Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and Lactation
Can Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Help while Breastfeeding?
The plumb, ruby red raspberry always brings me feelings of summer. Such a beautiful little fruit. Its leaves are just as unique. For centuries, red raspberry leaves have been used for their medicinal properties. It is especially beneficial for the female reproductive system.
According to livestrong.com, 'raspberry leaf promotes fertility, stops diarrhea, decreases post-birth bleeding, regulates menstrual cycles, lowers fever, eases sore throats, and increases breast milk supply." (1)
Breastfeeding places a significant demand on a woman’s body. The nutritional requirements for breastfeeding are similar to those during pregnancy, and a lactating woman needs about 200-500 calories more per day than she did during pregnancy. Our calorie calculator can be found here.
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Because of this huge demand on a woman’s resources – sometimes breast milk is in short supply. Red raspberry leaf is an incredible supplement to consider should you require an increase in breast milk production. Even if you are not short on breast milk, it has such beneficial properties for the entire female reproductive system it’s worth taking anyway! Although it's not recommended if you already have an oversupply of milk. Perhaps due to its nutrient-dense properties, red raspberry leaf promotes such an abundant supply of milk! It is said that just 30 grams of the leaf may contain the following:
- 400mg calcium
- 446mg magnesium
- 106mg iron
- 4mg manganese
It is also very high in vitamin C and potassium. Other vitamins and minerals in raspberry leaves include vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3, and E, niacin, and selenium. (Gladstar, 2001; Mylntyre, n.d.; Young, n.d.)
How to take Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf comes in various forms – tablets or capsules, tea bags or loose tea leaves, or in a tincture form. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to take it. When it comes to increasing milk supply, it seems that buying it in a tea blend works well. These blends might include other herbs such as alfalfa, stinging nettle, and goat's rue.
Possible Side Effects
Most women do not experience any adverse effects from taking raspberry leaf tea. But the following side effects have been reported:
- Firstly, it is always a good idea to check with your physician or health care practitioner before taking any herbs or home remedies.
- Raspberry leaf tea may cause loose bowels. As no two women are alike, use it with caution initially until you know how your body will react.
- It also has a mild diuretic effect.
- This might be good news for some – it can have a sedating effect. Raspberry leaf may have a muscle relaxant and sedative effect. This is of concern if you are taking medication with similar results.
Unfortunately, not enough studies have been done on the effectiveness of red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy and lactation. However, more and more women and health care professionals are unearthing its wonderful properties, and it is indeed a tea to have in your cupboard at all times!
Make your own Red Raspberry Leaf Tea.
Top 10 Lactogenic Foods
References
- livestrong.com. Red raspberry leaves during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- UCSF medical www.ucsfhealth.org/education/nutrition_tips_for_breastfeeding_mothers/.
- coliccalm.com. coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/nutrition-for-nursing-moms.htm.
- theherbalacademy.com. theherbalacademy.com/3-raspberry-leaf-benefits-for-women/.
- bellybelly.com.au. https://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/red-raspberry-leaf-tea/.
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