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Raspberry

The red raspberry, often referred to simply as the raspberry, is a plant on which the tasty, sweet berry of the same name grows. The fruit and leaves of the raspberry have also been used as medicine for centuries. The therapeutic use of raspberry leaves was first described in a book in 1597. Even today, the fruit and leaves of the red raspberry are still used as medicine. Raspberry leaves are used for disorders of the digestive tract including diarrhea, disorders of the respiratory system including influenza, heart problems, fever, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Raspberry leaves are also used to promote sweating, urine production and the production of bile acid. Some people use raspberry leaves for a general "cleansing" of the skin and blood. Some women use raspberry leaves for a painful menstrual period, a heavy menstrual period and morning sickness associated with pregnancy, as well as to prevent miscarriage, ease childbirth and relieve labor pains. Raspberry leaves are applied directly to the skin for sore throats and skin rashes. The fruit is eaten and used to make jam and other foods. The leaves of the red raspberry are used in Europe as a source of natural flavorings.

How do raspberry products work?

The chemicals contained in the red raspberry may have antioxidant effects and help relax blood vessels. It could cause either contractions or relaxation of muscles depending on the dose and the muscle involved. This is the theory behind the use of red raspberry to ease labor and labor pains.

How effective are raspberry products?

Raspberry products may be ineffective when used to ease labor and labor pains. Raspberry leaf ingestion does not appear to reduce the length of labor or the need for analgesic medications during the labor period. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of raspberry products for stomach problems, heart problems, respiratory system problems, water retention, skin rashes, sore throat and vitamin deficiencies. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of raspberry products in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The fruit is probably safe and harmless for most people in normal food quantities and possibly safe and harmless when used in larger medicinal quantities. No side effects have been reported to date.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Raspberries are probably safe to consume in normal amounts during pregnancy. The use of raspberry leaves in medicinal quantities may be safe and harmless during late pregnancy, but should be done under medical supervision. Raspberry leaves are commonly used by midwives to facilitate labor. Raspberry leaf should not be used as a self-medication during pregnancy. There are concerns that raspberry products may act like the hormone oestrogen, which could endanger the pregnancy. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of raspberry products during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid raspberry products to be on the safe side. Hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibrosis: raspberry products could act like estrogen. If you suffer from a disease that could be aggravated by oestrogen, you should not use raspberry products.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of raspberry products with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of raspberry products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for raspberry products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Bamford DS, Percival RC, Tothill AU. Raspberry leaf tea: a new aspect to an old problem. Br J Pharmacol 1970;40:161P-162P
  2. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
  3. McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16.
  4. Morimoto C, Satoh Y, Hara M, et al. Anti-obese action of raspberry ketone. Life Sci 2005;77:194-204.
  5. Mullen W, McGinn J, Lean ME, et al. Ellagitannins, flavonoids, and other phenolics in red raspberries and their contribution to antioxidant capacity and vasorelaxation properties. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50:5191-6.
  6. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effects on labor: safety and efficacy. Aust Coll Midwives Inc J 1999;12:20-5.
  7. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2001;46:51-9.
  8. Wada L, Ou B. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Oregon caneberries. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50:3495-500.
  9. Wang SY, Jiao H. Scavenging capacity of berry crops on superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen. J Agric Food Chem 2000;48:5677-84.
  10. Wang SY, Lin HS. Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage. J Agric Food Chem 2000;48:140-6.