Diamon Naturals

Alaena Charlotte Diamon

alaena@diamon-naturals.us

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Name:  Rosacea family.

Parts Used:  Leaves and fruit.  The leaves may be collected throughout the growing season. Dry slowly in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper preservation of properties.  Fresh leaves may be tinctured.

Description:  Hardy deciduous shrub of the Rose family.  Fine, prickly thorns along stalks and underside main vein of leaves.

Habitat:  Raspberry is found in most temperate climates.

Cultivation:  Grows wild, but widely cultivated;  it likes rich soil.  They need a cold winter and a long, cool spring to thrive, so do not do well in southern climates.

Propagation and Reproduction:  Propagated from the root.  New stalks will bear the second year.  After bearing when leaves die out in the fall, cut back all old canes, leaving the new season's growth to bear the following year.

Constituents:  Flavanoids, including kaempferol and quercetin; polypeptides; tannins; fructose; volatile oil; pectin; citric and malic acids.

Uses:  Bitter Perennial bush; Cool energy.  Astringent and tonic, Raspberries are rich in iron and vitamin C. The leaf is the most valuable medicinal part of the Raspberry plant, and has a long tradition of usefulness in pregnancy.  It tones and strengthens the uterine tissue during pregnancy, assists contractions, reduces the pain of childbirth, and helps to reduce false labor pains, as well as checking any hemorrhage or excessive blood loss during labor.  It is effective if the herb is drunk regularly throughout the pregnancy, especially during the last three months, and also taken during labor. Red Raspberry leaf relieves morning sickness.  After childbirth, it is used to decrease uterine swelling and cut down on post-partum bleeding.  Soothing and non-stimulating, it can help regulate menstrual flow, even to reduce excessive flow, and to ease menstrual cramps.  The gentle astringency properties make it helpful for diarrhea and vomiting  in children, as well. Raspberry reduces blood sugar, making it valuable in the management of diabetes. It is valuable in the easing of mouth problems, such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammation. As a gargle, it will help sore throats. For the treatment of skin problems, it will combine well with Dandelion, Burdock and Cleavers.   

Miscellaneous:  Raspberries have been picked and eaten since prehistoric times. Ancient Greeks, Chinese, Ayurvedics and American Indians used Raspberry and Blackberry interchangeably as a treatment for wounds and diarrhea. Raspberries were first grown for their fruit during the Middle Ages, and all the cultivated varieties were developed from the wild species.  Raspberry is under the influence of Venus, and is served as a love-inducing food.  In olden days, the brambles were hung at the entrance of the home to prevent unwanted spirits from entering.

Flower Essence: Kindness; compassion; taking responsibility for one's actions; sympathy; benevolence; generosity; for releasing old wounds; desire to help others; forgiveness; the ability to "turn the other cheek".

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