Is red raspberry leaf safe in pregnancy?
A nuanced perspective

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Herbs and pregnancy.

Let's just say this is a topic with all kinds of perspectives depending on who you talk to.

Or what link you click after your google search.

So, how do you know what's safe, what's not, and who to trust when it comes to herbs, like for instance red raspberry leaf, in pregnancy?

Well, it's a multi-layered response really, which is why I recorded an entire episode on it. 

But the short answer is: 

There's evidence in the literature saying that red raspberry leaf has potential to stimulate contractions of the uterus, but there's also evidence showing that it supports uterine relaxation too. (mostly in rats, btw)

This is where the controversy arises -- if it can help the uterus contract, is it safe to drink the tea during pregnancy? Some say yes, some say no. 

But... 

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus ideaus) tea has been used traditionally in pregnancy as an herbal ally to nourish and support the womb in pregnancy and labor, and is probably one of the most common herbs taken in pregnancy. 

And there are published surveys showing that those who used red raspberry leaf in pregnancy had slightly shorter active labors with less augmentation (meaning less inductions and other interventions). 

So... what's the deal? How do you decide what's right for you?

I go into some of the nuances that I think are most important to consider, plus offer some ideas around herbs you might blend red raspberry leaf with to make a really nourishing pregnancy tea blend, in this week's episode.


Listen to learn:

• why people work with red raspberry leaf in pregnancy
• a nuanced perspective on using herbs in first trimester
• the best way to take red raspberry leaf in pregnancy and beyond
• a glimpse into some of the published research on RRL and pregnancy
• how to use red raspberry leaf tea during labor
• why it's essential to listen to your own body

Resources:

• Episode 11: Dandelion herbal spotlight
• Episode 22: Nettles herbal spotlight
• Episode 85: Acupressure for pregnancy, birth + pp w Sarah Tewhey
  
  
  
  

References:

Bowman RL, Taylor J, Davis DL. (2024). Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study. BMC Complement Med Ther, 24(1), 169. doi: 10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7. 

Hastings-Tolsma M, Stoffel RT, Quintana AS, Kane RR, Turner J, & Wang X. (2022). Effect of Rubus idaeus L. consumption during pregnancy on maternal mice and their offspring. J Med Food, 25(2), 183-191. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0078. 

Jing Zheng, Pistilli MJ, Holloway AC, & Crankshaw DJ. (2010). The effects of commercial preparations of red raspberry leaf on the contractility of the rat's uterus in vitro. Reprod Sci, 17(5)4 94-501. doi: 10.1177/1933719109359703. 

McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, & Harman P. (1999). A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery, 44(3), 205-16. doi: 10.1016/s0091-2182(99)00037-3.

Staszowska-Karkut M, & Materska M. (2020). Phenolic composition, mineral content, and beneficial bioactivities of leaf extracts from black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and aronia (Aronia melanocarpa). Nutrients, 12(2), 463. doi: 10.3390/nu12020463.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

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