Two thousand years ago, the great Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author Pedanius Dioscorides recommended the garden raspberry in his De Materia Medica to remedy stomach weaknesses. Today, they are still as refreshing and invigorating as during that age and are a good source of vitamins.
- Nature’s Way red raspberry leaf capsules are for traditional women’s health support*
- Each 2-capsule serving of red raspberry leaves provides 640 mg of raspberry leaf traditional women’s health support*
Healing Properties and Indications
The garden raspberry fruit contains pectin, sugar, organic acids, mineral salts, and vitamins A, B, and C. The flowers and leaves also contain tannin.
The fruit has appetizer, antiscorbutic, refreshing, and invigorating properties. They are recommended for febrile diseases. Treatments with raspberries are helpful for constipation, rheumatism, and renal and hepatic insufficiency. They stimulate the metabolism, especially the processes of eliminating organic waste and depuration.
Due to their tannin content, the flowers and leaves have astringent properties. They are used in infusion as antidiarrheals, mouth rinses, and gargles for gum and throat inflammation.
Raspberry leaf tea is an excellent remedy for treating diarrhea; you can drink it as a refreshing beverage. The herb is so safe that it is one of the best herbal teas pregnant individuals can consume to ease childbirth, reduce pain, prevent bleeding, and relieve nausea. It can also be used liberally to reduce menstrual cramping. Combined with other herbs, such as squaw vine and uva ursi, it can help treat hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and other female problems.
Combine raspberry with peppermint to treat morning sickness or uterine bleeding. It is an astringent tonic that stimulates the mucous membranes. Raspberry leaf tea combined with myrrh or goldenseal in equal parts creates a douche or enema that can treat dysentery. In addition, it can be used for measles.
Raspberry can soothe the kidney and urinary tract and relieve urinary irritation. For instance, mix one part raspberry, slightly over one part goldenseal, and two ½ parts witch hazel to reduce bleeding, chronic dysentery, and kidney infections.
Raspberry leaf is a dependable remedy for colds, flu, fevers, and acute stomach ailments. Mix the fresh juice with a bit of honey to prepare a refreshing refrigerant beverage that can be taken to reduce a fever. Steep an ounce of the herb in a pint of boiled water for twenty minutes. It helps stimulate the skin, teeth, bones, and healthy fingernails.
Thanks to the plant’s astringent properties, it can be used for sores, skin rashes, burns, wounds, canker sores, gargles, eyewashes, and mouthwashes. The above formula, using witch hazel and goldenseal, is helpful for throat diseases.
Note: Wild raspberries have similar properties but are not utilized much since the garden variety is so easy to obtain.
Garden Raspberry Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Rubus idaeus L.
- Other names: Raspberry, European red raspberry.
- French: Framboisier.
- Spanish: Frambueso.
- Environment: It grows among granite rocks in mountain regions of Europe and has naturalized to the American continent.
- Description: This shrub of the Rosaceae family grows from one to two meters high. Its underside has prickly stems and whitish leaves, and its flowers are small and white-greenish.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The fruit, the flowers, and the leaves.
How to use Garden Raspberry
- The fruit is eaten as a dessert, fresh whenever possible, or in jam or jelly.
- Infusion with the leaves and flowers.
- Mouth rinses and gargles with the same infusion used internally.
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take six ounces frequently. Tincture: Thirty drops (1/2 to one teaspoon) often. Fluid Extract: Take one to two teaspoons frequently. Powder: Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) frequently.
Frequently Asked Question
What vitamins and minerals does the garden raspberry contain?
Raspberries are a powerhouse of nutrients, including:
Vitamin C: Essential for immune function, antioxidant properties, and skin health.
Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble, promoting gut health, blood sugar balance, and satiety
Manganese: Important for bone health and metabolism.
Vitamin K: Facilitates the development of bone and the coagulation of blood.
Potassium: Supports the heart’s health and helps regulate blood pressure.
Smaller amounts of Vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, and iron.
What are the specific antioxidant compounds in the garden raspberry, and how do they benefit health?
Raspberries are packed with potent antioxidants:
Anthocyanins: Responsible for the vibrant red color, they offer anti-inflammatory protection and may have anti-cancer effects.
Ellagic acid: A powerful antioxidant with chemopreventative properties (meaning it can help prevent cancer).
Vitamin C: A well-known antioxidant that boosts the immune system and combats oxidative stress.
Does the garden raspberry have specific benefits for heart health?
Yes! Research suggests raspberries may help protect the heart in several ways:
Reducing Inflammation: Antioxidants combat inflammation linked to heart disease risk.
Improving cholesterol levels: Fiber in raspberries assists with lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Regulating Blood Pressure: Potassium in raspberries helps manage blood pressure. (Source: Medical News Today
Can the garden raspberry aid in weight management or blood sugar control?
Raspberries can be an intelligent addition to a healthy weight management plan:
High Fiber Content: Increases satiety and may delay hunger cues.
Low glycemic index: Raspberries don’t cause sharp blood sugar spikes, making them suitable for people with diabetes.
Natural Sweetness: Their sweet flavor can satisfy cravings for less healthy sugary options.
Does the garden raspberry have any impact on cognitive function?
Studies suggest raspberry consumption may promote brain health and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Protective benefits likely stem from raspberries’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the brain.
Is the garden raspberry leaf beneficial as well?
Traditionally, raspberry leaves have been used to make herbal teas. Some potential benefits include:
Easing pregnancy symptoms: Raspberry leaf tea is sometimes used during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor first.
Astringent properties: May act as a mild treatment for sore throat, mouth ulcers, or diarrhea.
Are there different types of raspberries (red, black, etc.), and do they offer varying health benefits?
Yes! While all raspberries offer benefits, subtle differences exist between colors:
Red raspberries: The most common, high in ellagic acid and anthocyanins.
Black raspberries: Higher in antioxidants overall compared to red varieties.
Purple raspberries: A hybrid with a solid nutritional profile.
Golden raspberries have a milder flavor and are slightly lower in antioxidants.
Is a frozen garden raspberry as nutritious as fresh?
Frozen raspberries retain most of their nutritional value! They are flash-frozen quickly after harvest, preserving vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
How much garden raspberry is recommended for optimal benefits?
A standard serving is about 1 cup of fresh raspberries. For the best health effects, aim for a few servings per week.
Are there any risks to be aware of when eating a garden raspberry?
Raspberries are very safe for most people. Rarely some individuals may have mild allergies. Always wash raspberries before eating them.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 765. Print.
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 142, 143.
- Oregon State University: https://foodsci.oregonstate.edu/berryhealth/fact-sheets/red-raspberries
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283018
- Old Farmer’s Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/raspberries-health-benefits
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283018
- Garden Culture Magazine: https://gardenculturemagazine.com/the-medicinal-benefits-of-wild-raspberries
Last update on 2024-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API