Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus

Plant Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

Botanical Description:
Rubus idaeus, commonly known as raspberry, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe, northern Asia, and North America and is cultivated worldwide for its delicious edible fruits. Raspberry plants typically grow 1 to 2 meters tall and have perennial woody stems with thorny branches. The leaves of raspberry plants are compound with three to five serrated leaflets arranged alternately along the stem. The leaflets are green on the upper surface and lighter green to whitish on the underside. Raspberry plants produce white to pale pink flowers with five petals, which bloom in spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, red to black aggregate fruits known as raspberries, which are harvested for culinary purposes.

Introduction:
Raspberry leaf has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. The leaves of the raspberry plant are rich in vitamins, minerals, and active constituents and was traditionally associated with women's health.

Preparations:
Infusion: Prepare a raspberry leaf infusion by steeping dried raspberry leaves in hot water for 6-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it as a tea. Raspberry leaf tea may be consumed warm or chilled and sweetened with honey if desired.
Tincture: Prepare a raspberry leaf tincture by macerating dried raspberry leaves in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take the tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.
Topical Application: Prepare a strong raspberry leaf infusion and allow it to cool. Use the infusion as a wash or add to bathwater.