Do you have a raspberry bush in your garden? This is great news for your health! Because if we do not doubt the benefits of raspberries (which are rich in vitamins while remaining tasty and low in calories), raspberry leaves are not left out: they also have some interesting properties for health.
“Raspberry leaf tea is a fairly old preparation that has fallen into oblivion today: these leaves are little used by modern herbal medicine, and that’s a shame!“says Dr. Christine Cieur, doctor of pharmacy and herbalist.
However, raspberry leaf tea remains known to midwives: “it has always and traditionally been used to facilitate childbirth“explains Dr. Christine Cieur. It can also be used to relieve the digestive system (stomach aches, irritable bowels…) and calm ENT disorders (sore throat, painful gums…).
Raspberry leaf tea: it is more effective with fresh leaves
How is raspberry leaf tea prepared? First step: harvest raspberry leaves: “the herbal tea is most effective when the leaves are fresh” underlines the expert. When it is not the season (in winter), one can also use dried and powdered leaves; they must then be stored away from light and humidity. dried and pulverized leaves can also be purchased – on the internet or in herbalists.
To make a cup of herbal tea, put the equivalent of 1 c. teaspoon of fresh leaves cut into small pieces or dried and pulverized in the bottom of a cup. “If you need a stronger effect, you can go up to 1 tbsp. soup“Notes Dr. Cieur. Pour over 150 mL of boiling water and cover; then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. We think (of course) of filtering before drinking, possibly with a drop of honey or a pinch of sugar.
Raspberry in gemmotherapy: against the ailments of menopause
Endowed with hormonal properties, raspberry can also act on the disorders that typically accompany premenopause (hot flashes, in particular); rather than herbal tea, it is then necessary to use glycerin macerate.
To prepare this gemmotherapy remedy, we start by picking a handful of young raspberry shoots; they are placed in a jar, lightly tamped, and covered with spring water. Add twice the volume of raspberry alcohol (at 45° minimum) and the same proportion of vegetable glycerin. Mix, cover and leave to macerate for 3 weeks, stirring occasionally. Filter and take 15 drops of this macerate diluted in a little water twice a day for a 3-week cure. Please note: prior medical advice is required.
Thanks to Dr. Christine Cieur, doctor of pharmacy and herbalist, author of At the herbalist’s counter, ed. Living Earth.
