Raspberry Leaf Tea
The Drawbacks and Benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is made from the leaves of a raspberry plant. It is chock full of good stuff and is a well-known natural prescription used to promote a healthy uterus during and after pregnancy. As with most homeopathic substances, however, there is some controversy surrounding the use of raspberry leaf tea by pregnant women.
Raspberry leaf tea is very high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and some B Complex Vitamins, all of which assist in maintaining a healthy immune system. These vitamins also help with growth and development of the baby’s skin and bones. This particular type of tea also contains a good dose of helpful minerals like calcium, phosphorous and potassium.
Proponents of raspberry leaf tea say that all of this combines to make is a healthy drink for anyone. It works as an anti-inflammatory that calms the stomach and helps heal diarrhea, and it is especially good for kids in this regard. Many use this tea as a type of mouthwash also. It’s astringent qualities can sooth and heal irritations of the mouth and throat.
Midwives and natural childbirth experts have been recommending this tea made from raspberry leaves to pregnant women for thousands of years. It is an ancient remedy that is said to be a wonderful for keeping the uterus healthy during pregnancy. A substance called fragrine contained in the tea actually tones the pelvic muscles to help the body prepare for child birth. That’s why this particular tea is known as a uterine tonic.
How To Brew Raspberry Leaf Tea
Tea from raspberry leaves can be brewed as an infusion or as a tea.
For an infusion, plunge 1 ounce of dried raspberry leaves in boiling water. Allow to steep for a few minutes and enjoy.
For brewed tea, put 2 teaspoons of your tea in the bottom of a tea cup or coffee mug. Bring the water in your tea pot to a boil. When the water is ready, pour approximately 1 cup of boiling water over the tea. All the tea to steep in the cup for 10 minutes and then strain the tea from the cup.
All types of healthy teas are available at your local health food or organic grocery store. Since raspberry leaf tea is somewhat controversial, you may want to check with your doctor before adding this herbal tea to your daily regimen, especially if you are pregnant.
Advocates of this type of tea treatment say it is perfectly harmless, and some women claim it toned their uterus and helped ease the process of childbirth. The recommended dosage for pregnant women is 1 cup of tea per day during the first 2 trimesters. Once you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, you can up your daily intake to 2 or 3 cups per day.