Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Common Names
- Raspberry
- Red Raspberry
- European Raspberry
- Hindberry (archaic UK)
- Rubus
Botanical Description
Raspberry is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and northern Asia, now widely cultivated across temperate regions. It belongs to the Rosaceae (rose) family. The plant features arching, prickly stems (canes), serrated green leaves, and small, white flowers. It produces the well-known bright red edible aggregate fruit — the raspberry.
Though most people are familiar with the fruit, it is the leaf that is most often used in herbal medicine for both people and animals.
Parts Used
- Leaves (primary medicinal use)
- Fruit (nutritional and gentle medicinal use)
- Roots (rarely used in traditional remedies)
Constituents
- Tannins (gallotannins, ellagitannins)
- Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
- Fragrine alkaloid (unique to raspberry leaf; thought to tone smooth muscle)
- Vitamins C, E, A
- Minerals – particularly calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Fruit sugars and organic acids (in berries)
Actions
- Astringent
- Uterine tonic (especially raspberry leaf)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Mild diuretic
- Nutritive
Traditional Use
Raspberry leaf has long been used as a uterine tonic, especially in pregnancy and childbirth. It is known to tone the uterus, support menstrual balance, and ease labor. Its astringent and soothing nature also makes it useful for diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and sore throats.
The fruit is consumed for its rich vitamin and antioxidant content. In traditional medicine, fresh and dried berries were used to boost immunity and aid recovery from illness.
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Internal:
- Raspberry leaf tea for women’s health, diarrhea, and sore throat
- Raspberry fruit for nutrition, cooling fevers
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External:
- Leaf infusions used as eyewashes or skin rinses
- Poultices of leaves for minor wounds and insect bites
Equine Use
- Applications:
- Used primarily for mare reproductive support – raspberry leaf helps tone the uterus, ease hormonal transitions, and support during and after pregnancy
- May be used for digestive astringency (e.g., mild diarrhea)
- Sometimes included in calming herbal blends due to its magnesium content and mild relaxing effect
- Delivery:
- Dried raspberry leaf added to feed
- Can be steeped and cooled as a rinse or wash
⚠ Cautions:
- Generally considered safe, but always monitor for individual sensitivity
- Not recommended for mares with a history of abortion without veterinary guidance
Canine Use
- Applications:
- Raspberry leaf may be used to support female dogs through heat cycles, pregnancy, and whelping
- As an anti-diarrheal and gentle digestive tonic
- Leaves may also assist in mild inflammatory conditions due to antioxidant content
- Delivery:
- Infusion or decoction added to food
- Powdered dried leaf mixed into wet meals
⚠ Cautions:
- Use under supervision during pregnancy
- High doses may act as an astringent and could slightly reduce absorption of medications if given together
UK and Isle of Man Folklore
Raspberries have long been cherished in UK and Manx tradition, both as a food and a folk remedy. The leaves were traditionally steeped in teas for "women’s ailments" and given to young girls to ease the transition to womanhood.
In old herbal texts, raspberry was referred to as "the mother’s friend", and tea was brewed by midwives and hedge-witches alike.
In Isle of Man folklore, raspberry brambles were believed to form natural protective boundaries. It was said that sleeping under raspberry brambles on Midsummer's Eve could bring visions of healing or fertility. Children with stomach complaints were sometimes given raspberry leaf tea, sweetened with honey and offered with a blessing.
Calming
Digestion
Inflamation
Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata / Plantago psyllium)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
