Rubus idaeus
Rosaceae
Habitat: Cultivated in most temperate countries.
Collection: The leaves may be collected throughout the growing season.Dry slowly in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper preservation ofproperties.
Part Used: Leaves and fruit.
Constituents:
- Polypeptides
- Flavonoids, mainly glycosides of kaempferol and quercitin.
- Tannins
- Fruit sugar
- Volatile oil
- Pectin
- Citric acid
- Malicacid.
Actions: Astringent, tonic, parturient.
Indications: Raspberry leaves have a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and checking any haemorrhage during labour. As an astringent it may be used in awide range of cases, including diarrhoea, leucorrhoea and other loose conditions. It is valuable in the easing of mouth problems such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammations. As a gargle it will help sore throats. Raspberry is also very rich in iron and calcium.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This may be drunk freely.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.