Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is an herbal tea that should be in the kitchen of every pregnant woman and even those who aren’t (it’s actually good for everyone).
I should preface this post by saying that I was not a fan of tea, herbal or otherwise prior to learning about Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I have never, ever cared for tea and have never found myself compelled to drink it because every time I’ve tried it I thought it was nasty. I am also LDS (Mormon) and we don’t drink caffeinated teas in general so it wasn’t until I became pregnant again that I discovered herbal teas (which are completely acceptable from an LDS perspective). I have to admit that drinking herbal teas still takes some getting used to for me. I am finally starting to actually enjoy the earthy taste of the Red Raspberry Leaf tea (which tastes NOTHING like raspberries, by the way) and it is actually something I am starting to find comforting. I also find it easier for me to drink it iced and with a fresh orange squeezed into it rather than drinking it hot. So, without further adieu please take the time to read about this fascinating herb and all that it can do for you and your family.
History of Red Raspberry Leaf:
Red Raspberry Leaf (RRL) is a pale green leaf produced by the Raspberry plant. The use of Red Raspberry Leaves dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans and has a rich history of being used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Some of the illnesses that they used RRL to treat include: the flu, gum disease, rubella, upset stomach, hangover, diarrhea, fevers, vomiting, menstrual problems, inflammation, etc. The most popular use of Red Raspberry leaves is for pregnancy.
Red Raspberry Leaf Use in Pregnancy:
Many of the complications during pregnancy can be traced back to the mother’s diet, which typically lacks in vital nutrients and minerals that she so desperately needs during pregnancy. Women wise to these needs have recommended herbal tonics during the childbearing years for thousands of years to help both mother and baby experience a healthy, normal pregnancy and birth. Herbal tonics are both safe and effective and they help to improve overall health and prevent any major problems from developing. They also boost the supply of vital minerals and vitamins, increase energy and improve uterine tone. It is important that herbal tonics (teas) be used regularly. Like exercise, they provide far less benefit when used sporadically. That is not to say that it won’t provide benefit if taken on occasion but to reap the full benefits herbal tonics should be taken at least 5 days a week.
One of the most important herbal tonics to take during pregnancy is Red Raspberry Leaf. This is not tea made from raspberries. It is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the raspberry plant. Red Raspberry is the best known, most widely used and safest of all uterine and pregnancy herbs. Most of the benefits that are attributed to Red Raspberry Leaf tea are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals found in the plant and to fragrine (an alkaloid which gives tone to muscles of the pelvic region and the uterus itself).
Beneficial Vitamins and Minerals Found in Red Raspberry Leaf:
-Rich concentrations of vitamin C
-Vitamin E
-Easily assimilated calcium and iron
-Manganese and magnesium
-Vitamin A
-Vitamin B complex
-Many minerals including phosphorous and potassium
How Red Raspberry Leaf Helps the Pregnant Mother & Baby:
The increased vitamin A intake, in the form of carotenoids of RRL can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. The Vitamin E helps to promote better circulation in the mother whose blood volume dramatically increases during pregnancy. RRL contains an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth and in aiding bone development in the baby. The presence of fragrine allows the uterus to contract more powerfully and effectively during labor. The high vitamin and mineral content helps to replace those that are lost via blood loss in delivery. The alkaloids that are present will also aid in toning the uterus after birth as it returns back to its usual size.
Other Pregnancy Related Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:
-It increases fertility in both men and women (drink for a few months while trying to conceive).
-Prevents miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage by helping to tone the uterus thus creating a relaxed (atonic) uterus.
-Eases morning sickness
-Reduces pain during labor and after birth: By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery RRL eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.
-Assists in the production of plentiful breast milk
-Can help make labor faster: RRL works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It doesn’t strengthen contractions but it does allow the uterus to work more efficiently
-Studies show that women taking RRL have a reduced incidence of artificial rupture of membranes, forceps delivery or cesarean
Other Uses for Red Raspberry Leaf:
-Treating the common cold or flu (Treat with a RRL fast. Drink only the tea while your symptoms persist. Once your symptoms are gone return to eating fresh fruits/vegetables.)
-Treating sore throat
-Treating diarrhea (Drink 6 cups a day to treat diarrhea)
-Regulating a menstrual period and decreasing heavy periods (Drink 2-3 cups per day. After 2-3 months you should obtain a regular cycle.)
-Treating Acne: It can act as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin which effectively reduces secretions, relieves irritation and improves tissue firmness.
-Can be used as a mouth wash to soothe mouth and throat irritations
-Can lower blood sugar in those suffering with diabetes (Those with diabetes must take care not to take RRL in too high of doses or it could actually cause their blood sugar to drop too low).
Possible Side Effects:
Red Raspberry Leaf has been used for thousands of years and is notoriously safe during pregnancy. From the studies that have been done, no side effects were found. Anecdotally, very little side effects have been reported with its use but like all things, side effects are possible and it is not always best for everyone. The following side effects may be possible:
– Mild loosening of stools
– Nausea
– Some doctors recommend not using RRL during the first trimester or limiting yourself to one cup per day. From my own experience, the advice of my midwife and the experience of my friends we have all taken it during the entire pregnancy without any side effects. But again, you are responsible for your own health and if you are concerned seek advice from your caregiver.
Where to Buy It?
Red Raspberry Leaf can be purchased in tincture form (alcohol based), capsule, pre-bagged or in loose leaf form. I recommend loose leaf form because you are most likely to get the best absorption and it is the cheapest form but for those who can’t stomach the taste capsule form is a good alternative. You can buy the loose leaf tea from most health food stores or online.
Some Online Sources:
Compleat Mother: Loose Leaf
Frontier Herbs: Loose Leaf, available in Organic and in Regular
StarWest-Botanicals: Capsule Form
Red Raspberry Tea Blends:
Red Raspberry Leaf can also come in a blend with other herbs and these are great. The additional herbs have their own benefits and they also complement and enhance each other. My own midwife has her own special blend that she uses and sells through her herbal store. She sells two kinds, what she calls a Full Time Pregnancy Tea (to be used during entire pregnancy) and a Six Week Tea (a blend you use for the last six weeks). All of these other herbs have their own benefits but this post would be much too lengthy to elaborate on them. You can easily make your own blends by purchasing the herbs separately or you can buy a prepackaged blend. There are many prepackaged blends on the market as well.
You can order from Sherry’s store, if you wish, and she can ship it to you. She is based in Oregon and her store is called Naturally Yours. Her phone number is 541-575-1241 and the address is 135 West Main St., John Day OR 97845
Sherry’s Full Time Pregnancy Tea:
Organically grown: Nettles, Comfrey, Lemon Grass, Alfalfa and Raspberry Leaf
Last Six Weeks Pregnancy Tea:
Organically grown: Red Raspberry, Partridgeberry, Shepherd’s Purse, Spikenard Root, Nettle, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Blessed Thistle, Peach and Peppermint
How to Prepare the Tea:
If you’re anything like me and you’ve never made tea before the whole thing can seem a bit confusing. So I will post directions for those who were in my shoes. If you bought the tea in loose leaf form (meaning you have a bag full of herbs sitting in front of you) you can either make it one cup at a time or make it in a larger quantity. If you’re going to drink it hot stick to one cup at a time. If you’re like me and prefer it cold it is easiest to make it in a batch. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar if you like or some prefer to squeeze in a fresh lemon or an orange.
If you’ll be making one cup batches you will need something to put the tea in. A reusable tea bag works well or you can buy a little tea infuser (they only run a few dollars and you can buy them in kitchen departments or stores).
One Cup Directions:
Boil some water and pour a cup of boiling water into a mug. Let cool for just a moment (so you don’t burn the tea leaves) and place 1-2 tsp of the tea into the tea infuser or tea bag. Put the infuser or bag into the hot water and steep (let sit) for 10 minutes. Remove tea infuser or tea bag and you can sweeten the tea if you like (honey or sugar). I prefer omitting the sweetening part and I like using fresh squeezed orange. Some people like lemon.
Batch Directions:
Boil a quart (4 cups) of water in a pan. Once the water is boiling remove it from the stove and add 4-6 tsp of tea directly to the water and stir. Put the lid on the pan and let steep for at least 10 minutes. The longer, the better. Overnight is fine. When you are done steeping you need to strain the water. I use a mesh colander. Take a pitcher, put the colander over it and then pour the liquid/herb combo into the strainer. The herbs will stay in the strainer and the tea will be in the pitcher. I like to fill my pitcher with ice and squeeze fresh oranges into it. You could also sweeten it or use lemon, etc. Put in fridge and enjoy.
How Much Should I Drink?
That is going to depend on who you talk to. Some doctors/midwives recommend a maximum of one cup per day during the first trimester. Others suggest 1-2 cups throughout pregnancy and increasing to a quart (4 cups) a day during the last six to twelve weeks. Personally I did about a cup a day throughout pregnancy and am trying to get a quart in a day now that I am in the last six weeks. Consult your own caregiver, do your own research and do what feels comfortable to you.
SOURCES:
Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Herb & Extract Benefits
Wikipedia – Red Raspberry Leaf
The Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaves
Kegel and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
UPDATE:
I wanted to update everyone and let them know how much I think drinking RRL helped my labor and delivery. I had my son at home and it was about a 9 1/2 hour labor which doesn’t seem very short to some people but compared to my 56 hour labor with my daughter it was heaven. But more important than how long labor was, was the fact that labor was amazingly easy. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work and everything but it was completely manageable. I never got to the “wall” where I didn’t think I could do it. My contractions and labor progression was steady. In fact, labor could have been much shorter but I sat on a birthing ball for the beginning of labor (rather than walking around and squatting) to try and slow it down to make sure my midwife was there for the birth (she had to drive across the state to make it). I never felt out of it during my contractions and I was able to stay completely present. I actually didn’t believe my midwife when she told me it was time to push, I made her check because I couldn’t believe I had all ready made it though transition. I had my 11 pound 3 ounce boy at home without a tear and it was a wonderful experience. I believe many things contributed to the success of my pregnancy, labor and delivery but Red Rasbperry Leaf Tea was definitely a vital part of that. You can read the birth story HERE.
UPDATE 2:
I just wanted to update and state that I had my 3rd child in May 2012. He was also born at home, as a water birth. I drank red raspberry leaf tea throughout my pregnancy and had the quickest most effective labor yet! Labor was 2 hours from first contraction until he was born. Still hard to believe coming from the mom who had a 56 hour labor with her first child. I know that the tea helped to contribute to my healthy, complication free pregnancy despite the enormous stress I was under (going through a divorce).
I do really recommend Sherry Dress’ teas. She makes them in bulk from organic herbs and she has a few different blends each made for specific stages of pregnancy. She has a Full Time Pregnancy tea, a 6 week tea that you take for the last six weeks and a postpartum breastfeeding tea. Her store is based in Oregon and is called Naturally Yours. You can order by phone at 541-575-1241.
Journey To Here 
I’m impressed, I must say. Truly seldom do I see a web page that’s both educative and satisfying, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is wonderful ; the subject is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very pleased that I came across this. If you have a chance check out my site. It’s fairly new, but I trust that someday it will be as popular as yours kelly kosky
Thank you sharing your story,
It was very inspiring.
I also read on one of your posts that you are a LDS. Well I am a church of Christ member and I feel obligated to encourage you to visit a church of Christ in your area as there is a difference. According to my knowledge LDS use a separate mormon book written by men. The bible commands us to not add nor take away from his word. Deu 12:32 and Revelations 22:18-19. As the book has everything in it pertaining to life and goodliness. I truly hope you consider your religion and compare it to the bible as it can determine whether heaven or hell will be your home.
I wouldn’t order from Naturally Yours AKA Sherry. The owner is not a licensed nurse mid-wife and is considered a “fraud”.
Quoted from the link below “Oregon: In November 2013 the secretary of health issued a permanent cease and desist order to
Sherry Dress. She helped deliver babies without a license to practice as a midwife in
Washington.”
Click to access 14-004-SuspensionsNewsRelease.pdf
It seems like maybe she was only licensed in Oregon and gave birth to a mother in Washington (which is a different state) and doesn’t make her a fraud. Has anyone ordered anything from her store?
I did some more research and she is licensed in Oregon. See the link below
https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/elitepublic/LicenseConfirmation.aspx?Board=DEM&LicenseType=LD&LicenseNo=1000916
Thanks for the wonderful information. I’m rereading and going to print it out for my OB. I originally read this when I was pregnant with my 6th. Someone had suggested RRLT. After 5 overdue inductions, I went into labor on my own with #6 and delivered in less than 3 hours. I started drinking Sherry Andreas’s tea at 25 weeks and will soon start drinking it again for this, my 7th pregnancy. Thanks again for the info.
Im about 5 weeks along and Ive been having brown/ pinkish discharge (no cramping at all) I went into the ER and everything seems fine my HCG level is at 3149.0. Ive been wanting to start drinking this tea to assure everything continues well, but I keep reading that its not safe at all during the first trimester. Could I drink this?????????
I have had the tea during my first trimester but if you have any concerns I would address them with your midwife or simply wait. The worry will cause more harm and you can easily start drinking the tea in your second trimester.
Hi! would you give me the telephone# from where I can order the tea? I’m trying to get pregnant again I had a preterm and lost my babies. I will like to try it again.
Thank you
Reblogged this on The InTune Mother Project and commented:
“Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is an herbal tea that should be in the kitchen”… It is surly in my cupboard… How about yours?
Without surgery* I meant
I had my 1st baby through Caesarian section, because she was quite big due to the gestational diabetes I have during pregnancy. 9months after my 1st child, I fell pregnant again and I am 22weeks gone now. I will really like to try to have this 2nd baby normally with surgery. But my concern is the possibility of the incision where I had my previous ceaserian section rupturing if I try to have my 2nd baby normally. Please do you think RRL can help prevent this?
how can I order red raspberry leaf tea.am based in Zambia Africa
What time during the day you drank the tea? or it doesn’t matter? Thank you for the post!!!
I used the capsules for my second pregnancy, but i was told to use in last trimester, due to it stimulating uterus making contractions start, so i did. Labor was a breeze!! i was at home cleaning when my water broke. i went to hospital in no pain and was in active labor dialated to a 7! never even knew i was in labor because contractions didnt really hurt! went to hospital at 3pm had her at 7pm. laughed and joked in bewtween pushes! now im 8 months in my 3rd pregnancy and just bought my rrl capsules yesterday!!
I just wanna say it is so helpful. My baby girl just was born on Jan 11, I did water birth and this is my 1 st baby. I watched video about how to make a birth so easy. 1 thing on that video is talk about Red Raspberry tea. So I drank alot. I felt pretty light contraction around 9 am on Sat. and more and more seriously around in the evening 6 pm. At 8 pm.the nurse checked I opened 1 cm.
And the 9 pm , my water was broken, I went to the birthing tub after that, at 11.18pm the baby was born easily. Thank God! It was so easy and no pain , no torn . Highly recommend the tea and it should be part of your pregnancy.
How much is each through your midwife? I’m 24 weeks now, do I’m planning in ordering enough of both to get me to the end with a bit extra for postpartum care
I’m sorry but I don’t remember the exact cost. My youngest is now 19 months old! Time flies so fast. I would just give the store a call and ask what the current prices are. Good luck!
My naturopath started me on a pregnancy tea “mix” that includes rrl at 28 wks. She started me on rrl extract at 30 wks. I was told it is to strengthen my uterus. My first pregnancy was 46 hrs of labour and I wasn’t seeing a naturopath. Personally, I wouldn’t self-prescribe supplements. I’m 32 wks now.
I’ve been told that my lining is badly scarred from a surgery &will not hve a successful ivf will tge red raspberry help
I have been seeing Comfrey, one of the ingredients in your midwife’s tea blends, on herbs contraindicated during pregnancy. Have you seen this as well and has your midwife mentioned anything about that herb? I have made my own tea blend and now am nervous about including that herb in the tea.
thanks for the information.just came across this when I was finding out about red raspberry tea.its one of the supplements I need to take I have fibroids.
thanks
happy
did you manage to buy some of the tea. and where did you buy it?
The Naturally Yours store you mention in your blog, is there a Facebook page or website I can order from?
Here is the website:
http://www.naturallyyourscenter.com/
I think the best way to order is still by phone. Good luck!
I am interested in whether this will help after multiple c-sections. I had 5 c-sections, and have been told my uterus is very thin and I am at a high risk for rupture. I had a miscarriage in March of this year at 12 weeks, then a d&c. I got pregnant again in May, had a hemorrhage at 12 weeks and was put on bed rest. At 16 weeks, we found out the baby’s heart had stopped beating. I am convinced the hemorrhage is related to damage from the d&c (it was not near my placenta) and that our baby died because of the hemorrhage. So I am wondering if the tea will help heal and strengthen my uterus even with all these issues? My husband and I are really hoping for one more child, but I want to do everything I can to make sure another pregnancy goes well. With my history,though, I am nervous to use red raspberry leaf before 20 weeks. I cannot find any info on rrl and repeated cesareans. Anyone have any advice or experience?
You should be just fine to take the tea. You can speak with your doctor or feel free to call my midwife’s store and I’m sure they’d be happy to answer your question. I would also look into magnesium deficiency. It is a topic I have recently been studying. I wish you the best!
I had never heard of RRL tea until my third pregnancy and even then didn’t know about it until I was about 30 weeks along, but I started drinking it right away I drank at least 4 cups a day and when I brewed it, I brewed it strong, 4 Tbsp. in 4-6 cups of water and my labor was the easiest I have had it was amazing, I had no complaints about it and best part was I didn’t even have to push other than once to get part of the shoulders out, I will start drinking the tea again very shortly since I am now pregnant with my 4th, I’m one of those people who now “swear by” the tea it’s amazing!!!!!
What a great testimonial, Sarah. Thank you for sharing!
I am curious about this tea having had a previous C-section. My goal this 2nd time around is to have a V-back and am praying that it will be successful. I am wondering if this is safe considering the hospital can’t induce you if you’ve had a previous c-section? Does anyone know anything about this? Is it safe on a uterus that has had a c-section and possible scar tissue?
Yes, the tea is safe to use if you have had a c-section. Good luck! :)
Raspberry leaf tea is amazing! But I don’t like to buy the ones you see in stores or online, because I just don’t know what’s in them. I actually started to make my own, it’s really easy and way cheaper! Plus, then I know exactly what’s in it. If you’d like to learn how, I wrote an article not too long ago about it – http://www.notimeliketeatime.com/how-to-make-your-own-raspberry-leaf-tea/
Awesome testimonials! Thanks for sharing!
Red raspberry tea and capsules are amazing! I started taking them during my second pregnancy and the labour went very smooth. However, after pregnancy I stopped drinking tea and taking capsules. After the birth, I had severe pain and pressure on my pelvis every time I menstruated and couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes at a time. The ob/gyn said when you menstruate, your uterus is swollen, and the muscles of my pelvic floor were not strong enough to support this extra “weight.” This took 2 1/2 years to go away. I wish I would have been smart enough to take raspberry pills/tea! When I got pregnant of my third child, I took pills/drank tea and I never had any pain or pressure even at nine months. The delivery went better than I could wished for: the doctor broke my water and said she’d be back in half hour or so, but she was still on her way down in the elevetor when my daughter pretty much “fell” out! My uterus was so strong, it pushed her out! We just couldn’t believe it! This time I kept taking pills after the birth for a year or so and had no issues whatsoever. Now my daughter is 20 months and about four months ago I started taking raspberry pills again because I was having 6-8 week cycles, and after 30 days I would already feel crampy, have sore breasts and was very grumpy all the time! The first month I took the pills I had a 30 day cycle. The last 4 times I got my period on the 21st and do not feel it coming at all and also feel good while I have it. These pills almost seem to good to be true! They have helped me with pelvic pain, labour, and irregular cycles. A great pill for any woman!
I took it at the beginning of my 3rd trimester & within 3 days I felt contractions. It scared me a bit thinking that it was too early for that, so I stopped taking it till my last 3 weeks of pregnancy. I think I would have had a quick labour only that bub was stuck. Took us 26 hours & a C-section later to figure that out. For my milk – I had dud milk so it didn’t happen. Pain wise I was calm & coping throughout the labour until the last few hours where I was tiring quickly & getting distressed. But I was able to labour 12 hours pain meds free – continuous walking. The next 12 hours I was stuck with an epidural that didn’t work getting 11 out of 10 contractions with gas! C-sections suck. I’m only learning that the pain of the scar needs to be fought through with exercise as I strengthen it. I am now using RL to see if my tummy will go down more as I have been stuck with a balloon stomach. I think the exercise & RL are helping! But don’t want a C-section ever again! Im now looking more of a 4 month pregnant belly were I was a 5 month a few weeks ago!
For those who are looking for additional sources of support for drinking this tea throughout pregnancy, you might want to check out: The Whole Pregnancy Handbook: An Obstetrician’s Guide to Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine Before, During, and After Pregnancy. I got the book from the library looking for info on homeopathy, which it doesn’t include, but it has lots on herbal remedies. “Dr Joel” recommends up to 4 cups per day from the start, and says it helps with nausea. Funny: I didn’t believe him, but after reading this post, I am brewing my first cup at 7.5 weeks.
Hi im staying in Cape town and i just want to know where can i buy this tea
Thanks to all. I’m 39 years old and I’m planning to be pregnant soon. I will definitely try this RRL tea from now on. I am praying that this would help,us in our baby progect
If you opt to take the capsules, how many mg of RRL should you aim for each day?
Ian 37 weeks pregnant and just heard about this red raspberry leaf tea . Would you consider taking it still till I have the baby or is it too late for that ? :3 please comment back
Yes, definitely! I would recommend 1 quart (4 cups) per day. Drink it cold if you don’t like hot tea.
You may still have 5 weeks left (if you go to 42 weeks) but even if not it won’t hurt and it can only help. :)
I starting drinking the tea at 12 weeks pregnant but only drank it for a month or so. I am now 27 weeks and am planning on drinking it everyday in my last trimester. I’m not going to over-do it, just 1 cup a day with 3 tea bags, its pretty strong but I can only handle 1 cup in 1 day without getting sick of it.
This is my first baby and knowing the benefits it has for both my baby and I, I feel obligated to try it :) I’ll post back once I delivery and let you know if it worked with childbirth :) Wish me luck.
I am 37 weeks and just found out about RRL. I have started drinking it. Is it too late? Will it be effective for me during my delivery?
No.
I drank the one cup of tea at 38 weeks on Saturday night. My water broke at 7:30am that next morning (Sunday) and I delivered her at 6:07pm with little to no pain. I felt a little cheated because I don’t have a horror delivery story like most mothers but I’m glad that she’s finally here and healthy.
I bought Yogi’s Woman’s Raspberry Leaf tea by mistake, not realizing that the main benefits of this tea are for pregnant women. I’m a 48 and certainly not pregnant, rather in menopause. Should I drink it anyway or could it be harmful for me in any way? Thanks
It has actually been recommended for centuries for menopause as well. It has so many benefits and so very little side effects (nausea and loose stools seemed to be about it), that I can’t imagine it would be a bad thing to drink a cup a day for your whole life! :)
I’m no health guru, but I say drink on. If you experience anything abnormal, then stop. I don’t see how it could be a bad thing.
This is an excellent piece! Thank you very much for posting! Jo
Hey I am 26 and I am trying for my second child. it took me 5 years to get pregnant with my first child. I was wondering if this would help me get pregnant with my second child?
I’m 32 weeks pregnant and just starting drinking the RRL tea recommended by my sister in law, I really enjoy the taste and I’m drinking about 3 cups a day, I really hope it helps with labor, I’m also starting a hypno-birthing class this month. Thanks for the post!
I am in my 4th pregnancy and this will be my 3rd child as I had a miscarriage at the beginning of 2012…I never heard of this tea until yesterday through a pregnancy group and decided to research it today. I found your info very helpful and while I am 32 weeks already I hope it can help. With my last labor it was 9 hours which was the same as my first but I had complications and have been concerned about it since I had started bleeding and almost died I do not want that to be a possibility this time so hopefully it can help with that and make this labor better since this little man is measuring bigger than average.
well iv read most of ur posts and am considering rrl tea. i dont seem to have a problem concieving its staying pregnant after the 15th week.. i have a healthy 26mo girl..when i was 6mo with her i met my husband and around the end of aug.2011 i found out i was pregnant so my husband and i got married september 17 and a week to the day later i started miscarrying i was devistated..so i gained around 30lbs and was just going on without BC or protection and found out i was prego sept 8 2012 was excited scared and the next morning i awoke to misscarriage went to hospital sent home to let it ride out about 5 days later it stopped then i took a prego test positive a few days later i went to hospital due to bleeding again they told me i misscarried twins :'( week apart.. so now i want to try rrl tea to help me get prego and stay prego.. i dont have ins to go to OBGYN for help so trying this… wish me luck.. :)
Another unknown benefit… I have moderate to severe endometriosis. I take red raspberry tea regularly and increase by 2 cups a day at end of period to ward off severe cramps from endo. It has made a big difference in my “down time”. Also took during two of four pregnancies (last two) it made a big difference in health of baby when it was born. Also used stigging nettle and com fry leaf to increase vitamin k and milk supply.
Great Post! Hey, you say “easier labour” and I’ll drink just about anything! ;)
I agree, i’ve come to like it and be comforted by it – didn’t know about it helping with general colds and gum disease! Great!
Where can I get some this tea it I hear it would help you get pregnant
I drank Red Raspberry tea by Bigelow everyday (iced – summer baby) beginning 4 weeks before my due date with my son who is now 7. I will say that I never felt a contraction until I was dilated 7 cms and I honestly believe it is because I asked to be induced. I went in for my regular weekly check-up (my son was due 10 days later) and my OB asked me if I had been having contractions. I told her “no.” While doing the pelvic exam, she told me I was having a contraction at that moment. I told her I thought he was turning over and had been doing so for a couple of days. This is when she told me that I was already dilated 4cms and most women were asking for an epidural by now. She sent me directly to triage. I checked in at around 4:00 pm. I asked to be induced at 8:00 because I didn’t want to go back home. I felt my first contraction at around 8:30 or 9:00 and gave birth to my son at 11:03 pm. I totally stand by drinking the tea. I had a healthy little boy, 6 lbs, 12oz. I am now 31 weeks pregnant with my second child. I am going to start drinking the tea this week. Hopefully, I’ll remember to come back and update.
PS – My friend recommended the tea to me and she is pregnant with her fourth child now. She never felt a contraction until her 3rd.
I love hearing how you feel the tea benefited your labors! I have begun to make and drink about a quart of this tea a day, and am definitely seeing benefits during my pregnancy, so I can’t wait to see how it helps me during labor :) I just finished writing out my recipe and batch method on my blog, which made me feel even more excited about the benefits of this tea. I think I’ll drink it even when I’m not pregnant or breastfeeding! :D
Drank RRL all through my first pregnancy, probably 1-2 cups a day, increasing to very strong cups in the last 5 weeks. I had a very fast & efficient labor, and contribute a lot of it to mental & physical preparation and the RRL tea. I’m 15 weeks along with my 2nd, and have been drinking for the last 4 weeks. Looking forward to my next labor & delivery!
I am 33 weeks, so right now I am just having a cup a day of pregnancy tea. I have bought the RLT. How many should I have starting 34 weeks?? Please guide me.
You could starting 2-3 cups s day with no problem I did 3 cups a day my whole last semester with my twins.
I have drank 1 quart (4 cups) of red raspberry leaf tea per day, for the entire pregnancy, with no problems. :)
I dont think it taste bad at all.. just taste like any herbal tea.
I’ve been doing some research on this tea and I’m intrigued. I’m 25 wks preggo and have heard a lot of good things about it. You gave me some great info on it and I think I’m going to give it a try but I am little disappointed to hear it doesn’t taste like raspberries lol.
Oh, if only it tasted like raspberries!!!
Hello I am 5 weeks pregnant and have had 9 miscairrages, Can I take RRLT t prevent from having another one? Please respond
K. Huerta,
I am sorry to hear about your losses. I can not imagine the pain you must endure with each loss. Having lost two myself, I know it can be very difficult.
All though you are capable of taking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, it will not prevent a miscarriage that can not be sustained whether due to problems with the baby or problems in your own body.
I have taken Red Raspberry Leaf Tea with my last 4 pregnancies (I didn’t know about it with my daughter).
With 9 miscarriages I would be concerned with underlying reasons. What kind of testing has your care provider done? If there are no known reasons for the continued miscarriages I would try some of the natural things that have been known to help.
One of the most helpful is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet. All though from what I understand this is more helpful for women who have problems conceiving.
Barring any known medical issues that are causing recurrent miscarriages diet is the key to optimal health whether pregnant or not.
Good luck and I wish you the best.
Lovely article… I started drinking three cups a day a couple of days ago as I am 38 weeks along and thought it was about time. I hope it’s not too late! I had to have a c-section with my first and I’m trying a VBAC out with this child. I’ve researched a lot to try to reduce my risks – no pain medicines (so I can feel if I’m rupturing before the doctors know), no induction, etc. – I feel much more prepared this time around. More education reduces fear of the unknown which reduces stress during labor. I’m allergic to some of the inactive ingredients in almost all painkillers, IV fluids, and other medicines so I’m counting on the herbs and lots of prayer to help me out here! I don’t mind the tea hot or cold but I do add a decent amount of honey and one bag of blueberry tea (per 6 bags of red raspberry leaf – I make a lot at once to last a couple of days) to improve the flavor. (My blueberry tea has green tea in it too so it would not be good for a Mormon, but I’m sure there are blueberry teas out there that are purely herbal if that sounds good… Or you could just add some dried blueberries to a loose tea!) I’m hoping I have a good experience. I’ll find this page again and let you know!
(I also had a diarrhea virus which is almost completely gone now that I have started with the tea… And I sometimes have problems with anemia. I’m really excited about this tea!)
Does this info come from a qualified herbalist? As I have had two miscarages and an petrified of doing the wrong thing, I’m 37, if this tea is safe how soon on can I take it, and can I take whilst trying, as I’m constantly on that merry go round of tried test in two weeks.
Abby,
I am not a qualified herbalist..I am just a mom. I wrote this article by doing my own research online, by listening to the advice of my midwife and through my own experience. My midwife is a herbalist however and she makes her own organic blends of pregnancy teas, including Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. She also has a tincture for miscarriage if you are interested. I have taken the tea throughout all of my pregnancies. I recently (5/2012) gave birth to my 3rd child. While I have had two miscarraiges (the first miscarriage I had never had the tea before and the second I did) I don’t attribute the miscarriages to the tea at all. Almost all of the women I know take this tea throughout their pregnancies and no one I know has had a problem because of it. I also had a quick labor again this time… 2 1/2 hours.
I drank this faithfully from about 25 weeks on with my last two and the one before, I took the capsule (I wasn’t a tea drinker at that time yet). I am 31 weeks now and just placed an order about an hour ago. I plan to give birth for a fourth time free of medications and restrictions. I do have placenta previa this time, but I have faith that it will grow up and away from my cervix as my pregnancy progresses, if not, then we will just see how things go.
Thank you for your posting! Much needed information for women everywhere!
I bought bulk red raspberry tea from the bulk herb store online. Is it normal for it to taste bitter? I find it is not as bitter f I use only a teaspoon per cup of water, but I am 33 weeks and wanted to start making a more concentrated tea. I was worried mayb e something was wrong with it.
Would you, please, post a picture on here that would allow me to tag it to Pinterest?
I drank RLT with my first pregnancy but then had a really nasty flare up of the pompholyx excema on my hands – i know i am sensitive to certain metals and wondered if that was the link? I still recommend the tea highly as my case is unusual and i’d love any other information on whether it has caused a reaction like this before ( perhaps it was coincidence but it was so bad im scared to try again) or perhaps it is available in a form with less mineral content?is it possible that caused a reaction?
So I am 39 weeks today and just started drinking the tea last night my midwife convinced me to start drinking it. The taste really aint as bad as normal teas. I am really hoping it works cause my first pregnancy I had to be induced and well I want to avoid that this time.
J.M.J.
I took RRL tea with my 5th pregnancy. (Not during the first trimester) and had great results. I went to the hospital because I was leaking fluid. Having no pain I was dialated to a 4.5. My labor lasted 45 minutes. The contractions were very intense. In the past labors I had never dialated past 1 till my water broke, broke and had been in pain for quite some time. If you are concerned about the first trimester caution, just don’t do it. I believe RRL tea could not have been more effective had I taken it all 3 trimesters. The only way it could have been more effective would have been for the baby just to fall out of me. Now I wouldn’t want that even though it sounds good.
I am pregnant with my 6th and waited til 20 weeks to start the tea because I didn’t want all the early contracting that came with the tea. I’ll give an update after I give birth to let you know if I wish I had taken it the whole 27 weeks.(last 2 trimesters)
Have you delivered yet?
My mother had a friend who swore by RRL tea in pregnancy (she had 10), so when I got pregnant I drank it. First labour was 4 hrs from start to finish with a 7 minute second stage. The second time around I was induced for PIH, and had a 3 hr labour and 3 minute second stage. I drank about 2 (strong) cups/day from the second trimester. Maybe I just have fast, efficient labour who knows? I like to think the RRL tea helped.
Hi I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant and finding it hard to have 2 or more cups a day so i was wondering if you’d be able to use 2 teabags in one cup of boiling water or is this too strong?
I used Red Raspberry Leaf capsules during the last six weeks of my pregnancy and it was amazing! My pre labor (gestational week 38) lasted about a week very manageable and on the last day I went into labor with my little girl at around 12:30 I was already half way dilated was admitted to the hospital at 1:30 and she was born that night at 8:08. Everyone there was shocked at the ease with which I brought my daughter into this world because she is my first and I was pleasantly surprised by the results of taking RRL capsules. I continue to take it for milk production and it works! My recovery time after delivery was only four week too! If I decide to have anymore children I will definitely turn to this for its benefits and recommend all mommy-to-be’s look into this as well!
Alison, thought this was a good article about red raspberry tea.
Thank you this is great information , and personal testimony. :). I am trying to get pregnant and have already seen some of the benefits you described with my monthly cycle. Its inspired me to keep it up and I plan on trying the loose leaf blend from your friend’s store. Thank you again!
I wanted to say I drank 4 cups of red raspberry tea with my twin pregnancy. I started 4 cups a day at 30 weeks. I added a teaspoon of nettle to my tea because it’s high in iron. When I had my blood tested at 36 weeks they couldnt believe how good my blood counts were. Well I ended up making it to 38 weeks before I had to be induced. My labor was only 2 hours from the time they broke my water and I pushed the first baby out. I had no tears and labor was totally manageable. So, I have no idea if the tea helped with my speedy delivery, but glad it was so fast. In fact I started drinking it again to help with my heavy periods. I was starting to get signs of being anemic.
I’m going to get some tonight! I’m 25w and am glad to read that others have started drinking RRL this late in pregnancy. I’m excited to see the benefits. Can you comment about whether or not you noticed the benefit in your breast milk supply?
I am 6 weeks and have been drinking red raspberry tea and loving it. I am LDS as well and am glad to hear of another mormon drinking tea. I am excited about all the great benefits!! Here’s to a healthy pregnancy and an abundant supply of ice tea
Can the tea leaves be reused after you make a cup of tea with loose leaf RRL? I haven’t had a cycle in almost a year due to stress and doing too much. I’m trying to eat more fat (I weigh about 110 lbs) and while I’m not actively TTC, at least having a cycle again would be nice. No birth control. Thanks for all of this great information!
Herbal Teas can be steeped multiple times. I usually use the same leaves 3 times as I make a bit batch all at once, pour it over ice and add a little lemonade to it. I keep it cold in the refrigerator.
Hi, on the back of my packet of RRL tea it says its not for women in early stages of pregancy! Why is that?? The brand is Clipper
I drink four bags of RRL Tea in one cup, after letting it steep for 10 plus minutes. Hoping that’s the same as four cups a day, but not really sure. Does anyone reading this know?
Also, I am wondering why doctors advise against taking it in the first trimester but might allow for it thereafter. As someone dealing with recurrent pregnancy loss, I have stopped all RRL Tea during my pregnancies and probably will this time around (my fourth try,) just to be safe. If anyone has more information about this, I would be grateful also.
I have just started to drink RRL Tea. It is great to hear how often one should drink it. I am currently TTC and have been for a year. I am drinking this in addition to taking a Chasteberry/Vitex capsule twice a day. I am nervous of the drug approach (Chlomid). Thank you all for your posts
Would love to start drinking this tea. Does anyone know if it is safe for VBAC? From some of these posts, it seems like women are saying it causes “strong” contractions? Wondering if this would increase the risk of rupture in a VBAC??
My friend made me an infusion to brew overnight and then strain. I keep it cold, it has RRL, nettles, and 2 others..can’t think of the name right this second but anyway, I can tell a difference in my overall energy and also, I’ve not had as many sneezing/peeing accidents since drinking it. This is my 4th child and every time I sneezed during 2nd and 3rd pregnancy I had to change whether or not I felt i had to pee or not. This time..not a problem. So it must really be toning and keep it in shape.
I’m 35 1/2 weeks, and have been drinking RRL (with alfalfa, rose hips, oat straw and a Passion [Tazo] tea bag for flavor) since 8 weeks. I’ve been drinking a quart since the beginning but I’ve progressively made it stronger (started brewing 2 tbsp per qt for 20 min, now I’m doing 1/2 cup per quart for 2-3 hours) since it’s a tonic.
Very good to finally read some information that isn’t slanted by the medical field…my sister was wanting to try it until she talked to her OB. I was disappointed that just because HE doesn’t know about it (OB’s focus on problem solving with drugs rather than prevention…UGH), He didn’t want her to use any herbs. So frustrating!
I would like to know if you’ve tried any herbal labor prep??? I’m using Polly-Jean’s 5 week antenatal formula…I’d like to know what others results are with it.
It’s really hard to find homebirthing, holistic, healthy people when you look into the pregnant community. I’m the only one I know!!! And I wouldn’t even say I’m crunchy…just grew up healthy and researched the healthiest and safest way to have a baby! I’m so happy to have done my research and I’m looking forward to having our first at home!
my midwives has asked me to start taking the RRL with nettles and sqaw vine tea for labour along with homoepathic medication starting at 36 weeks. Right now I am almost 33 weeks and will be starting it soon. Hoping for the best.
What a great article! Thanks for laying this out in a simple fashion. I was really curious why the heck I needed to buy Red Raspberry Leaf tea in the first place, and this has been a huge help! I even showed my hubby all the sections I liked from here :D
Great article! So many women think RLT will induce labor so stay away from it during pregnancy! Thank you for your enlightenment.
Greetings…
I lived in the caribbean, had 4 miscarriages at various stages ( resulted from Fibroids) had a mymo in January and expecting, Ihave searched every where possible to find the RRT here and cannot.
I am wondering if some one can ship me some.
Address:
Enhams
Windward
St. Vincent & the Grenadines. ( we dont have lot numbers and Zip codes) Smile.
bulkherbstore.com sells a bag of loose leaf RRL tea!
Hello everyone,
I am 44, and have had 4 miscarriages. All occurred at around 5 weeks. I stumbled upon a website that uses rrl in an herbal blend along with vitamins. I took the vitamins and drank rrl & peppermint tea 3 times a day. I was told by an RE that I had less than 5 percent chance to conceive with my own eggs, and less than a 10 percent chance with my own eggs Invitro.
I was told the best thing to do was use someone else’s eggs. NOT! 24k plus meeds?
I ordered the vitamins, and drank the Yogi Woman’s RRL tea
The vitamins strengthened my system along with the tea. I am now 7 weeks pregnant. I thank God that I had the wherewithal to do more research. Baby Dust to All!
RRL worked for me
Wow! Cheers to you! That is a lovely story. I just wanted to thank you for sharing.
How is the pregnancy doing? I am 6 weeks pregnant and have had some concerns about miscarriage. I wasn’t sure about taking the RRL tea because of all the contraversy about it being taken in the first 2 trimesters but I am taking wild yam.
Hi there.. how is the pregnancy going? I was thinking about using this tea for a condition called adenomyosis.. however I would love to become pregnant as well and am also over 44 can you let me know the vitamins that you took? thanks any help would be appreciated..
Hi, I myself have been diagnosed with adenomyosis. I’m 38 yrs old. Have the same ?s as u. Have u had any luck? I was given a shot of lupron depot 11.25mg, it’s supposed to be a 3 month treatment, but I still have concerns and well, if you are (we’re) suffering the same – sure you’ll understand. Thank you in advance.
TEA BREWING
Thank you for a brilliant communication. I was looking to find out about possible side effects of RRL as I am going to drink it as a tea alternative. And I love the taste too.
I find that some teas taste better when made in softer water. For example when water was boiled and somewhat cooled so that minerals drop, before it is boiled again for tea brewing. Sometimes it happened with my kettle and I’ve noticed the difference in taste. I don’t know about nutritional effects of this method though.
Great Post! I see the benefits of RRL first hand in my practice. Virtually every pregnant women should be drinking plenty of RRL all through pregnancy. (I disagree that it is only “safe” during the third trimester.) It really does help to coordinate and strengthen the uterus for labor. As such, it causes toning contractions but it does not have the ability to induce labor on its own. If that were the case countless women and midwives would be rejoicing as they avoided pharmaceutical inductions! It *can* stimulate strong, regular toning contractions but it will not dilate the cervix. Women who contract a lot with RRL are contracting because their uterus needs it — that is the nature of tonic herbs. This is a truly amazing women’s herb. I see faster labors with regular, repeated use through pregnancy.
hello my name is sonia king i am 32 years old and i just had a miscarriage on sept-3 2010 still in shock at it all trying to find out the cause of why it happened i stumble upon your site i read and read till i was content all about raspberry leaf is it true that it helps with miscarriages and can it help get the wall of my uterus strong again thanks for this powerful advice i was at a lost point and needed a true answer to my problem i really want to try it and start it now asap but i want to make sure that it can really help me with this problem i was very clean and healthy with this pregancy but don’t know what happened i was 6 month and was looking forward to this child but on that day sept 3 i lost the baby the doctors dont even know what to tell me cause they are in shock to them self at this news .so now i am on a new jounery to get myself together again healthy and strong again and start taking new measure on getting my babys back again with the help of raspberry leaf thanks again for your help .always sonia
Yes, I know for a fact it helps with miscarriages , from personal experience. I know this post is old hope that you have a healthy baby and decided to take Red Rasberry, it’s wonderful for so many things
I was told that taking RRL over 2 weeks can actually cause a decrease in breastmilk. Simply what I was told, I don’t know personally as I didn’t take anything RRL related after my son was born. Also, we raised puppies way back when {English Bull Terriers}, and would give the expectant mama dogs RRL tea. Good for any mom.
Thank you for your fabulous, informative post. There were a couple of points that made me think.
1. It contains Vitamin A: Is it true that advice nowadays is not to supplement vitamin A? That’s what I thought I’d heard and that’s why I thought I was told to stay away from pate in my diet.
2. Studies show that women taking RRL have a reduced incidence of artificial rupture of membranes, forceps delivery or cesarean: I get the distinct impression that women who take RRL are more likely to opt for a natural (home) birth and the chances of these problems happening seems to be much lower during non-hospital births in general. Do you know did any of these studies control for this factor?
I know this is almost a year later… Still here’s what I know from my own research. We are told not to supplement Vit. A as certain levels of synthetic Vit. A are toxic. Not all vitamins and minerals are created equal, and in many instances the synthetic forms due more harm than good. RRL is a natural source for the vitamins listed and is, therefore, safe. There is no such thing as a Vit. A overdose when it is a natural form. Having said that though, it is important to note that many vitamins, vit. A in the form of carotenes being one of them, can not be utilized in the body without the presence of healthy animal fats such as butter or egg yolks, even meat fats including fish.
There is a great book where you can read all about many vitamins and minerals, it’s called “Nourishing Traditions”, by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig. The authors have done EXTENSIVE amounts of research. I have a hard time putting the book down once I pick it up to research something.
Cheers
Actually, you CAN overdose on Vitamin A from natural forms. Try eating polar bear liver and let me know how that turns out for you. However, natural forms of vitamin A are not teratogenic.
I know you wrote this two years ago. I live in Finland and dried our own leaves while in the countryside. I desided to drink it in batches, cold, just like you. I drank alot! With my third pregnancy I decided on no warm bath or shower, it slowed down my contractions (even stopped them!). So I just walked around and the midwife told me to push (I never knew when I was supposed to). I squated down, and out she came in 10 minutes!. I do contribute as well, this awesome tea (w balanced excercise and diet ofcourse).
Does your MW have an online store? Or you just have to call her to order?
Bianca, when I was pregnant with my son she didn’t yet have an online store. She is in her 60’s so I’m not sure if she’ll ever choose to have one. I’d just give them a call when you have a chance. They have a brick and mortar store but do lots of shipping since most of Sherry’s customers do not live in her town. We are considering TTC baby #3 in the next year or so and even though I live too far away to use her as a midwife now I will DEFINITELY be using all of her products and her advice on vitamins/supplements/herbs again.
I drank this tea religiously during both pregnancies. Both babies were delivered naturally and beautifully, and thankfully/luckily, with no aggressive intervention, i.e. no cutting, no drugs. Maybe it would have been the same even without the tea? I don’t know. But the midwives would not have worked with us if I did NOT drink the tea. Maybe they know a thing or two after so many years of experience with so many women, couples, newborn babies? Of course raspberry leaf tea is not the ONLY thing to do during pregnancy. You need to be holistic, caring for overall mental, physical and spiritual health of the couple (if in a couple).
What you eat is what you are. I’m more aware of all this now than when I was pregnant. Our environment (according to Dr. David Servan-Schreiber and others has grown progressively more toxic since World War II). Maybe more toxic now than when I was pregnant, 15 to 20 years ago? But organic/natural products are also less expensive now.
Go for fruits and vegetables, organic if possible. Don’t overdose on dairy products like some doctors (erroneously) recommend; consider soy milk if you have to have milk; and if you do eat dairy products, ensure that, as much as possible, they are organic/bio, with a good balance between omega-6 and omega-3 (you can read about that elsewhere). Avoid like the plague any beef or poultry raised in warehouses and (sometimes force)fed with only grains, and pumped with hormones. You are what you eat! The babies become what you eat! Go for multi-grain rather than white breads. Reduce intake of sugar; do not consume fructose (corn-based sweetener found in so many processed “snacks,” which I would not call food, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article6954603.ece). ERADICATE most carbonated soft drinks!! Avoid the toxins that characterize so much of synthetic/industrial food products. AND find alternatives to some of those strong, strong and often toxic home cleaning products (I KNOW, it’s difficult and requires research and lifestyles changes.)
And, in cooking and salad dressings et al., avoid hydrogenated oils (corn, sunflower); go for linseed, olive, or walnut oils. Of course for families living on minimum wage or less, this could be a challenge. But think of the longer term BENEFITS and SAVINGS in terms of health bills! And if you live in areas where lots of pesticides are used in surrounding agricultural lands, be sure to investigate the purity of your drinking water; if necessary, have it filtered or go to mineral water (preferably from plastic not exposed to sun and not filled with PCVs; PCVs in children’s toys have been banned in many places, but keep an eye on that too). Finally, read up on cosmetic products with parabens and decide whether you feel comfortable using them or prefer to go toward bio toothpaste, more natural products (i.e. from the body shop). Whew! In our world these days we can’t avoid toxins, and our bodies can manage some, but we can make healthier lifestyle choices.
Have a wonderful pregnancy. Let’s respect and make our planet healthier and we’ll be healthier, and vice versa. Let’s bring those babies into a loving, caring, nurturing environment, to make the world a better place! I added no sugar to my raspberry leaf tea and enjoyed sipping it a couple times a day!
Kathryn
I’m 10 weeks pregnant and i had to go to the ER because I started spotting brownish reddish blood. I did some reasearch and heard that RRL will help prevent a miscarriage. I that correct? They did a pelvic exam and the uterus i closed and they didn’t see anymore blood. They also did a sonogram and we saw the baby’s heartbeat and they baby is growing just fine but I still have some cramping and spotting so i’m on bed rest for the next two days until I see my OBGYN. So do you guys recommend for me to take RRL? Does it really prevent miscarriage?? Please help!!
Can you share whether you took the tea and whether it helped. I am experiencing a similar problem. Thank you.
I’m 10 weeks pregnant and i had to go to the ER because I started spotting brownish reddish blood. I did some reasearch and heard that RRL will help prevent a miscarriage. I that correct? They did a pelvic exam and the uterus i closed and they didn’t see anymore blood. They also did a sonogram and we saw the baby’s heartbeat and they baby is growing just fine but I still have some cramping and spotting so i’m on bed rest for the next two days until I see my OBGYN. So do you guys recommend for me to take RRL? Does it really prevent miscarriage?? Please help!!
Hi,
I am 40 yrs old and going through some hormone imbalance. Do you know if i can take this tea to balance hormone ?
Thanks!
i got my RRL at a local health food store. a 1 LB bag cost about 7 dollars and lasted pretty much the whole pregnancy..
i added a little bit of red clover( about 2 cups to the 1 lb bag of RRL) which was under 5 $
and at the end( last few weeks) the nettle which was also very inexpensive when bought bulk at the store..
though later pregnancies i picked my own nettles( they grow readily around here) and dried my own RRL from my raspberry plants..so in total it may set you back 20$ but not more
I was wondering what the cost is on the two teas.
sorry that should say “red clover” my key board is sticky.. after all i have four kids!! lol
thanks you for this great information.. i used RRL from the get go in all four of my pregnancies, starting with an infusion (1 handful of leaves to a quart of water steeped for 4 hours, then diluted half and half with a fruity herbal tea and honey.. i drank most of it cold) then increased the strenght as things went along.. i mixed it with reg clover and in the last few weeks with stinging nettles (for the vitamin K to reduce chances of hemmoraging)
my labours were 5 1/2 hrs, 3hrs, 6 hrs( my first boy he didn’t want out and i had been taking squaw vine with my RRL which further regulates contractions, which it did.. unlike my other labours this one was strong contraction every 2 mins on the dot from beginning to end.. thus i ommited it in the next pregnancy)
and lastly 1 1/2 hours…
i atribute to the extra calcium during intro uterian time the fact that not one of my kids had a hard time teething…in fact you didn’t know other than the copious amounts of drool that they were teething untill you were bitten while nursing!!
i and greatly irritated by people who from certain erronious infromation say that RRL is harmful to the infant and that it shouldn’t be taken during the earilier months…
seriously if you consummed the strength and amount of RRL to induce labour and cause contrations .. you would puke!!
its disgusting!!
it works but oh my goodness holding your nose doesnt even helP!!(btw its 1 cup leaves to 2 cups boiling water . let steep for 25 mins and gagg it back)
the reports i read stated that you have to drink over 32 ounces at once to induce.. thats a heck of a lot of tea!
any way thanks for your clear consice info.. i will continue to recommend RRL to all my pregnant friends no matter what people say to the contrary.. hundreds of years of use with out side effect cannot be wrong :)
Try mixing RRL with cranberry juice. DELICIOUS and good for your urinary tract as well. I am 37 weeks pregnant and have been drinking a qt a day. I can’t get enough!
I enjoyed your post. I have very aggressive menstrual cramps and a natural path advised I used RRL tea. I must say I used it midway through my cycle and noticed my cramps were less aggressive. I felt like something was really toning and massaging my cramps away. I still needed my pain medications but not every 3 hours like clock work. It was amazing. But, I am very conscious of my diet (just fish, veggies, fruit, beans) work out regularly and meditate so that can all add to my fortune…but I still know the tea played a great part. I advise any woman with mild to severe cramps to give it a try.
However Raspberry tea is one of the herbal supplements that pregnant women are told to avoid. Along with blue cohosh, juniper, pennyroyal or rosemary, sage, and thuja. These all stimulate uterine contractions and may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor.
Just wanted to throw that out there, be safe.
Fluwolf,
I would keep doing some research. I came across this in some “mainstream” medical information for pregnancy. However, based on history, accounts from thousands of women and countless midwives Red Raspberry leaf does not pose any risk or harm. One “study” that was done was worried that it did pose a problem for miscarriage so based on that *one* study now many people don’t advice to use the tea until after the first trimester. However, I and many of my friends and aquaintances took the tea from the get go and women have for years and years and years with never any problems. The likelihood is that the women who *do* miscarry would have miscarried anyway and sometimes it feels easier to blame it on something.
Having had a miscarriage myself I know how painful it can be.
Anyway, everyone should make the decision of what herbs and when to take them with their midwife or medical provider and with their own research but from my humble and not professional opinion the herbal tea is perfectly safe and will not cause any harm. On the contrary, it has many many benefits.
I did not know about RRL tea with my first son. He was born a week late after almost three days (yes, you read that right!) of ACTIVE labor (contractions painful and 5-7 minutes apart with horrible back labor).
With my second, I was 36 weeks and was scared to death to have the same birth experience I had with my first. I started drink RRL tea (2-3 cups a day). I had him at 38 weeks, only 5 hours of active labor! The second and third stages of labor were super fast! I also had a much easier recovery.
I am now 36 weeks pregnant with my third and I am faithfully drinking my RRL tea (3-4 cups a day as suggested). I am sure hoping to see the benefits of this tea again! I already enjoy how it helps sooth my horrible acid reflux that my baby is giving me! The only thing I will be doing differently is I will continue to drink a couple cups a day post partum to help my uterus get back to normal.
Where can I buy this in LA, CA????
Thanks! I am 31 weeks I was thinking that I will have two cups per day, will that be sufficient?
Thanks!
I know this is *not* what you want to hear but TIME may be the only thing that will end your pregnancy. You will not be pregnant forever, even though you may feel like that now. No amount of natural methods to induce labor will induce labor in a body/baby that is not ready. I would focus instead on a calm sense of welcoming and peace and to do things that bring you happiness and pleasure. Your baby will be here soon enough. :)
I think our society has really pushed the whole “due date” thing when in reality it doesn’t really exist. A *normal* pregnancy can last up to 42 weeks without being “overdue”.
Good luck! Find some fun things to distract you. :)
Thanks for the advice re: RRL tea and the reality check on due dates! I’m at nearly 41 weeks and feeling fantastic. Yes, I’m ready to not be pregnant but I know that this little girl will arrive when she’s supposed to arrive and not a minute earlier. My midwife suggested I start drinking RRL tea now. It’s delicious!
I enjoyed the post and hope to read more of your blog.
cheers…
Hi, I am 39weeks and nothing is happening. It’s so depressing and stressfull. I am so miserable. I tried castor oil and eat pineapples as well as tried sex but nothing seem to work. Please help me.
all good post and lots of info, i’m 35 weeks along and i just heard about RRL and i just started drinking it, hopefully it’s as good as everyone says it is, i also like it’s, nice, mild and earthy taste, i’ll check back in after the baby is born and let you know all how it worked. good luck to everyone.
You should not be using RRL during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It should only be used after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Just type Red Raspberry Leaf into any scientific journal database and you’ll see that this tonic should ONLY be taken in the last trimester.
I’ve taken it throughout all my pregnancies and never had any problems, I never miscarry, I have back to back pregnancies too and I am still healthy and strong. They say you’re not s’pose to take Chamomile tea during pregnancy at all but I took it before I knew that in my first pregnancy for morning sickness and it was the only thing that helped me… I think everybody reacts differently to different things but I’ve known several women who have taken it (RRL) throughout, my sister in law who takes it throughout her pregnancy dilligently very recently had a painless homebirth naturally without any medications or painkillers.
It is unwise to ignore clinical trials based on personal anecdotes. Yes, we all know someone who narrowly escaped catastrophe when the odds weren’t in their favor. Your doing just fine does not necessarily mean your choices didn’t increase your risk. One should make a full investigation of available studies before putting oneself at risk unnecessarily based on the personal experience of one woman (or her friends and relatives).
Please share the scientific journals you saw it in. From everything I can find, it just says there hasn’t been enough research done on 1st trimester use.
Great post! I have been drinking organic RRL (I love MountainRoseHerbs.com) for over a year now – I really enjoy it.
Cheers,
Kristen
Thanks! A very useful post, though I am in UK and need to find it here to buy somewhere
Hi there,I live in New Zealand & my mid wife suggested i try RRL. I am 35weeks up the duff & this is the 1st time i’ve heard of using RRL so i’m looking forward to using it & seeing how well it works, Have a good day.Thank you.
thank you for posting this. My DHtobe and I are trying to conceive and I’ve been looking HIGH AND LOW to find a dosage recommendation.
I realize this is an old post, but couldn’t resist. I’ve used RRL for 2 pregnancies & off & on since, but never regularly enough (except the last few weeks of pregnancies, i was more vigilant). However, last month i decided to ‘give it a try’ again for cramp relief. I drank 3-6 cups a day for 2 weeks (did the ‘batch’ method, kept a gallon in the fridge at all times, i’m too lazy for 1 cup brewing). It didn’t even remotely help with the cramps, however: i had NO pms! Ok…maybe a ‘little’. I was slightly more weepy than usual, but nothing near my ‘pms-normal’. In general i was just my usual, not grumpy self. I didn’t keep it up the week after, but started back this week. Here’s hoping it was the RRL! ;) my only note of caution: start out small (like 1 cup/day) & work your way up… not sure if it was the extra iron or what but…well, i’ll spare details, but it was a painful gastrointestinal experience.
Cool. My doula just gave me a sample of Yogi Tea Woman’s Mother to Be blend and I wasn’t sure if it was safe (I’m so skeptical these days, especially with only a few more weeks to go). Thanks for the post.
I just started yesterday taking the Organic RRL bags. I am now 36 weeks pregnant. I read so many mothers atking it starting at 36 weeks or in the last trimester at least 34 weeks and over for labor and delivery.
I can’t wait to give my testimony. I took two cups a day with one teaspoon of organic honey.
I pray to God this works, I have already experienced natural labor with just prayer for strength and endurance. But with the God- Given herbs- if it can ease anything and make my labor quicker this will be a double blessing for me.
hey,
where did you get your RRL? Do you think Trader Joe’s would have it? Should I start drinking it now at 11 weeks or would you think I should wait a couple weeks? Well, actually, I guess I’m 12 weeks along today. Wow. Crazy.
Amy
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Great article! My midwife encouraged me to begin taking it at the beginning of my pregnancy!! I am looking forward to getting started!
Did you know its really good for stressed out hubbies with adrenal issues too???! Really, it is!
What kind of adrenal issues? I have a son with CAH
Congrats on your pregnancy and keep it up! It’s been difficult for me to stay faithful to it as well even though I know how good it is for me. :)
Thank you for the excellent article! I’ve just started drinking RRL tea, and this really encouraged me to keep it up and be faithful – I am 24 weeks pregnant :)