 |
Like blueberries, red raspberries
grow wild up the north woods. I have many fond memories seeking out berry
patches and eagerly plucking the little red gems off the plant.
Unlike blueberries, I would never
collect the raspberries, but pop them in my mouth right then and there. It
wasn’t until I was much older that I would learn that there was more to the
plant than just the delicious fruit!
What are the benefits of Red
Raspberry Leaf?
Red raspberry leaf is known for
easing the pain of menstrual cramps, but it can also help digestive woes as
well as support heart health.
Red raspberry leaf has also
traditionally been used by pregnant women, as well as post-partum, the
thought process being that it can ease labour by helping with pain as well as
quickening the process, and “toning” the uterus.
There’s quite a bit of mixed research
on this, however, anecdotal evidence is extremely strong when it comes to its
efficacy and I know of quite a few women who swear by it.
Red raspberry leaves are rich in
magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, as well as zinc and phosphorus. The
leaves also contain a plethora of b-vitamins (B1-thiamine, B2-riboflavin,
B3-niacin, B5-pantothenic acid, B6-pyridoxine, and B9-folate) as well as
vitamin C.
Magnesium and potassium are both
macro-minerals, which the body needs in larger amounts to support proper
functioning. Iron is a trace mineral - still important, of course, but we don’t
need as much of it as macro-minerals.
Below the recipe is a simplified and
brief explanation for some of the most important constituents of red raspberry
leaf, and the benefits of red raspberry leaf for women health.
*If you decide to consume red
raspberry leaf during pregnancy, it is recommended that you wait until your third
trimester. Start with 1 cup daily and over the course of several weeks move up
to 3 cups daily.
Should you wish to start consuming it
sooner, check with a holistic health care provider or your doctor for details.*
You will need…
-2-3 teaspoons of dried red raspberry
leaf OR 2-3 tablespoons fresh
-Water
-Your favourite mug
-Honey or lemon (optional)
-Water
-Your favourite mug
-Honey or lemon (optional)
Directions
Bring water to a boil and place your
leaves in a strainer or tea ball in your mug. Fill the mug with fresh, boiling
water and cover, letting it steep, for 6-8 minutes. Remove the leaves, add
honey or lemon to taste, and enjoy!
The Nitty-Gritty on Red Raspberry
Leaf & Why It is Good for You
Magnesium: Magnesium is a co-factor over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
Needless to say-it’s kind of important.
It regulates
- Protein synthesis, which is one of
the most fundamental biological processes,
- Muscle and nerve function which
includes nerve impulse, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm,
- Blood glucose,
- Blood pressure, and
- Energy production
It aids structural development of
bone, and plays a role in the synthesis (basically, production) of DNA and RNA.
If you need a little reminder, DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in just about
every living thing. It is the carrier of genetic information.
RNA (ribonucleic acid) is present in
all living cells, and essentially carries instructions for DNA regarding the
synthesis of proteins. There’s really no simple way to sum up that process…but
it’s important!
Potassium: Potassium plays a large role in smooth muscle function. Smooth
muscle is the kind in your intestines, heart, etc. as opposed to skeletal
muscle.
Skeletal muscle you think about
contracting- like when you flex your bicep. Smooth muscle is subconscious - you
don’t think about making your heart beat, or your intestines contract to push
food through.
Potassium conducts electricity, along
with calcium and magnesium, which regulates the impulses to move these muscles.
Calcium: Much like the other vital minerals, the body cannot produce
calcium on its own - which is why it is so important to consume enough of it
from healthy outside sources
Roughly 99% of the calcium in our
bodies is concentrated in our bones and teeth, but it also helps nerves fire,
blood to clot, and works with potassium and magnesium to contract muscles.
It is, in fact, so vital to muscle
function that your body will draw it from your very bones if you do not ingest
enough.
Iron: Iron
is a mineral that has several roles in the body, the biggest one being the
creation of healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
Roughly two-thirds of the bodies iron
is found in the protein haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen
from our lungs to other parts of the body.
Anaemia is when you don’t have enough
haemoglobin, and is usually when people start taking iron supplements.
Exhaustion, a racing heart, restless legs, shortness of breath - all of these are
common signs of anaemia. Women are at the highest risk.
Zinc/Phosphorus: Zinc is a vital part of the immune system, and also ties into the
creation of proteins and DNA.
Phosphorus, after calcium, is the
most abundant mineral in the human body, with 85% of it being located in the
bones and teeth. It works closely with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
B/C Vitamins: In short, B complex vitamins do a variety of jobs, often times
working together. They convert nutrients to energy, maintain skin and hair
health, regulate stress hormones, and boost HDL cholesterol (the “good”
cholesterol.)
Vitamin C helps the body form and maintains
some of its vital components, including blood vessels, skin, connective tissue,
and bones.
When you take a look at the breakdown
of the leaves, it’s not hard to see why they would be helpful for heart health,
muscles, or even strengthening the uterus.
There is no magic “super herb” out
there, but red raspberry leaf tea is a great herbal tea to add to your daily
routine to keep everything running smoothly.
You can also watch this Video HERE to learn about the benefits of red
raspberry leaf tea for women health.
By Claire Goodall
(a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover.
She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.
It's a Book that
she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home
with healthier, all-natural alternatives.
It contains 215+
effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your
family and save money every month.
