Framboise, Framboise Rouge, Framboisier Rouge, Framboisier Sauvage, Frambuesa Roja, Raspberry, Rubi Idaei Folium, Rubus, Rubus buschii, Rubus idaeus, Rubus strigosus.
Red raspberry is a plant that is the source of a widely eaten, tasty, sweet berry. However, red raspberry fruit and leaf have also been used as medicine for centuries. The therapeutic use of raspberry leaf was first described in 1597 in a book called "The Herbal," or "A General History of Plants." Today, red raspberry leaf and fruit are still used as medicine.
Red raspberry leaf is used for gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders, including diarrhea; for respiratory system disorders, including flu and swine flu; and for heart problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, fever, diabetes, and vitamin deficiency.
Some women use raspberry leaf for painful periods, heavy periods, morning sickness associated with pregnancy, preventing miscarriage, and easing labor and delivery.
Red raspberry leaf is applied directly to the skin for sore throat and skin rash.
In foods, red raspberry fruit is eaten and processed into jams and other foods. Red raspberry leaf in small quantities is a source of natural flavoring in Europe.
How does it work?
The chemicals in red raspberry might have antioxidant effects and help relax blood vessels. They might also cause muscles to contract or relax, depending on the dose and the muscle involved. This is the theory behind red raspberry's use in easing labor and delivery.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerPossibly Ineffective for...
- Making labor and delivery easier. Taking red raspberry leaf does not seem to reduce the length of labor or decrease the need for pain-relieving medication around the time of delivery.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Diabetes.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Flu.
- Heart failure..
- Heart problems.
- High blood pressure.
- Morning sickness in pregnancy.
- Painful and heavy periods.
- Respiratory system problems.
- Skin rash.
- Sore throat.
- Stomach problems.
- Swine flu.
- Vitamin deficiencies.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Red raspberry fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in larger amounts as medicine.
No side effects from taking red raspberry have been reported. However, there have been reports of raspberries contaminated with bacteria and viruses, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowNot enough is known about the safety of taking red raspberry leaf during breast-feeding. It's best to stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Red raspberry might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use red raspberry.
The appropriate dose of red raspberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for red raspberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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