Raspberry leaves: medicinal properties and contraindications

Raspberries are a ripe summer berry. Its mild taste and bright aroma captivate its sweetness and juiciness. Unfortunately, the leaves of this shrub remain neglected, and in vain. They are very useful for the body and can help in the fight against many diseases. The ease of their use and considerable healing power makes the leaves an important binder in the preservation of human health.

Chemical Composition

The plant itself refers to shrubs and belongs to the Rose family. It can be found on the banks of rivers, forest clearings, and most often in the homestead plots of gardeners. The stems have small thorns and the red berries are a delight to taste. The leaves are colored dark green, underneath they are whitish and slightly fluffy. It is they are considered the most effective remedy for many diseases. This is due to the useful nutrients contained in the composition, which include:

• vitamins of group B, K, A;
• ascorbic acid;
• phosphorus;
• chlorine;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• iron;
• sulfur;
• copper;
• iodine;
• boron;
• zinc;
• manganese;
• sodium;
• organic acids;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• fiber;
• oxalates;
• salicylates;
• mucus;
• resin;
• sugars;
• pectins.

Such a list of vitamins and minerals gives the leaves of the plant almost limitless possibilities in maintaining human health, and from a very early age.

Harvesting and storage

In order to make a miracle drink from raspberry leaves, you can simply go to any drugstore and buy there already dried parts of the shrub. But it is better to go to a cottage or in the woods and harvest the raw material yourself, while being sure of the quality of their harvest. Gathering healing raw materials, you need to listen to the advice of experienced herbalists:

1. The best time for gathering is considered the first half of June. During this period, the plant forms exactly its leafy part, which means that all the useful substances and forces go to the leaves, and not to the berries.
2. The picking process should be carried out in the early morning, when the dew has already evaporated, and the sun has not warmed up to its full force.
3. Choose healthy upper leaves that do not have any spots and are not "occupied" by insects. Collecting defective product, you can get poisoning.
4. When collecting raw material from the garden, make sure that good neighbors have not treated their plants with any chemicals the day before, because otherwise you can also get serious health problems.
5. Choosing a shrub, from which the leaves will be cut, it is worth paying attention to its health, because a sick plant will not be useful to the person, and itself may die from unnecessary trauma.

Once the parts of the shrub are selected, sorted and washed, they should be laid out on a piece of cardboard or paper (just not newspaper) in a thin layer. This procedure should be done to avoid rotting of the leaves. Then put them under a canopy, hiding them from the sunlight, because the latter can simply destroy all the miraculous components of the plant. Harvest need to periodically stir and turn the product.

You can also dry the leaves in the oven at a temperature no higher than 60 ° C or in a special dryer.

There is another way to dry raspberry leaves, which will later turn the drink into a fragrant "tea of the gods" - fermentation. This method is quite labor-intensive, because each leaf needs to be processed separately by hand. Steps of this method:

1. Thoroughly sort through the collected greens, getting rid of all suspicious "representatives".
2. Wash the leaves and put them under the press, not allowing the product to dry out completely. The process usually takes about 10 hours.
3. After partial drying, each leaflet is rolled up into a tube with the palms of your hands, then placed in rows in a dish and covered with a damp cloth, leaving it for 6 to 8 hours in a warm room.
4. Then shred the tubes and finally dry them in an oven at 100°C for 60 minutes, then reduce the heat to 50°C and continue the process until they are dried.

It is recommended to store the dried leaves in linen bags or in cardboard boxes with their lids closed. The shelf life is not more than 2 years.

Properly harvested and dried raspberry leaves will help to prepare useful remedies that will please both taste and benefit.

Therapeutic properties of raspberry leaves

Raspberries are considered one of the most valuable berries, but its leaves are no less and even more useful than the fruit itself. The unique substances included in their composition allow them to have the following effects on the human body:

• Increase immunity and resistance to infectious diseases;
• reduce cholesterol levels;
• regulate the heart rhythm;
• reduce elevated body temperature;
• have a mucolytic effect;
• flush out excess fluid;
• normalize brain function;
• increase physical endurance;
• prevent the aging process;
• Have a hemostatic effect;
• accelerate the healing process of wounds and ulcers;
• eliminate itching.

These properties are known and studied by science. Meanwhile, this is not the end of the usefulness of leaves, as they affect different sexes and different ages in a special way.

For women

For women, the leaves of the plant can be a real wand. They will cope with gynecological diseases such as thrush, ovarian pathology, relieve fatigue and give strength, strengthen the immune system, help in the treatment of infertility. In addition, leaf decoction is recommended by gynecologists during pregnancy. Leaves will help to avoid pain during menstruation, cleanse the face and eliminate rashes, stopping inflammation, restore the body after childbirth, and prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors.

Thus, to maintain and preserve women's health, beauty and youthfulness, the beautiful half of humanity must use the miraculous leaves to prepare truly magical elixirs.

For men

The male population can also try to apply raspberry leaves in the fight against prostate diseases, to treat infertility, to preserve erections and increase potency. In addition, men with the help of raspberry remedies will be able to normalize the digestive organs, activate immunity, restore strength, maintain cardiovascular health and avoid stress.

This is the main effect of the plant part of the bush on the body of the stronger sex.

In pregnancy.

Raspberries, and more precisely its leaves, are considered a very useful folk remedy, which is recommended to take, starting from the 35th week of pregnancy. The fact is that the drink increases the tone of the uterus and maintains the elasticity of the walls, thus preventing the occurrence of ruptures during labor. Earlier than this term, you should not take the herbs, as premature labor or miscarriage are possible. Expectant mothers will be able to get rid of such bouts of toxicosis as nausea and vomiting, which will easily eliminate drinks prepared from the valuable raw material. At the same time, in the last weeks of the waiting period, doctors recommend taking increased doses of raspberry preparations to facilitate labor and shorten its duration. Also folic acid contained in the product will help the neural tube of the fetus to form properly.

It should also be mentioned that during pregnancy, a woman's body is under enormous strain and stress, and therefore more susceptible to attacks of pathogenic bacteria. Raspberry leaves will gently eliminate the effects of stress, strengthen the immune system, protecting it from viruses, help relieve symptoms more quickly, to recover in cases where the infection has already "made its way" inside. In addition, they will support the cardiovascular system, bone tissue and have a positive effect on the formation of bones and muscles of the fetus.

But before you start using infusions and decoctions of raspberry leaves, you need to seek help from a specialist who, after examining the course of pregnancy, maternal health and the correct development of the baby, allow the product and appoint the necessary amount of consumption for treatment, recovery and nutrition of useful nutrients.

When breastfeeding

A woman breastfeeding her baby should be very responsible to her diet and those drugs that she takes during this period, so as not to harm the baby. The plant, or rather its leafy part, is allowed to be taken by nursing mothers, who should introduce them into the diet even before the baby, namely in the last weeks of pregnancy. During the lactation period, herbs will calm the nervous system, enrich the body of the mother and child with useful vitamins and minerals, repel the attacks of viruses.

Also a woman who uses decoctions of this product increases the amount of breast milk. Also take a healthy drink from raspberry leaves, starting from the second or third week after childbirth. But if the baby appeared rash or worsened health, then the use should be discontinued. The same consultation with a specialist on the possibility of taking raspberry leaf decoctions and teas, about their benefits and possible consequences of a negative nature will help to avoid negative consequences and enjoy the benefits of herbal infusions.

For children

Young children are very fond of the sweet berries of raspberries, but the little ones should also be accustomed to the consumption of fragrant drinks from the leaves of the plant. After all, they are much better at reducing elevated body temperature in colds, fight the symptoms of influenza and other viruses. They cope with bronchitis, tracheitis, gynecological diseases in girls, strengthen the immune system, normalize digestion, help relieve itching and irritation from insect bites, promote early healing of wounds, treat conjunctivitis, stomatitis, soothe the nervous system, stimulate brain activity and saturate the body with micro- and macroelements necessary for health.

The use of raspberry greens products pediatricians recommend starting at 8 months of age as a means of increasing and strengthening the immune system. The product can also be given at six months of age to reduce body temperature. You should start using it with ½ teaspoon. External use of the leaves can be started much earlier. However, in case of any allergic reactions, it is worth contacting a specialist who can evaluate and monitor the reception of such remedies in the future.

Raspberry leaves in folk medicine

In the first century AD, raspberries were discovered by the Greeks and used only as medicine. In the VI century, the plant was already a garden plant. In Russia, however, about raspberry wrote only in the 11th century. They not only used it for treating various diseases, but also brewed a useful tea from its leaves. Since then, the plant and its leaves have been considered one of the most valuable means in folk medicine.

Healers and all adherents of unconventional methods use raspberry greens to treat:

• sore throat;
• bronchitis;
• tracheitis;
• colds;
• influenza;
• thrush;
• uterine diseases;
• inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract;
• psoriasis;
• eczema;
• acne;
• bruises;
• hemorrhoids;
• for cleansing the intestines;
• for the removal of toxins and detoxes;
• stomach ulcers;
• colitis;
• infertility;
• decreased potency;
• stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• conjunctivitis;
• insect bites;
• hemorrhages;
• herpes;
• inflammation of the ovaries;
• fever;
• depression.

The spectrum of healing effects of leaves is very wide, but the effectiveness of the use of herbs for such diseases has been proven by more than one generation of "patients". Healers still use recipes that have come down to our times from wise ancestors. They are simple, but can really heal a person:

For colds

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaf - 6 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 1 liter.

Pour boiling water and leave to infuse for 3 hours, then filtered with gauze. The remedy to take 4 times a day for half a cup at a time while still warm.

For easy childbirth

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 dessert spoon
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the components together and infuse the composition for half an hour. Then filter the liquid and let it cool. Take 1-2 cups a day.

For fever

Ingredients:

• Chopped leaves and branches of raspberries - 2 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Put the raw materials into a thermos and add boiling water, then let stand for 2 hours. Then filter the drug. Take the infusion throughout the day with an interval of 3 hours between doses.

From bleeding

Ingredients:

• Chopped leaves and branches of raspberries - 3 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Place the raw materials in a thermos or a vessel with a tight lid for brewing and add boiling water, then allow to stand for 15 minutes. Then filter the product. Take the infusion four times a day for ½ cup.

For thrush

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the components and simmer in a water bath for 10 minutes, after which filter the liquid and let it stand for an hour. This composition is recommended to use for douches and wiping the genitals.

From bronchitis

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Oregano - 1 tbsp.
• Mother-oil - 1 tbsp.
• Honey - 1 tsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the components together, take 1 tbsp. resulting herbal mixture, add water and insist composition for 5 minutes. Then filter the liquid and add honey. Take 1-2 cups a day.

For the treatment of infertility

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Red clover - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Mix the components together, take 1 tsp. of the resulting collection, add water and insist composition for 10 minutes. Then filter the liquid. Such a drink to replace the usual black or green tea. The course of treatment can last up to 4 months, after which it is necessary to interrupt for 14 days and repeat it again.

From renal colic

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 20 g.
• The leaves of the birch - 100 g.
• Cuff leaf - 10 g.
• Wheat leaf - 10 g.
• Boiling water - 5 liters.

Mix the components together, combine with boiling water and infuse the composition for 60 minutes. Then filter the mixture and add it to the bath, the temperature of which should range from 35 to 38 ° C.

With profuse menstrual discharge

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Strawberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Yarrow - 1 tbsp.
• Goose-foot clover - 1 tbsp.
• Oak bark - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Mix the components with each other, take 1 tbsp. herbal collection and pour boiling water over it. This drug put in the heat for 6 hours. Then place the remedy on the stove and boil it on low heat from the moment the liquid boils for 15 minutes. In the process of boiling, the crockery should be covered with a lid. Then filter the broth with gauze and cool a little. The drug is advised to take 1 cup per day for 7 days.

To restore the function of the ovaries

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 3 tbsp.
• Currant leaf - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 500 ml.

Mix the components together, add water and insist about 15 minutes, then filter. Use the drink 3 times a day for 1/2 cup. Such recipes will not require much time to prepare, but will bring a fairly quick and long-awaited help.

Types of healing compositions

In order for the leaves of the raspberry bush to be beneficial and able to get rid of the disease, various teas, tinctures, decoctions and infusions are prepared. Also for external use, they make an ointment created on the basis of the plant. The preparation process itself takes little time, but the benefits of such remedies are enormous.

Infusion .

Infusions have a very wide range of effects on the person. They are used to treat almost all diseases that can be cured by the leaf of the plant. Specialists prescribe this remedy for the treatment of psoriasis and various skin diseases, normalization of the digestive tract, strengthening immunity, restoration of skin elasticity, in gynecological pathologies, angina, inflammations of the stomach, hemorrhoids. The herb is used both internally and externally.

The classic version of the infusion is as follows:

• Dry raspberry leaf - 10 g;
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Pour boiling water over the herb and leave to infuse for 40 minutes. Then the remedy to filter through a gauze layer and then use depending on the diagnosis and prescription dosage of intake.

Tincture .

This product is used both internally and dab it on inflammation on the skin from insect bites to relieve irritation and eliminate itching. The remedy is recommended to take to enhance and strengthen the body's immune system, as well as a means of disinfection.

To prepare the tincture is not difficult. There are many different recipes, but the most popular and easiest is the following.

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp. tops.
• Vodka - 100 ml.

Combine the leaves with vodka in a glass darkened container, cover and place in a cool and dark place for 10 days. During this time, shake the composition at intervals of once every two days. At the end of the time, filter the tincture and store in the refrigerator. Take such a product before meals 3 times a day by 1 teaspoon. The tincture can also be used for compresses and disinfecting skin lesions.

Decoction .

Decoctions, as well as infusions, have a positive effect on health, acting on almost all human systems. Healers claim that the daily intake of the decoction helps to strengthen the immune system, get rid of headaches, eliminate intestinal problems, reduce the risk of tracheitis, eliminate joint pain, even out the skin by eliminating skin rashes, accelerate the healing of wounds and burns, heal from inflammation of the appendages and other gynecological problems. The classic recipe for the decoction does not involve any complications.

Ingredients:

• Dry raspberry leaf - 20 g.
• Boiling water - 400 ml.

Combine the plant part with boiling water and put the container on a low heat. After boiling, simmer the remedy for 8 minutes. Then immediately strain the decoction through gauze and cool. Such a composition to take 60 minutes before a meal 3 times a day, drinking 1 cup at each reception. It is worth noting that the useful qualities of the drink disappear after 2 days, so it is better to prepare a fresh decoction each time.

Tea

Tea from raspberry leaves can completely replace the usual tea drink, bringing much more benefits and surprising with its taste and rich flavor. The remedy will help to cope with high body temperature, weakened immunity, colds, disorders of the cardiovascular system, increased irritability and excitability, sleep disturbances, digestive disorders, inflammations in the mouth, bleeding, female periodic pain. The tea is pleasant to drink and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. dried raspberry leaf.
• 200 ml of boiling water.
• 1 tsp. honey.

Pour boiling raspberry leaves and allow to stand for no more than 15 minutes. Then strain the drink and add honey. The average daily dose that does not cause adverse effects is no more than 2 cups of tea per day. The best time to take it is in the morning and evening hours.

The ointment

For external use from insect bites, eliminating skin rashes, healing wounds often use an ointment that contains raspberry leaves.

Ingredients:

• Fresh raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Vaseline - 2 tablespoons.

Raspberry leaves are washed and ground in a mortar after draining the water. Then add petroleum jelly to the mass and mix thoroughly. After that, put the remedy in a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.

There is also another way of preparing a healing ointment.

Ingredients:

• Fresh raspberry leaves.
• Fat.

Wash the leaves of the shrub, knead them in a mortar and squeeze the juice from them with gauze. Then take one part of the resulting liquid and combine with 4 parts of the fat. Stir thoroughly and put the ointment in a glass jar, which should be stored in a cool place (refrigerator).

So, all the remedies that are made from the leaf part of the plant is quite easy to prepare. Nevertheless, the benefits of using different types of herbal remedies cannot be overestimated or exaggerated.

Applications in cosmetology

Raspberry leaf has proven to be excellent not only in the medical industry, but also in cosmetology. It is included in numerous cosmetic products aimed at preserving and maintaining natural beauty and youth. The plant fights imperfections of the skin, gets rid of acne, restores skin elasticity and firmness, evens the color of the epidermis, and rejuvenates. In addition, the leaves help strengthen the hair, returning it to its natural shine and strength. It is not necessary to buy these products in the store. You can stock up on berry greens, add to it some simple and familiar components and make masks and rinses at home yourself.

Against acne

Ingredients:

• Chopped fresh raspberry leaf - 1 tbsp.
• Butter - 2 tablespoons.

The ingredients are combined and mixed thoroughly. Apply the composition every morning for 14 days.

Anti-inflammatory

Ingredients:

• Raspberry leaves - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water - 20 tbsp.

Combine the ingredients and allow to stand for 20 minutes. After that, soak in the warm and strained infusion cloth and put on your face. Leave it for 10 minutes, then soak the cloth again and put it on your skin. In total repeat the procedure three times. The course duration is 25 days, with the first half of the cycle should be repeated every day and in the second half - once every two days.

Rinse

Ingredients:

• Dry raspberry leaf - 40 g.
• Boiling water - 800 ml.

Combine the leaves with boiling water in an enamel bowl and place on low heat. After boiling, boil the product for 8 minutes. Then strain the rinse through gauze and allow to cool. Composition rinse your hair after washing your hair.

Raspberry water from acne

Ingredients:

• Dried raspberry leaf - 10 g.
• Boiling water - 200 ml.

Combine the herb with boiling water and infuse for about 40 minutes. Then filter the remedy through a layer of gauze, then pour into a glass jar or pour into special molds for ice and freeze.

The liquid composition is recommended to wipe your face every morning, and ice cubes can be rubbed on the skin immediately after awakening, toning it and also getting rid of annoying pimples. In addition, this remedy will help even out your complexion.

Can we give raspberry leaves to rabbits?

Not only people like to eat berries and fruits, and not only they can benefit from raspberry leaves. For example, rabbits useful greens can also help cope with a lack of nutrients and minerals, increase appetite, strengthen immunity, lower the temperature. Fresh, washed, but completely dry and slightly wilted leaves, which veterinarians and animal breeders recommend mixing with other herbs and twigs, are suitable for feeding fluffy animals. Such a treat can be introduced from the monthly age of the pet, with no special restrictions on consumption.

Culinary applications

In cooking, raspberry leaves are not widespread enough, unlike the fruits of this plant. Mainly the leaf part is used to make teas, they are also used for making pickles and marinades, as a flavorful seasoning for rice, meat dishes, in sauces and soups, as a decoration of desserts - cakes and ice cream.

Unfortunately, there are not many recipes where raspberry leaf is used as one of the ingredients, but those who have ventured to add the product to the main composition of dishes, rejoice in an interesting combination of new taste and flavor.

Raspberry Rice

Ingredients:

• 30 g fresh raspberry leaves.
• 1 tbsp. sour cream.
• 45 grams of rice.
• Carrots.
• Salt.
• 1 cup hot water.

Method of preparation:

1. Rinse and chop the leaves of the plant. Wash the rice.
2. Grate carrots with a coarse grater.
3. Put leaves on bottom of dish, add rice and carrots on top.
4. Add water, salt and place on the stove. Cooking time from the boiling point - about 15 minutes.
5. Then turn off the gas and let the rice infuse for half an hour. Portion this dish and dress it with sour cream.

Sweet soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. fresh chopped raspberry leaves.
• 1 cup of rice.
• 3 tbsp. margarine.
• 2 tbsp raisins.
• 2 ml of hot water.
• Salt.

Method of preparation:

1. At the preliminary stage, soak the rice, then transfer to a saucepan, where to join the hot water. Boil until it boils.
2. Then add raisins and wait again for the liquid to boil.
3. Then put the raspberry leaves in a bowl, cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Add the margarine when serving.

These recipes will help you prepare familiar dishes in an unusual way, introducing new flavors and aromas.

Contraindications for use

Raspberry leaf has a number of useful properties. Its use is recommended in the case of various diseases not only by representatives of alternative medicine, but also by official medicine. The product is excellent for any gender and is safe at any age. But, unfortunately, the berry greens also have a number of contraindications:

• I and II trimesters of pregnancy;
• Chronic constipation;
• gout;
• nephritis;
• asthma;
• nasal polyps;
• individual intolerance.

With these abnormalities, physicians do not recommend the use of remedies prepared on the basis of raspberry leaf, and advise before starting to take herbs, even if there are no contraindications, get a consultation with a specialist, minimizing the possible adverse effects on health.

Thus, the summer raspberry bush is able not only to give sweet and everyone's favorite red berries, but also to preserve health with the help of its green crown. Harvested in summer, the leaf of the plant, having absorbed all the useful substances and charged with the power of sunlight, will help a person to restore lost health, maintain strength and prolong youth and beauty. That is why you should definitely try to brew a fragrant tea from raspberry leaves, which will give strength, heal from illnesses and please with a bright summer taste.

Photo of raspberry leaves