SEPTEMBER 2024 BOTANICAL OF THE MONTH ~ RASPBERRY LEAF~ Rubus idaeus

a beautiful and precious herb with so much more to offer beyond pregnancy

BOTANICAL OF THE MONTH ~ Raspberry leaf ~ Rubus idaeus

Raspberry leaf ~ Rubis idaeus is a well known and loved herb for pregnancy. Women and pregnant people all over the world have depended on this gentle friend of the uterus to support them during partus preparation for centuries, since ancient times in fact. This has been an important herb for the native american peoples, the ancient greeks, and european & asian cultures throughout history, and not just for birth preparation.

A beautifully effective antringent, Raspberry leaf is indicated in conditions where tissues need toning, and is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It’s also a delicately flavoured and easy to take herb, with the tea (most commonly used) and tincture being tolerated by most with ease. As with all herbs, there are contraindications and herb/drug reactions ~ if you are pregnant, have any health conditions or are taking any medications please see a qualified herbalist to check if this herb is ok for you.

HOW TO FIND RUBUS IDAEUS~ It’s so unfortunate that you can’t get a punnet of raspberries with the leaves intact, but you can grow it yourself, forage or try raspberry leaf tea, which is so accessible in every health food store.

I would recommend you find and source your  from a reputable herbalist, herbal medicine retailer or wholesaler, or even grow it yourself if you can ~ this is a hardy and rewarding plant to have in the garden. If you plan on foraging please ensure you identify the plant correctly (SUPER IMPORTANT) and avoid any plants near roads or that may have been sprayed with chemicals.

OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT ~ Grow raspberries for your kitchen garden and enjoy a cup of tea with your harvest, try your hand at botanical art and draw some, or procure some flower essence to experience this herb on a vibrational level.

SENSORY NOTES ~ Raspberry leaf tea

Aroma ~ like fresh raspberries and autumn leaves

Taste ~ refreshingly light and green with a hint of ripe red berry flavour. An overall mild and soft flavour.

How do you like to experience Rubus Idaeus? What physical effects do you notice? How does it make you feel? Got any good raspberry leaf intel to share?

Let me know in the comments below xxxJenn

If you are a clinical herbalist or naturopath, or a student currently doing your degree ~ and want to receive the Botanical of the Month Materia Medica and other exclusive practitioner only content ~ please subscribe below.

ABOUT BOTANICAL OF THE MONTH ~

At the beginning of each month we start looking at a different herb, and if it’s right for us & safe to do so ~ give it a try. The aim of Botanical of the month is to further expand our knowledge of the herbs and also to engage with them deeply.

In particular, I do like to look at herbs that are maybe a little unknown or out of fashion, as well as support the use of herbs that are in abundance, therefore building the reputation of these plant friends as excellent alternatives or complements to some of the more high demand herbs, many of which are becoming threatened by over harvesting and over use.

The Materia Medica delivered at the end of each month brings together historical and modern sources of information, discovering the world of herbs in ways that can enrich our clinical practice as herbalists. By delving into the esoteric knowledge of plants such as energetics, symbolism, folklore, magical uses and more, I endeavour to go deeper than standard materia medicas. My hope is to join you on a journey of connection with the plants, build intimate relationships with these incredible, generous healers and stoke the fires of those who work with herbs.

If you come across any tidbits of information about the herb of the month please do share them with us all in the comments below (please only include reputable sources such as herbal books written for practitioners by highly experienced herbalists, textbook information and peer reviewed studies on humans ~ not animals or cells in a lab pls).

As all of my favourite herbal teachers say ~ it is far better to truly know a few herbs in great depth, than be able to rattle off by rote the actions of many. 

Lets come together in communion with our heroes ~ the herbs.

xxxJenn

If you are a clinical herbalist or naturopath, or a student currently doing your degree ~ and want to receive the Botanical of the Month Materia Medica and other exclusive practitioner only content ~ please subscribe below.

DISCLAIMER ~ This is not a medical or health advice resource, it is an educational resource about herbal medicines. I cannot possibly guarantee that all of the information I gather and share about a herb will be correct, and new information is always coming to light.

SAFETY FIRST ~ Plant medicines have powerful biological actions and affect your physical vessel. Natural medicine is not always safer than pharmaceutical medicines. Please practice discernment, restraint and respect with herbal medicines. 

If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications or supplements please consult with your health care physician and a suitably qualified herbalist before ingesting this or any herb. Every herb has contraindications with certain conditions and interactions with certain pharmaceutical drugs and supplements, as well as the potential for adverse events. 

Be sensible when ingesting any herb, especially for the first time and discontinue use if you perceive any negative effects. In the case of a serious reaction to a herb seek immediate medical attention. If you feel a herb does not seem right for you do not ingest it. Never, ever ingest a herb that you are not 100% certain is the correct species. If in doubt, leave it out ~ there are many ways to appreciate herbs without ingesting them.