Foraging Raspberry Leaf: A traditional herbal ally for women’s health.
Our baskets and hearts are full.
There’s something deeply grounding about harvesting your own herbs, especially when they’re as beloved as raspberry leaf. Last week, we ventured out to gather a fresh basket of raspberry leaves, and it sparked so many great questions from our community. So, here’s a little guide on the benefits of raspberry leaf, how to forage it safely, and why we love incorporating it into our teas.
Why Raspberry Leaf?
Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) has long been celebrated in traditional herbalism. Often used to support women’s health, it’s known as a uterine tonic that may help tone and nourish the reproductive system. But its benefits don’t stop there.
Raspberry leaf is rich in nutrients like:
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium
• B-complex vitamins
• Antioxidants
It also has gentle astringent properties, making it a supportive herb for digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
How We Harvest
We like to gather our raspberry leaves in early summer, just before the plant begins to flower. This is when the leaves are most vibrant and potent. We pick by hand, selecting young, healthy leaves and drying them slowly in the shade to preserve their delicate flavor and medicinal properties.
Foraging Safety Tips
If you're interested in foraging your own, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Know your plants. Raspberry leaves are fairly easy to identify, but always triple-check before harvesting. Look for serrated, soft green leaves with a silvery underside and fine hairs on the stem.
Pick responsibly. Harvest only what you need and never strip a plant bare. Leave plenty for pollinators, wildlife, and future growth.
Harvest in clean areas. Avoid roadsides, industrial zones, or areas that may have been sprayed with chemicals.
Pick before flowering. The leaves are most potent before the raspberry plant blooms.
Dry low and slow. We dry ours in small batches, out of direct sunlight, to preserve the leaves’ nutrients and subtle flavor.
A Note on Use
While raspberry leaf has a long history of traditional use, it’s always wise to speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before adding any herb to your wellness routine. This is especially important if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
We love blending raspberry leaf into several of our teas. It’s grounding, mineral-rich, and beautifully balanced. Watch for it in upcoming seasonal blends and behind-the-scenes moments on our Instagram.
Wild Canadian Raspberries Bushes
Reference :
“Mom’s Raspberry Leaf Tea with Lady’s Mantle and Mint” (postpartum tea blend, uterine support, milk production)
→ https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/moms-raspberry-leaf-tea-with-ladys-mantle-and-mint/https://avivaromm.com/5-safe-herbs-for-a-more-comfortable-pregnancy-and-better-birth/
