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Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus)
Description
Herbalists have long recommended red raspberry tea to facilitate
a safe Pregnancy and delivery.
Herbal Uses
Traditionally, red raspberry
has been administered as a tea to prevent Pregnancy complications
and to facilitate deliveries. It has also been used to reduce
excessive menstrual flow. For both men and women, red raspberry
has been used to treat symptoms of Diarrhoea. (1).
Suggested Intakes
Part of the plant used:
LEAF.
Boiled tea, 1 cup of boiling
water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaf. Steep for 10 minutes
and then sweeten.
For Pregnancy, drink 2-3 cups daily.
Supplemental Uses
Pregnancy:
Red raspberry tea is still a favoured recommendation for pregnant
women. Currently, little scientific evidence exists to support
its use. One study suggests that the tea inhibits uterine
contractions during Pregnancy, stabilising the uterus (2).
The effectiveness and mechanism of treatment is still under
much scientific speculation.
Safety and Precautions
Safety in pregnant or nursing
women has not been studied, but it is of little concern due
to the widespread availability of the tea and its years of
traditional use.
Safety in young children
and in patients with severe liver or kidney disease has not
been determined.
Interactions and Contra-Indications
Regular use of red raspberry
may affect the absorption of tetracycline derivatives, oral
anticholinergics, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, phenytoin,
nalidixi acid, citrates, sparteine, sulfonamides, and warfarin.
Red raspberry may inhibit
the urinary excretion of alkaline drugs, such as amphetamines
or quinidine.
Avoid topical use in conjunction
with the Acne medication tretinoin (retinoic acid, Vitamin
A acid).
Avoid use with vasoconstrictors,
such as ephedrine, methoxamine, phenylephrine, and sympathomimetics.
References
1 Tyler VE. herbs
of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton,
NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994
2. Bamford DS, et al. Raspberry leaf tea: A new aspect to
an old problem. Br J Pharmacol 40: 161-162, 1970.
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