although raspberry leaves are generally considered well tolerated during pregnancy, their traditional toning action on the uterine muscle is not desired during the first and second trimesters. For this reason, they are usually avoided during early pregnancy to prevent any potential risk of stimulating uterine contractions or contributing to premature contractions.

Learn More

We invite you to read our articles on natural pregnancy.

Read the article by Aurélie Canzoneri, naturopath, How to Take Care of Yourself Naturally During Pregnancy?

Passionate about plants and their properties, she started her career as a perfumer before moving to the world of natural beauty and aromatherapy over 10 years ago. Lucie supports ethical and committed brands with strategy development, product formulation and expert advice for their customers. She has worked with the Aroma-Zone team on several books, including "Le grand guide de l'Aromathérapie et des cosmétiques naturels" ("The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Cosmetics"). She also has years of training in aromatherapy, herbalism and essential oil distillation, and supports the work of French plant growers.