rubus idaeus

Although it has been a favourite of midwives for easing labour and encouraging milk production, red raspberry leaf has a history of being used for diarrhoea, where it was drunk as a decoction.

It has also been used for wound care. The infusion was used as a wash for conjunctivitis, bleeding gums, and a lotion for ulcers and other wounds. It can also be applied as a gargle for sore throats. A poultice of the leaf, combined with slippery elm, is recommended by Grieve for wounds and burns, and to draw infection.

Raspberry fruit is also a delight, and has been used medicinally as well. Culpepper favoured the syrup of the fruit for digestive and dental complaints, for preventing miscarriage, and to prevent “sickness and retching”.

The leaves and roots are anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, ophthalmic, oxytocic and mildly stimulant. Traditionally blackberry and raspberry leafs were used together to improve energy levels. The tea has also been used traditionally as a remedy for relieving painful menstrual cramps.

Externally, the leaves and roots are used as a gargle to treat tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a poultice and wash to treat sores, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, burns and varicose ulcers