The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), also known as garden raspberry leaf, is produced by the deciduous raspberry plant and used in folk remedies.
Use in pregnancy
Traditional lore suggests that pregnant women use raspberry leaf tea, especially as an aid in delivery.2 However, scientific research has found little to no evidence to support this claim.3 Most of the evidence available is anecdotal, and a 2009 review article stressed concern at the lack of evidence for safety and efficacy and called recommendations of its use "questionable".4
References
Boon, Smith, Heather, Michael (2004). The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs. 120 Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 800, Toronto, Canada M4p 1E2: Robert Rose. pp. 233. ISBN 9780778800811.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9780778800811 ↩
McFarlin, Barbara L.; Patsy Harman; Jann O'Rear; Mary H. Gibson (May–June 1999). "A National Survey of Herbal Preparation Use by Nurse-midwives for Labor Stimulation: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Practice". Journal of Nurse-Midwifery. 44 (3): 205–216. doi:10.1016/S0091-2182(99)00037-3. PMID 10380441. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩
Lone Holst; Svein Haavik; Hedvig Nordeng (13 June 2009). "Raspberry leaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 15 (4): 204–8. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. hdl:1956/3702. PMID 19880082. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩
Lone Holst; Svein Haavik; Hedvig Nordeng (13 June 2009). "Raspberry leaf – Should it be recommended to pregnant women?". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 15 (4): 204–8. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.003. hdl:1956/3702. PMID 19880082. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩