Raspberry leaf tea benefits

If you’re searching for a herbal tea that’s not only delicious but also brimming with potential health benefits, consider adding some raspberry leaf to your basket. This nutritious beverage has been enjoyed for hundreds of years, particularly by women who suffer from menstrual cramps.

What is raspberry leaf tea?

Raspberry leaf tea is what it sounds like – a tea made from the leaves of raspberry plants! While the plant’s bright pink berries are known for their high vitamin count, their leaves are additionally a source of various vital nutrients.¹

Health benefits of raspberry leaf tea

These beneficial berry leaves have been consumed as a herbal remedy for centuries.

Raspberry leaf tea contains toxin-fighting antioxidants

Raspberry leaf tea is additionally a good source of antioxidants. These are molecules that help your body fight off free radicals: potentially harmful compounds which can alter your cells and lead to numerous chronic conditions.² In particular, raspberry leaves contain free-radical busting tannins and flavonoids.³

Raspberry leaf tea may help relieve PMS and shorten labour

As previously mentioned, raspberry leaves are thought to be particularly beneficial to women. They’ve been used since ancient times to help soothe period pain and shorten labour for those who are expecting.⁴

The evidence for this looks to the plant’s natural abundance of fragarine. This plant compound may aid in toning the pelvic muscles. In turn, this can help relieve menstrual cramps and better prepare the uterus for birth if you’re pregnant.⁵

For the best results during pregnancy, it’s recommended to start drinking raspberry leaf tea once you reach 32 weeks.⁶

Raspberry leaf tea side effects

While drinking raspberry leaf tea daily shouldn’t cause any issues, it’s still best to be cautious, especially if you’re in the earlier stages of pregnancy.

Raspberry leaf is also a diuretic and thought to have laxative properties, meaning it could alter the toilet habits of some drinkers. If in doubt, consult a medical professional before trying raspberry leaf tea.

How to make raspberry leaf tea

Making a soothing mug of raspberry leaf tea couldn’t be simpler! You’ll be able to find raspberry leaf tea in our herbal tea range or, alternatively, you could pick your own leaves to be steeped. If you opt for the latter, follow these steps to make the perfect brew⁸:

1. Pick your leaves and wash them
2. In a saucepan, heat one cup of water until it reaches boiling point
3. Add a handful of raspberry leaves to the water and allow it to boil for a minute or so
4. Turn off the heat and let the leaves steep for ten minutes
5. Optional: mash a few raspberries in the bottom of your mug to add colour and sweetness
6. Strain the raspberry leaf tea into your mug and stir. Enjoy!

You’ll also be able to make a delicious cup of herbal tea using Heath & Heather Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags.

Last updated: 1 April 2021