Page 198 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Red Raspberry,
Rubus idaeus

Red raspberry grows wild in forests, but is most often
found in cultivated gardens. It is grown mainly for the
sweet-tart fruit, but also for the leaves and roots. It is
in the Rosaceae (Rose) Family.

Identification: The red raspberry grows from a
central cane. Side shoots produce compound leaves
with three, five, or seven leaflets. In the wild, it forms
open stands when shaded under the tree canopy, but
in the open it forms very dense groupings. The plants sickness and tones the uterine muscles to help ease la-
grow to approximately five to eight feet (2.4 meters) in bor pain. Mothers who take Raspberry Leaf Tea in the
height and have thorns. last few months of pregnancy have fewer miscarriages
and easier births. Most mothers continue using it after
Flowers appear in the late spring, growing on short ra- birthing to reduce cramping, reduce bleeding, and tone
cemes forming on the side shoots. Flowers are less
than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter with five white pet- the uterus and pelvic muscles. Only start use after the
3rd month of pregnancy.
als. Fruit develops in the summer and early autumn.
Each fruit is actually an aggregate fruit made up of Diarrhea: For diarrhea, use a decoction of the leaves
drupelets around a central core. The drupelets sepa- or raspberry vinegar.
rate from the core when picked leaving a hollow center.
High Blood Pressure: Compounds in raspberries
are very heart healthy. They improve the tone of the
circulatory system and help lower blood pressure.

Wounds, Skin Lesions, Ulcers and Minor
Skin Infections. Raspberry Leaf Tea works as a
wash for skin wounds, lesions, bites, and itchy skin.

Recipes. Raspberry Leaf Decoction: 1/2
ounce of dried raspberry leaves or 1 ounce of fresh
leaves, chopped, 1-pint (500 ml) of water. Bring the
water and raspberry leaves to a boil, reduce the heat
and cover the pot. Simmer the decoction for 20
minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Strain out the leaves and store in the refrigerator for up
to 3 days. General dosage is 1/4 cup to 1 cup.
Edible Use: The berries are delicious raw or cooked.
Raspberry leaves are used to make an herbal tea. Raspberry Vinegar. 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 8
ounces (230g) red raspberries, 8 ounces (230g) brown
Medicinal Use: Red raspberry is full of healthy sugar or raw honey. Crush the raspberries and add the
compounds, vitamins, and minerals. It gives the im- vinegar. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 days.
mune system a boost, is an astringent, and increases
health and uterine tone during pregnancy. Strain out the raspberries and bring the vinegar mix-
ture to a low simmer. Add the sugar and simmer until
Late Pregnancy and Labor: Raspberry Leaf Tea dissolved. Cool. Store Raspberry Vinegar in a tightly
is widely used by expectant mothers, especially in the closed jar in a dark place. Use the vinegar straight or
last few months of pregnancy. It helps with morning diluted. General dosage is 3 tablespoons, 3 times daily.

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