Up until very recently herbs were consumed as tonics, nutrition and medicine. For centuries pregnant women relied heavily on these herbal medicines to keep them healthy and strong during pregnancy and postpartum.
One herb that was widely used by almost all pregnant women in Europe was red raspberry leaf, most often consumed as a pregnancy tea in combination with other therapeutic herbs such as nettles, alfalfa, chamomile and rosehips.
Red raspberry leaf was renowned as a uterine tonic, increasing the blood flow to the uterus and aiding the uterine muscle fibres to function in a more organised manner. Studies indicate that some of the plant components, such as fragrine, an alkaloid, do act directly on the smooth muscles.
Historical uses of red raspberry leaf include prevention of miscarriage, aiding conception, a decrease in morning sickness, prevention of postdates pregnancy, decrease of discomfort in prodromal labour and a shortened active stage of labour.
Red raspberry leaf was also consumed for nutritional support as the plant contains many nutrients, including vitamin A, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium.
In today’s busy pace of life women tend to depend solely on their pregnancy multi vitamin for their extra nutritional needs, missing out all together on the therapeutic benefits of pregnancy herbal allies. I can’t imagine my pregnancies without the divine gift of therapeutic herbal teas.
After doing some of your own research I’d like to suggest you try my “Pregnancy Wellbeing Tea”. Herbal tea that’s designed to support you and your baby’s health while on your beautiful journey into motherhood.