Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

DESCRIPTION

Herbalists have long recommended red raspberry tea to facilitate a safe Pregnancy and delivery.

HERBAL USES

Traditionally, red raspberry has been administered as a tea to prevent Pregnancy complications and to facilitate deliveries. It has also been used to reduce excessive menstrual flow. For both men and women, red raspberry has been used to treat symptoms of Diarrhoea. (1).

SUGGESTED INTAKES

Part of the plant used: LEAF.

Boiled tea, 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaf. Steep for 10 minutes and then sweeten.
For Pregnancy, drink 2-3 cups daily.

SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Pregnancy:
Red raspberry tea is still a favoured recommendation for pregnant women. Currently, little scientific evidence exists to support its use. One study suggests that the tea inhibits uterine contractions during Pregnancy, stabilising the uterus (2). The effectiveness and mechanism of treatment is still under much scientific speculation.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

Safety in pregnant or nursing women has not been studied, but it is of little concern due to the widespread availability of the tea and its years of traditional use.

Safety in young children and in patients with severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined.

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Regular use of red raspberry may affect the absorption of tetracycline derivatives, oral anticholinergics, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, phenytoin, nalidixi acid, citrates, sparteine, sulfonamides, and warfarin.

Red raspberry may inhibit the urinary excretion of alkaline drugs, such as amphetamines or quinidine.

Avoid topical use in conjunction with the Acne medication tretinoin (retinoic acid, Vitamin A acid).

Avoid use with vasoconstrictors, such as ephedrine, methoxamine, phenylephrine, and sympathomimetics.

REFERENCES

1 Tyler VE. herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994
2. Bamford DS, et al. Raspberry leaf tea: A new aspect to an old problem. Br J Pharmacol 40: 161-162, 1970.