Herbal Actions :
- Astringent – Substance that causes constriction of mucous membranes and exposed tissues usually by precipitating proteins
- Partus Preparator – Substance taken in preparation for labor and child birth (treatment usually commences second trimester)
- Parturifacient –Substance that induces labor and assists in the efficient delivery of the fetus and placenta.
- Antidiarrheal – Substance that alleviates diarrhea
Indicated for :
Ensuring healthy uterine function at childbirth (when taken during pregnancy)
Abnormal bleeding from uterus ,stomach (stomatitis ), or bowels
Mouth ulcers , dysentery , cholera ,and diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea ( painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.)
Prolapsed uterus
Topical treatment for tonsillitis ,conjunctivitis and sore throats
History
The raspberry is a member of the rose family, which shows in the thorny stems, bramble-like growth, shape of the leaves and blossoms. The two major groups are the Eurasian red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, and the eastern North American black raspberry, Rubus occidentalis. Cultivated plants are typically hybrids between R. idaeus and R. strigosus. Raspberries grow in most of the temperate regions north of the equator, often in swamps and watery areas .
Active Ingredients
Polyphenols like tannins and flavonoids are the two primary constituents of raspberry leaves, according to the European Medicines Agency. Polyphenols act as antioxidants, which may help slow aging and diseases such as cancer. A study from the Medical University of Bialystok, in Poland, found that the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol predominated in raspberry leaves. In addition, raspberry leaves contain phenolic acids, minerals, vitamin C and plant alcohols.
Naturally high in magnesium potassium, iron and b-vitamins which make it helpful for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy. The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry Leaf makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles which some midwives say leads to shorter and easier labors.
Cardiovascular Issues: The action of potassium in this tea makes it excellent for hypertension and protecting the cardiovascular system against atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
Digestion: The anti-inflammatory actions of raspberry leaf tea help to soothe stomach aches and prevent constipation. It can also stimulate smooth muscle contraction, which can normalize bowel movements and ease bloating and cramping. In excess, however, these effects do make this tea a laxative, so consume in moderation.
Immune System: Vitamin C contained in raspberry leaf tea helps enhance the functioning of immune system and stimulates production of white blood cells in the body.
Pregnancy Aid: This specialty tea is mainly known for its ability to stimulate labor and ease childbirth, due to the effects it can have on the uterine wall. It can strengthen and tone the muscles, and make for a speedier and lesser painful time in the delivery room. For any woman who had an extended labor, this particular health benefit of raspberry leaf tea is particularly attractive. Although research on this is still ongoing and no actual evidence has been found to support this, raspberry leaf tea has been used for thousands of years for this purpose. A particular alkaloid called fragine is believed to be the cause of this unique benefit.
Fertility: Traditionally, raspberry leaf tea has been used to restore fertility , both in men and women, primarily because it can balance hormone levels. If males are experiencing too many estrogenic compounds, their reproductive ability will suffer, and vice versa. The compounds in this tea can curb those hormone imbalances in people.
Inflammation: Raspberry leaf tea can help ease symptoms associated with arthritis , gout ,fevers ,headaches and gastrointestinal distress due to the potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients in the leaves.
Equine use:
Raspberry leaf is a natural, herbal remedy for moodiness in mares caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. It is also believed to improve muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and the uterus. Raspberry leaf can be found in prepared supplements or it can be given in dried powder or leaf form.
Raspberry Leaf should be added to broodmares’ feeds for at least one month, preferably two months, prior to conception as it contains the highest amounts of folic acid crucial for correct development of the fetus in early stages. and again prior to foaling for at least one month prior. This is particularly important if the mare is being rejoined straight away. Raspberry Leaf also enhances the chances of conception especially in maiden mares or difficult breeders, tones the uterus and endometrium and assists with easy foaling and complete and quick expulsion of the afterbirth. There is no need to continue use throughout the pregnancy .
NOTE: When being used to assist breeding… Once a mare is pregnant some owners/breeders continue to give small amounts of raspberry leaf regularly throughout the pregnancy, however it is more common practice to cease using raspberry leaf during early and mid-term gestation period (as a precaution, due to the uterine stimulating properties of raspberry) and then re-introduce it in the final month of pregnancy, continuing until the foal is two months old.
Rosemarie
References :
http://horsezone.com.au/news/natural-horse-health-victorias-herbal-secrets-for-spring-4118/#4Wg6ZSYFRetySVft.97
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-raspberry-leaf.html
http://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/raspberry_leaf.html
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