Raspberry leaf tea? Safe?

Poppy523 · November 2012

Anyone drink think? Is there a specific brand or type that is safe or not safe? My Dr. office sells it but I would rather just order it offline for much cheaper. She told me just to stick with organic. Anything else I should look out for?

AimnJus917 · November 2012

I don't really know anything about it but I thought it was something that was drank to try to induce labor? I thought you only drank it close to your due date to try to start labor or if you were overdue or wanted to get the show on the road.

Poppy523 · November 2012

AimnJus917:
I don't really know anything about it but I thought it was something that was drank to try to induce labor? I thought you only drank it close to your due date to try to start labor or if you were overdue or wanted to get the show on the road.

I had heard that somewhere too, but my midwife told me it is a uterus toner. I have seen a few women on the natural birth boards talking about drinking it as well so I hope it doesn't induce labor.

eatdrinkstretch · November 2012

Red raspberry leaf tea, according to my MWs, does NOT start labor, but it does tone the uterus. My MWs recommend drinking 2-3 cups per day during the 3rd trimester and only recommend using the loose leaf tea as the bags are not very strong. I ordered mine through amazon - just be careful because you get A LOT.

) I notice that I have fewer Braxton Hicks when I am good about drinking the tea... but maybe that's just because I am more hydrated?

JuliaBug · November 2012

I tried to drink it during my first pregnancy. It tastes so gross that I couldn't make myself do it. I even tried it as iced tea and an Arnold Palmer but it was still too nasty. I'd rather do the glucose test every day than drink raspberry leaf tea.

southrnbellmeg7 · November 2012

I drank it in my last pregnancy but I dont remember the brand I bought it at Whole Foods though. Its great for toning the uterus muscles to prepare for labor supposedly helping in a smoother labor but does not bring on labor like many believe.

AimnJus917 · November 2012

eatdrinkstretch:
Red raspberry leaf tea, according to my MWs, does NOT start labor, but it does tone the uterus. My MWs recommend drinking 2-3 cups per day during the 3rd trimester and only recommend using the loose leaf tea as the bags are not very strong. I ordered mine through amazon - just be careful because you get A LOT. ) I notice that I have fewer Braxton Hicks when I am good about drinking the tea... but maybe that's just because I am more hydrated?

Interesting....I believe you and your MW, but I have to ask why would we need or want to "tone our uteruses?" Does that make pushing the baby out more efficiently? I guess I don't get it?! I am intrigued though.

SidraJedi · November 2012

I've been drinking RRL tea since week 7 or 6. I get red raspberry leaf loose from Whole Foods as well as hibiscus, nettle, horsetail grass, and alfalfa. I boil a big pot of water and add (not measuring) what feels like to me a comparable amount of each herb to the water. I let it steep for 10-12 minutes and strain it into bottles I put in the fridge for later.

I usually drink one glass a day but have been known to have two.

There were two weeks I went without it and the uterine cramping I experienced at the beginning of my pregnancy came back but not as strong as before. I quickly made more tea and after about a week the cramping went away again.

RRL tea and pregnancy have a long history. The Cherokee used RRL to ensure a healthy uterus throughout pregnancy and an easier labor and delivery. It is a uterine toner and is also recommended to ease menstrual pains when used regularly.

The only herbs I have heard to initiate contractions are herbs in the ragweed family (and caffeine), such as chamomile flower. However, chamomile is said to be okay in moderation after the first trimester (again similar to caffeine). I have subscribed to that school of thought and have had no issues.

eatdrinkstretch · November 2012

AimnJus917:
eatdrinkstretch:
Red raspberry leaf tea, according to my MWs, does NOT start labor, but it does tone the uterus. My MWs recommend drinking 2-3 cups per day during the 3rd trimester and only recommend using the loose leaf tea as the bags are not very strong. I ordered mine through amazon - just be careful because you get A LOT. ) I notice that I have fewer Braxton Hicks when I am good about drinking the tea... but maybe that's just because I am more hydrated?

Interesting....I believe you and your MW, but I have to ask why would we need or want to "tone our uteruses?" Does that make pushing the baby out more efficiently? I guess I don't get it?! I am intrigued though.

My MW says that you want tone. ) Apparently it helps with labor progress, contractions, and pushing.

Jenilyn and Matthew · November 2012

Like PP said, it's for the tone of your uterus, not to induce labor. You can research it and see that it's used for bad menstrual cramps as well. It's overall good for your "lady parts". I ordered mine from Amazon, it's Yogi brand. 6 boxes was $15 but should last a while. I think it tastes pretty good, especially with a teaspoon of sugar in it. I'm drinking one cup a day now, but will increase that when it gets closer to D-day.

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