How to make Red Raspberry Leaves Tea

The sharply flavored dried leaves of the red raspberry plant make a potent tea.

Red raspberry leaf tea is a medicinal herbal tea said to replenish the body's iron. Women often use the tea to help boost iron levels during pregnancy. Natural birth proponents believe that red raspberry leaf tea can help prevent common pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and early labor. Some natural health specialists also believe the tea helps decrease menstrual discomfort. It has a tart, rejuvenating flavor that makes it popular as a caffeine substitute for pregnant women.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 to 2 tsp. red raspberry loose leaf tea or 1-serving red raspberry leaf teabag
• Tea ball for loose tea
• Tea cup or mug with lid or saucer plate
• 1 1/2 c. water
• Teapot
• 1 tsp. sugar or honey, optional

Instructions

1. Put 1 1/2 to 2 tsp. loose red raspberry leaf tea into your tea ball, or retrieve a single-serving red raspberry leaf teabag from your pantry. Place in the tea cup or mug and set aside.

2. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 c. cool water into your teapot. Place your teapot on the stove and turn to high heat, bringing the water to a medium boil.

3. Remove the teapot from heat and pour the boiling water into your teacup or mug, allowing the water to flow over the teabag or tea ball. Place the lid or a saucer plate over the cup and set aside.

4. Steep the water for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the teabag or tea ball.

Tips & Warnings

• You may normally steep caffeinated teas for only about 5 minutes, but it takes longer to steep herbal teas like red raspberry leaf. Steep for the recommended 10 to 15 minutes to optimize health benefits and flavor.

• Add 1 tsp. sugar or honey if you like to sweeten the tea.

• Consult with your doctor or midwife before using red raspberry leaf tea when pregnant. Because the tea is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some doctors have concerns about potential risks during both the first and third trimesters.

• Some health practitioners believe that red raspberry leaf tea can affect blood sugar levels in diabetic and hypoglycemic patients. If you have either condition, consult with your doctor before using red raspberry leaf tea.

• Avoid bringing the water in your teapot to a rolling boil, as this can diminish the flavor of red raspberry leaf tea. Use a slow to medium boil for best flavor.

References

• American Pregnancy Association: Drinking Herbal Tea During Pregnancy
• J. Crow's Natural Remedies; The Remarkable Raspberry; Norma Whitehead
• NutraSanus: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Herb and Extract Benefits
• Evitamins Encyclopedia: What Is Red Raspberry?
• American Pregnancy Association: Natural Herbs and Vitamins During Pregnancy
• The Pregnancy Health Center: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Resources

• Your Cup of Tea: Why Red Raspberry Leaf Tea?
• American Pregnancy Association: Giving Birth Naturally: Techniques to Use
• ABC News Good Morning America; Alternative Birthing Methods; Lara Salahi; March 2010
• Lamaze International: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
• Childbirth.org: Natural Remedies During Pregnancy