Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea for Pregnancy (Plus A Recipe)

Heather Dessinger

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Red Raspberry Leaf Pregnancy Tea Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself googling the safety of everything from toothpaste to tuna while pregnant, you’ve probably wondered about the safety of different herbal teas and essential oils as well. You’ll find a list of pregnancy-safe essential oils here, and in this post we’ll discuss one of the most commonly recommended herbal infusions during pregnancy – red raspberry leaf tea.

Many midwives believe it helps shorten labor time, reduces the discomfort of labor and postpartum recovery, minimizes the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging, decreases postpartum discomfort, and increases milk supply. (1) Aviva Romm, M.D., who is also a midwife and author of Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, lists it as one of five safe herbs for a more comfortable pregnancy and better birth.

However, there are varying opinions on safety and when to begin drinking the tea, as we’ll discuss below. (2)

Before we dive in, please note that although this article has been reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD, it is not personal medical advice. As always, please talk with your healthcare provider about any herbal remedy, supplement, or dietary changes.

What are the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea for pregnancy?

Rich in bioavailable minerals and other constituents, red raspberry leaf has been used as a uterine tonic and general pregnancy tea for at least two centuries. (3) Some modern studies suggest benefits, too. For example, red raspberry leaf may:

  • Help shorten labor
  • Facilitate an easier labor, resulting in fewer birth interventions

Some herbalists also suggest that red raspberry leaf may:

  • Ease morning sickness
  • Contribute to postpartum recovery
  • Help with milk production

Let’s take a look at the evidence for each of those benefits:

Faster Labor

Red raspberry leaves contain fragrine, which may strengthen and tone the uterus so that contractions are very effective.

According to D. Jill Mallory, M.D.,

Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus, Rubus occidentalis) has been used as a uterine tonic and general pregnancy tea for at least two centuries. Although this botanical is often mistakenly recommended to induce labor, its actual role is to increase blood flow to the uterus and aid the uterine muscle fibers in more organized contraction. Studies indicate that some of the plant components, such as fragrine, an alkaloid, do act directly on smooth muscle.” (3)

In this study of 108 women, mamas who consumed red raspberry leaf during pregnancy had a shorter first stage of labor. This follow-up study did not find a reduced first stage of labor, but did conclude that red raspberry leaf shortened the second stage of labor.

Easier Labor

In one study, pregnant women who consumed red raspberry leaf had fewer birth interventions such as artificial rupture of membranes, forceps delivery and caesarean sections. They were also less likely to experience both pre and post gestation (4)

Help With Morning Sickness

According to the American Pregnancy Association, red raspberry leaf decreases nausea. (5) However, they note that herbalists, midwives, and doctors have conflicting opinions on whether raspberry should be used in the first trimester, which is when morning sickness is common.

Some recommend avoiding red raspberry during the first trimester because it might stimulate contractions that lead to miscarriage. However, others say tradition and current research indicate that it’s safe for use in all trimesters.

Red raspberry leaf has an ancient tradition of use in pregnancy to sustain and tone the tissue of the womb, support contractions and check hemorrhage during labor. The herb in itself does not promote labor; it does help tone and work with the needs of the uterus during your pregnancy. Raspberry leaf extract apparently contains a component that stimulates contractions of the smooth muscle in the uterine wall; these are toning contractions. Toning contractions will not make the contractions stronger but can help the uterus work more effectively.” ~ Midwifery Today

We’ll discuss another possible reason to wait until the second or third trimester to consume red raspberry in the safety section below, but for how here are some other natural remedies for morning sickness.

Postpartum Recovery

Because of its toning effect, red raspberry is believed to support the uterus as it contracts back to its pre-pregnancy state. (The contraction of the uterus is what puts pressure on blood vessels in the area where the placenta detached. When the uterus does not contract properly it can lead to excess blood loss.)

Some pre-blended postpartum teas incorporate it alongside other herbs for this reason.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Red raspberry is also considered a galactagogue – or herb that increases breastmilk production – by some. Others say that overconsumption may decrease supply due to red raspberry’s astringent properties. Based on the available research I don’t see substantial evidence that it increases supply. However, in reasonable amounts its high mineral content may increase the nutrient profile of breastmilk while also supporting postpartum recovery as described above.

Is red raspberry leaf tea safe?

In Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, physician, herbalist and midwife Aviva Romm writes that “Of all the herbs that might be considered for labor preparation, raspberry leaf products appear to be the safest.”

According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, its a Safety Class 1A herb, which is the safest rating possible. Herbs in this category are described as:

“Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately.

  • History of safe traditional use
  • No case reports of significant adverse events with high probability of causality
  • No significant adverse events in clinical trials
  • No identified concerns for use during pregnancy or lactation
  • No innately toxic constituents
  • Toxicity associated with excessive use is not a basis for exclusion from this class
  • Minor or self-limiting side effects are not bases for exclusion from this class”

Always check with your doctor before adding herbs to your diet, and listen to your intuition to help you make the best choice for yourself.

Are there any side effects or cautions?

Midwives often recommend that you reduce the amount of tea you drink (or discontinue it altogether) if you experience intense Braxton hicks contractions after consumption.

The only other potential consideration with red raspberry I could find was this 2009 study done on rats. It found that moms who were fed red raspberry gave birth to babies who started puberty sooner than the control group. However, there are several things that should be noted:

1. When discussing the study, Lauren Southern of London Gynaecology stated that “no human studies support this” effect. (6) In addition, women have been drinking red raspberry for hundreds of years without any noticeable effect in this area.

2. The rats consumed red raspberry from the very beginning of pregnancy through the end of weaning. The first trimester is considered the most vulnerable developmental period, which is one reason some experts recommend waiting until the second or third trimester. With that said, women have long consumed red raspberry to ease morning sickness in the first trimester without any reported negative effects.

3. I’ve never been able to find details on the exact form of red raspberry extract used. We don’t know if it was extracted with water or something like hexane, which may act as an endocrine disruptor if any residue was left behind. (Both are possible solvents for herbal extracts.) It’s the opinion of some that on rare occasions the effects observed in a study could be attributed to a problem with the sample, not the herb itself. I don’t know if that’s the case here, but a couple of years ago UK researcher did warn fellow scientists that impure reagents (lab chemicals used to create a reaction) could skew study results. They discovered that some reagents in their lab were misleadingly labeled. (7)

All that considered, the American Pregnancy Association still classifies red raspberry as likely to be safe, and so do all the herbal resources that I’ve consulted.

In the 10+ years since the study was published, many books have been published (or revised) which review the available evidence for various herbs. All that I have consulted still consider red raspberry leaf to be safe for pregnancy. Also, well-respected herbal formulators such as Traditional Medicinals continue to include in recipes for expecting mamas – their pregnancy tea blend, for example.

About The Other Herbs In This Pregnancy Tea Recipe

Several other herbs have long been used during pregnancy to nourish moms and their growing babies. I’ve included a couple in the recipe below, plus a few optional additions use can use as desired to mix things up. First up, nettle!

Nettle Leaf Benefits

Rich in bioavailable minerals and other essential nutrients, nettle (Urtica dioica) has long been used to nourish the adrenal glands, which are often put to the test during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Nettle tea is also thought to help with leg cramps, reduce the discomfort of labor and birth, nourish the kidneys which are responsible for cleaning the extra blood required to sustain pregnancy, and increase the richness of breast milk. (6)

Benefits of Rosehips

Rose hips (Rosa canina) are rich in antioxidants. They’re also thought to be a mild diuretic that helps with water retention.

Oatstraw Benefits

Also called oatgrass, oatstraw (Avena sativa) is considered a nervine, which is an herb that relaxes, soothes and supports the nervous system. According to herbalist JJ Pursell, author of The Herbal Apothecary, it’s high in silica (silicon dioxide), which is excellent for “strengthening the connective tissue, skin, mucous membranes, and nerve fibers” . . . . all important things when growing a baby! It’s also “packed with trace minerals and vitamins to help build up the entire physical body,” writes Pursell.

How To Make Your Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Blend

Instead of blending a small amount of herbs each time you want to make a cup of tea, I recommend blending the loose herbs together in advance. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/4 cup dried peppermint or spearmint leaves (Both are beneficial for digestion, omit peppermint you’re using it postpartum because it may reduce milk supply)
  • 1/4 cup dried chamomile (To soothe frazzled nerves and encourage restful sleep)
  • A few slices of fresh ginger root (To help with digestion. Don’t add this in advance, I’m just mentioning it as an option.)

To Make

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, then transfer to an airight jar. Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.

Studies suggest that red raspberry leaf can help shorten labor time, speed healing and reduce discomfort after labor, and increase milk supply. Here's how to blend it with other beneficial herbs to make a nourishing tea for two.
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Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Recipe (A Nourishing Tonic for Two)

Studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may help shorten labor time, speed healing and reduce discomfort after labor, and increase the nutrient profile of breastmilk. It's one of the most popular herbs recommended by midwives to nourish mama and baby, and it's delightful both hot and served over ice. 
Here's how to blend it with other beneficial herbs to make a nourishing tea for two. Many mama's drink 1-2 cups of this tea every day during the second and third trimester.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 4 minutes
Steep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Calories
Author Heather Dessinger

Equipment

  • Stainless steel diffuser basket or mesh strainer

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp red raspberry leaf tea mix (see recipe above)
  • 1 cup water
  • a few slices of ginger root (optional)

Instructions

  • Place your tea in an infuser basket – I love the mug pictured in the photo above because it comes with and infuser basket and a lid. It holds 16 ounces, so if you happen to pick one up you'll want to double the recipe. The company also makes some gorgeous single serving mugs.
  • Boil the water and pour over the herbs. Cover and allow to infuse for at least 10 minutes.
  • Remove tea leaves and sweeten with honey, maple syrup, etc. if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does red raspberry leaf tea taste like?

The flavor is pretty close to black tea.

What is the dosage for red raspberry tea?

Because red raspberry leaf is an herb rather than a drug, there are no “dosages” per se. However, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) suggests a guideline of between 4-8 grams of dried herb daily. Some herbalists and midwives recommend more.

Although the percentages will change a little if you incorporate the optional add-ins, about 1-2 tablespoons of the tea recipe above roughly equals 4-8 grams.

When do pregnant women usually start drinking red raspberry leaf tea? 

“may recommend starting with a cup a day around 32 weeks, then gradually increasing to three cups as you approach your due date.”

How many cups per day do pregnant women drink?

Often between 2-5 cups.

I don’t want to blend my own. Is there a pre-made option you recommend?

I like the one made by Traditional Medicinals. It’s very similar in formulation to the recipe above, and the natural tea bags are gluten-free and plastic-free.

Where can I buy the mug in the photo?

I love the mug pictured in the photo above because it comes with and infuser basket and a lid. It holds 16 ounces, so if you happen to pick one up you’ll want to double the recipe. The company also makes some gorgeous single serving mugs. If you want one for your cup of tea, use coupon code MP10 at checkout for 10% off.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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31 thoughts on “Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea for Pregnancy (Plus A Recipe)”

  1. Thank you for the info! I’ve been reading Susan Weed’s info on pregnancy tea and have greatly enjoyed drinking red raspberry and nettle on a daily basis. I didn’t realize how much the nettle was benefiting my non-pregnant self until I ran out a week ago! I have this miday sluggish thing that screams for a nap when my non-napping children require my attention. … thanks be to herbs!

    Reply
  2. Thanks so much for this post! I love to know there’s a way to ‘tone’ the inside of my body in preparation for delivery. Could you recommend a good place to purchase the tea leaves?

    Reply
  3. Hi Heather,
    I was really interested in you talking about not being good with young kids. I have the same tendencies: I really like quiet spaces, I love my sleep, and I like order. But I want lots of kids!

    I actually do work with kids now, as a full time reading coach. The reason it works so well for me is at the end of the day, I get to go home, rest, and enjoy my quiet little house.

    So my question would be, how do you feel that transition has gone for you? Do you miss quiet time? Do you miss sleep? How have you transitioned from someone who’s not-so-good with constant kiddos to a full time mom?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Congratulations on your new family addition! You have such a beautiful family! My husband and I hope to start our family soon, and your website and books have been a great resources. Thank you!
    I found a great source for organic herbs and teas (as well as info.) a while back, and have fallen in love with their Red Raspberry Brew tea (as has my husband). It reminds me of your recipe. We make whole pitchers of it and typically drink it cold. You can buy the herbs seperate to make your own brews, or buy ready-made, all for very reasonable prices. I highly recommend this company:
    http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Mamas-Red-Raspberry-Brew_Organic

    Reply
  5. Like Dominique, I’m curious for you to share more thoughts about transitioning to motherhood (if you want to). I love kids, but also I’m someone who loves the quiet and who needs alone time. My husband even said the other day that he’d be worried about me not sleeping enough if we have kids, because my emotions get a little crazy – ha! And, the other day I was taking care of two five year olds. It started out great with some painting and coloring, but then they became extremely hyper. At first, I just felt dazed and didn’t know how to react. Eventually, I entertained them by dancing with them, which was fun… but also exhausting… and that was only about 2 hours of childcare!

    Reply
    • Yes, I wonder about this too. I am a music teacher, and LOVE teaching kids, but in general I’m quite introverted and don’t do too well on little sleep. However, I’m fantasizing about having kids (not yet financially stable enough). I’d love to hear your perspective, Heather… although I totally understand if you’re otherwise occupied. 🙂

      Reply
      • Oh my goodness, there is so much I could say on this subject. Let me start out by saying that I have never – NOT EVEN FOR ONE SPLIT SECOND – regretted becoming a mom. The learning curve has been pretty steep for me, but thankfully I have learned a lot from moms who are naturals when it comes to communicating with small children. One day, when all our kids are older, I look forward to being able to help them with some of the aspects of parenting that – according to Mr. Aptitude Guy – I am going to rock! No one is perfectly suited for every phase of a child’s development, so we’re all fish out of water at some point.

        The next thing I would say is that other than my husband my mom is my best friend. She is uhMAZing. Guess what, though? When I was young she explained to me that she was not really a little kid person in general, but that my sister and I were different and that she loved getting to know us and spending time with us. Her honesty gave me the courage to believe that I would feel the same way, and I do! Don’t get me wrong, I actually loooooove little kids now, but it took some time for me to feel at home with the little balls of energy 🙂

        Sleep, etc. Yes, it was hard for awhile, though now that my kids are three and five I actually get quite a bit of sleep. It is really important to take care of yourself when you become a mom, because if you are run down it can make things reaaaaallly hard. That’s one of the reasons I’m so committed to nourishing myself and my family – we’re all in better moods when we’re well fed and cared for!

        Reply
  6. I wanted to say first to those who are worried about being a mom, it is totally different with your own kids than it is when you’re caring for others. You have a natural affection for your kids from the moment of conception. You get to start small (as in, not usually with a five year old, unless you’re adopting, that is) and if something is important to you, like quiet time, you can build that into your home and teach your kids to respect it.
    I will also say I’ve been drinking red raspberry leaf tea during the first trimester with no ill effect. I am due Nov 5 and I’ve used it for two pregnancies now. (out of 6 total) and I saw a big difference in the way my last labor went.

    Reply
  7. I love that you are sharing this! I have been teaching women to use both nettles and raspberry LIBERALLY during pregnancy and postpartum for years in my childbirth ed classes. A few things I would suggest, if I may, is considering drinking MUCH more than one cup a day. Susan Weed suggest to brew this as an infusion (more herbs brewed for 4+ hours) and drink a QUART a day: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September08/anti-cancer.htm
    To make this medicinally beneficial in pregnancy, you would want to also measure out an ounce (in weight) of the herbs and make your infusion with that much. Therefore, your recipe above would be about one day’s worth/serving, I’d say. Finally, I would never recommend to brew this with mint. Mint has what we call a volatile oils that can disrupt the other herbs it is brewed with, some even say it can make them less absorbable, etc, if brewed in combination, as suggested in the blog above. I would brew them separately, and then when they are cooled, combine them. Ginger is a great one to mix in with these teas and nice for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea. In general, Susan Weed and other herbalists tend to suggest using simples, or one herb at a time, so that you can really “know” the herb. Just my two cents! But really great blog and awesome information on two great herbs!

    Reply
  8. Hi. You mention just above the ingredients list and the recipe that some mothers drink 4-5 cups in the third trimester. I know it’s a silly question, but I just want to confirm, that is PER DAY, correct? Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Is there any difference between red raspberry and black raspberry leaves? I have a TON of black raspberry, but only 2 twigs of red.

    Reply
  10. I love my pregnancy tea! I’ve never seen another recipe with rose hips so it makes me happy that I include it in mine (I also use oatstraw and peppermint, though maybe I should brew the peppermint separately, as the above poster said? It really helps with the flavor though!). My first midwife started me on it making a quart a day and steeping overnight. I’ve tried to do that this time as well, though my current midwife recommends different herbs. I also make sure to cover it now, to keep all the oils and steam in. I bought close to a hundred pounds of herbs, hoping to mix pregnancy tea and herbal sitz baths to give as gifts or sell through local health food stores. I’ve yet to get to that point, but would love to get it out there and make it easier for women to find (and better and cheaper than boxed teabags!). Thanks for your post! I’ll refer to it to anyone who is worried about drinking it in the first trimester.

    Reply
  11. I drank plain red raspberry tea during my pregnancy and loved it! In fact, I kept drinking it in the early postpartum period because I liked it and enjoyed continuing to drink it. Somewhere along the way I stopped – probably just with busyness and failing to keep up with brewing it. But now I’m wondering if it’s okay to start using it again. My toddler is 16 months, and we’re still breastfeeding. Is there any reason why it wouldn’t be okay to use it now? Would it still benefit me (and my toddler) now? I’d love to get the benefits from it, if it does in fact help at this point. And this turned on a light bulb in my mind, because I’ve been looking for a way to make gummies for my 16-month-old, and all the recipes use gelatin and fruit juice. I’d rather avoid the juices, and I know some (like your recipe) use citrus, but I haven’t been sure if that’s a good idea for him at this point. I saw a post, I think on Holistic Squid, that used hibiscus tea instead, and that got me thinking maybe that’s a good option for my little one. But now that I’m seeing your post today and remembering my container of red raspberry in the pantry, I’m wondering if I can make the tea – either plain red raspberry or your mix above – and drink some of it myself and use some of it to make gummies with gelatin for him (or all of us, really!). Is there any reason why these herbs aren’t appropriate for a little boy? I know the red raspberry is pertinent for women’s health, but is there any reason it would be harmful for boys? I’d like to have a non-sugary liquid to use with gelatin to make the gummies. Also, the other light bulb going on in my head is that these contain iron and Vit C, so that’s another reason I’d like to know about using them for my toddler. I’ve read what you’ve written about iron during this infant/toddler stage, and so I haven’t been alarmed but do notice dark circles under his eyes and wonder if it could be iron-related. He eats lots of meat (LOVES his meat and fats and has little interest in veggies), so the iron is definitely there, but doesn’t it need Vit C to be absorbed? I’ve been thinking about this and wondering how to get more Vit C into him (or *any* vit C – I’m not sure if he’s eating anything that really contains it!). This tea could do the trick, maybe?

    Reply
  12. I drank Red Raspberry Leaf tea in my last trimester. I naturally went into labor at 38 weeks, my membranes ruptured on their own and my entire labor was 12 hours… only about 4 of them being painful! Pushing only lasted 30 minutes, but I also think all the kegels I was doing helped that out!

    Reply
  13. i was wondering does the raspberry tea has the same effect? or is the red raspberry tea leaf different? Should i use it like all through my pregnancy? Thanks

    Reply
  14. Hi Heather!! I just wanted to send a HUGE Thank you for this post. I had my third child three months ago. I bled so much with my first I almost had to be transfused. Meds were given to help my H&H levels and lots of iron supplements. Then due to retained placenta I started hemmoraghing two months postpartum. With my second the bleeding was better with pitocin, but I still had hemorraghing and retained placenta. The only thing I did differently this pregnancy was drink this tea. I hate tea, so for me this was a serious attempt to avoid bleeding without medical interventions. I kept reminding myself as I gagged it down that it was for my own good. I have had easy pregnancies, all natural drug-free deliveries. But two terrible recoveries. Not this time. My recovery has been wonderful. No pitocin was needed postpartum or meds. I delivered the whole placenta. Three months later and no hemorraghing. I truly cannot thank you enough!! What a blessing to read this post and have such a dramatic change. I was due some goodness. Haha. If you have a moment for a question I would love to know if you drink this postpartum and for how long you continue? If not I totally understand. Thanks again!!

    Reply
  15. Hey Heather!

    I really love your story and recipe for Pregnancy Tea. I am a stay-at-home mom and have recently begun working from home as a Placenta encapsulation specialist. I will also be selling pregnancy tea herbs and after birth herbs and wanted to ask your permission to use your tea recipe (my website is under construction to be published this week). I wouldn’t actually put the recipe on my site, just the ingredients. The recipe and instructions would be on a label for the tea bag. With your permission I would credit your website on my site as well.

    Thanks for a wonderful story and amazing information about these incredible herbs!

    Reply
  16. Hi Heather!

    I just want to confirm its 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water? I have read other sites that say 1 teaspoon per cup. Just checking as I started drinking this about a week ago and I am cramping mid cycle..and I typically never ever cramp! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Jenee, unlike pharmaceuticals that have exact dosages, this tea is a beverage that can be enjoyed at varying strengths. Since you mentioned your cycle I’m not sure if you are expecting or not, but if you are having cramping I recommend you stop drinking the tea and talk to your healthcare professional before deciding whether you’d like to resume 🙂

      Reply
  17. During my 3rd semester I drank this tea religiously yet cautiously, and I really loved it! I could feel my uterus “toning” every time I drank it. But now I’m wondering if it was safe because NETTLE can cause pre-term labor because of these uterine contractions (found out through research & my MIL used to be a midwife). I didn’t know that and sure enough, my girl was born at 38 weeks. Of course, that’s not super early but I wonder if it had to do with the nettle. Have you heard of this before? Have any of you ladies experienced that?

    Heather, I could not find a way to private message you so I hope this was OK! 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Svetlana, the Botanical Safety Handbook lists nettle as a Safety Class 1A herbs, which is an herb that has no known contraindications for pregnancy or breastfeeding. I am not aware of any research which suggests that it can contribute to early labor. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  18. Hi, Heather!

    I just wanted to say thank you for all that you do! I have referred to your blog many times since discovering it a year or two ago, but especially since learning I was pregnant this year. Your research and articles helped me get through several pregnancy-related panic attacks (For example: what the heck is GBS and do I really need to give my baby antibiotics?? (I’m negative- phew!)) and I can’t thank you enough for that.

    I am due on August 18th with my first child and started drinking this tea 🙂

    Reply
  19. Hi mommypotamus
    I am very glad I found your site, you are very generous to share these useful experiences with everybody. Thank you.
    I’m 3 and half months pregnant and I started using this tea recipe since 2weeks. I would like to know if I can continue using this until my delivery and is it safe during my air travel for 12 hrs in my early 6th month of pregnancy
    Thank you

    Reply
  20. I just want to say that I’ve been drinking this throughout my pregnancy, and whenever I forget for a day, I get a terrible ache down my right leg. Every single time. So it’s benefiting the rest of my body, as well as my uterus! Now I crave this tea, even though red raspberry by itself was never appetizing to me before. Adding in the 1/4 cup of mint does wonders for the taste. I’m looking forward to a great birth and recovery (just a few weeks to go!). 🙂

    Reply
    • I know I’m 3 years late, but for anyone wondering- red raspberry tea helped me get pregnant twice! I struggle with infertility. Both times I drank 1 qt of tea daily for 2 months, and immediately got pregnant. It’s a bit hard to get down after a while, but it was worth it 🙂

      Reply
  21. Just had an epiphany on the whole idea of drinking RRL tea during pregnancy— I used to avoid it until 36 wks with all my previous pregnancies because I have Braxton-Hicks contractions going all the way through 2nd Tri. and I’ve always been worried that it will make the contractions stronger and I’ll end up in pre-term labor. BUT, then I heard a practitioner say using natural remedies that tone the uterus (such as RRL tea) can help relieve Braxton-Hicks by taking over the toning of the uterus instead of the body having to work extra hard to do it! Haha! (Has your SteadyMD doctor heard of this before?!) I’m not really sure what I think about it yet, but I may end up trying it (currently 20 wks with Baby #5) and I’ll let you know. Thanks for the article and recipe!

    Reply