Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Raspberry

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus Rosaceae)


Other Names: Red Raspberry, European Red Raspberry

Raspberry, a deciduous biennial shrub native to Europe and Asia, grows up to 2 meters tall with pale green, serrated leaves. In its second year, it produces white flower inflorescences followed by sweet red fruits, harvested for both culinary and medicinal use.


Parts for Use

Leaves and Fruit

  1. Leaves are used to prepare infusions, liquid extracts, and tablets.
  2. Fruits are harvested from summer to early autumn for decoctions.

Ingredients

Raspberry leaves contain polypeptides, flavonoids, and tannins, particularly anthocyanins. The fruits contain pectin, fruit sugars, organic acids, and vitamins A, B, and C.


Use in Treatment

Raspberry leaf tea is used to treat diarrhea, fluid retention, kidney stones, gallstones, and urinary tract infections due to its astringent and potential diuretic properties. Traditionally, leaves were used before and during childbirth to stimulate uterine contractions, but this requires medical supervision. Externally, raspberry leaves are applied to relieve eye inflammation, skin irritation, injuries, and excessive vaginal discharge. The fruits’ astringent properties, attributed to anthocyanins, may aid wound healing and skin diseases. U.S. studies suggest anthocyanins may reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzyme production. Use for kidney stones, gallstones, urinary tract infections, and eye inflammation requires medical supervision due to potential risks and serious health implications.


Cultivation

Grow raspberry in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Diarrhea, Urinary Tract Infections)

  1. Infusion: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 3 times daily.
  2. Liquid Extract: Take 4–8 ml with water 3 times daily.
  3. Tincture (1:4 in 25% alcohol): Take 20 drops with water 3 times daily after meals.
  4. Tablets (900 mg): Take 1 tablet with water twice daily.

For External Use (Skin Diseases)

  1. Compress: Soak a cloth in infusion or diluted tincture and apply to affected areas.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for kidney stones, gallstones, urinary tract infections, eye inflammation, or use during childbirth.
  2. Avoid raspberry preparations during pregnancy, except during childbirth under medical supervision.
  3. Do not combine raspberry preparations with blood sugar-lowering medications or disulfiram (an anti-alcohol agent).