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Berries and Leaves: Benefits of Red Raspberries

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Emma Gallagher is a Brit living in North Carolina. She grows organic gardens and... Read More

At the beginning of summer, raspberries can be found dotted along hedgerows, vining along edible garden fences, and stacked in punnets at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Though most of us find the prize in the berries themselves, there is some evidence to suggest that drinking cups of raspberry leaf tea is also beneficial, especially for those who experience painful monthly periods.

If you are lucky enough to have red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) bushes in your garden or are adept at foraging wild red raspberries, you can get your hands on some of the leaves as well as the berries. If this isn’t where you are, don’t worry. Many supermarkets carry red raspberry leaf tea in boxes.

Raspberries Are Good for You!

Raspberries are amazingly nutritious and are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Just one cup provides vitamin C (54 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)), manganese (41 percent of the RDI), vitamin K (12 percent of the RDI), Vitamin E (5 percent of the RDI), B vitamins (4–6 percent of the RDI), Iron (5 percent of the RDI), magnesium (7 percent of the RDI), phosphorus (4 percent of the RDI), potassium (5 percent of the RDI) and copper (6 percent of the RDI). They also provide 8g of fiber per cup, which is 32 percent of the RDI for women and 21 percent for men.

They are packed with antioxidants, though they contain less than blackberries and blueberries. Some evidence suggests that raspberries are naturally anti-inflammatory and are particularly good for easing joint pain.

Fun Ways To Use Raspberries

Raspberries are a wonderfully versatile berry. If you have a bunch, they freeze well, and you can always make some raspberry jam. They are good with vegan yogurt and ice cream, and you can sprinkle them on top of pancakes or into your hot oatmeal. Raspberries can liven up several desserts, from cakes and muffins to crumble bars and chocolates.

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Raspberry Leaves Are Good for You, Too!

Source: HealthyGroceryGirl/YouTube

Red raspberry leaves have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They often show up in preparations for people with painful menstrual symptoms and have various uses during pregnancy. Always check with a medical professional before taking herbal supplements, especially when pregnant.

As with the berries, the leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and Iron. They also contain polyphenols which act as antioxidants in the body.

There is evidence to suggest that drinking raspberry leaf tea before or during one’s period can help to ease symptoms of cramping. The plant compound ‘fragarine’ is found in raspberry leaves and is thought to help tighten the muscles around the pelvic area and help to reduce spasms.

Raspberry leaf tea is high in Iron, making it especially useful and important during periods. Even if you do not experience periods, a raspberry leaf tea is a nutritious and delicious choice!

How to Harvest Raspberry Leaves for Tea

Source: Melissa K. Norris – Modern Homesteading/YouTube

If you are foraging for red raspberry leaves, be sure to follow a good field guide for a 100 percent certain identification and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t pick leaves that may have been exposed to pesticides or other poisons. Ideally, you will have your own raspberry bushes that you now have been treated with good organic care.

Try to harvest your raspberry leaves in the earliest part of the day, as this is when the leaves have the highest concentration of their essential oils and other goodness. If you can, pick your leaves in the early spring before the plant has blossomed and fruited. After this time, the leaves can become a little more bitter.

Locate the younger leaves on the plant. These will be towards the tips of the canes. They will be lighter in green, smaller, and more tender. They will also be a little less thorny, making harvesting a little less treacherous! You can use clippers or gently pull the leaves off with your fingers.

Don’t get overly excited and completely strip your plant of leaves. Remember that the plant needs its leaves to live!

Once you have your leaves, make sure they are clean and towel dried. You may then use some of the leaves fresh to make a cup of tea and dry the rest for future use.

This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant.

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