For centuries, women have been drinking raspberry leaf tea to help make labor more comfortable, ease morning sickness and even induce labor in the late stages of pregnancy. While more research is needed to confirm these claims, there’s no doubt that a daily cup of the herbal beverage is chock-full of nutrients and antioxidants that can support your health throughout the entire pregnancy.
The simplest way to consume raspberry leaf tea drink is to steep the leaves in hot water for up to 20 minutes. The leaves are fragrant and taste similar to black tea. The result is a beverage that can be enjoyed as-is or with sweeteners, milk or lemon juice. Adding honey or sugar is fine but avoid artificial sweeteners, as they can be harmful to the health of you and your baby.
Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins (C, E and A), minerals (magnesium, calcium, iron) and plant compounds. It also helps improve digestive and cardiovascular health and boosts the immune system.
Many of these health benefits are likely due to the tea’s high levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and triterpenoids. These compounds help reduce blood pressure, reduce gastrointestinal distress and treat certain cancers. The tea is also a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
A study published in 2001 found that women who regularly drank raspberry leaf tea during the second trimester of their pregnancy were more likely to have shorter and easier labors. The researchers speculate that the tea may promote uterine contractions by encouraging blood flow to the pelvic area.
The herb is known to be safe, but always talk to your OB-GYN before drinking it during your pregnancy. In some cases, this tea can encourage Braxton Hicks contractions, which are harmless but can cause discomfort or anxiety. It can also act as a mild diuretic, meaning that it could lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of water along with the tea.
Raspberry leaf has been used in ancestral folk and ayurvedic medicines for centuries to naturally promote healthy pregnancies and treat various aliments during pregnancy, menstruation, PMS, menopause and postpartum recovery. It’s also a common ingredient in herbal supplements sold specifically to help expectant mothers through their pregnancies and births.
As a powerful antioxidant, bitter melon is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, fever, infections and gastrointestinal upset. The fruit’s phenolic compounds, polyphenols and flavonoids may help reduce inflammation and increase the body’s ability to absorb insulin, which can improve diabetes management. Bitter melon can be consumed as a tea or taken in capsule form. It is also available as an aqueous extract and can be added to smoothies or mixed with other herbs to create delicious, healthful drinks. The following recipes are all simple, refreshing ways to enjoy the delicious benefits of this superfood.