Red Raspberry Leaf Tea?
cocolo89
Posts: 1,169 Member
SOOOOO I have been doing some research on this and wondering if anyone is trying it out? I was reading that the tea strengthens your uterus which will helps provide a faster labor, reduces tearing, eases on labor pains (not dilating pain), and helps your uterus go back down after birth. I also read that it helps milk production as well. What are your takes on this? They recommend you to start off with 1 cup per day until the 3rd trimester and then increase it to 2 cups a day and after 36-37wks you can increase it to 3 cups a day. Has anyone tried this?
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Heres an article I came across on a lady who tried it out with a few of her pregnancies. I just came across this on google so I don't know the lady. lol
http://journeytocrunchville.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/red-raspberry-leaf-tea-what-every-pregnant-woman-needs/0 -
I don't know if it's effective or not, but I started drinking about a cup a day at 32 weeks. I'm not totally in love with the taste, and sometimes I forget about it and end up skipping a day. I definitely don't see myself going up to 2-3 cups per day. I don't think it can hurt to try it...0
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I drank it, still do!
I was induced, and once my labor got going it was fast and furious and painful! My uterus shrank really fast - I was totally flat 4 weeks postpartum, I have ab definition, and have lots of milk!
I'm sure it's a combination of lots of factors, but I'd say drink the tea, it can only help you out!0 -
awesome! thanks for your input! I ordered some and I am "patiently" waiting for them to arrive. LOL. I might end up having to go to the vitamin shoppe cause I am not sure how long shipping will take and I want to start drinking it. I am just about 34wks now, when did you start drinking it Pepper2185?0
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I started at 34 weeks and got up to 2 or 3 cups per day. I don't mind the taste at all.
I get mine at the organic grocery store, I've seen it at health food stores and vitamin stores, too.
Good luck
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I drank this with my first and my labor was 36 hours, so I don't believe it necessarily reduces labor time. However I didn't tear at all (only grazed) and I have birth to a 9.2 pounder! so I do believe there is something in it. It's to do with all the vitamins and minerals in it. I also drank it after giving birth and my stomach was virtually flat 3-4 weeks after giving birth. I'm currently on 3 cups a day and really hoping I have a similar story this time!0
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I haven't tried it yet, but my doctor suggested it and even gave recipes for different variations of it.0
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i drank it my last two weeks of pregnancy with my 1st and i was still 1 week late. I didn't drink any w my 2nd and was a week early and had a faster labor. Not sure if i'll try any teas, oils, or other things to try to get things going 3rd time around.. I have a gut feeling this one will be on time.. I'm guessing w every baby things go faster and smoother..
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I'm hoping to revive this discussion. Anyone drinking it? Anyone have thoughts on when to start drinking it? Or does anyone have personal experience with it helping them? Thanks!!0
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Ditto - I'd love to know! I am tempted to go to the Vitamin Shoppe (since there's one right by my office) to pick some up as well as get some Mother's Milk Tea (I just posted asking about that on the Breastfeeding Support board).0
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I drank it in the last month of my pregnancy and also used clary sage oil. I had a fast and easy delivery but who knows if it related? It tastes nice and gets more liquids into you, so it must at least be good for that. They do say not to use it too soon as it can stimulate contractions but I can't really see one or two cups a day having that effect. I do recommend using the clary sage in a bath, especially while in labour. It did increase the strength of my contractions when I was in labour0
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I've heard a lot of good things about it, including comments from my doctor friend with two young children herself. My question is whether anyone has actually made it from leaves they've picked, instead of buying it. I know where some raspberry bushes are in the neighborhood, and I'd like to know whether it is the same kind of stuff. I'd rather do that than buy some more expensive, who-know-where-it-came-from stuff in the store.0
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so i'd certainly want to "tone my uterus" to help with childbirth but everything I'm reading says this kick starts labour and that is quite worrysome to me...maybe i'd hold off until 37 weeks0
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so i'd certainly want to "tone my uterus" to help with childbirth but everything I'm reading says this kick starts labour and that is quite worrysome to me...maybe i'd hold off until 37 weeks
It takes time for the tea to build up in your system. Most midwives say it's safe to start drinking it around 32-34 weeks. A few cups aren't going to kickstart our labor, although that would be nice 0 -
I bought bulk organic herbs online and have been using a recipe my midwife gave me: 2 parts red raspberry leaf, 2 parts nettle leaf, 1 part alfalfa, and 1 part oatstraw. I mix up a bunch of the loose tea at a time and then you use 1/4 cup of the loose tea per 4 cups of water and steep it overnight. I pour it through a strainer in the morning and then I'm all set. Here are some of the benefits of all four of these herbs:
Nettle: Nettle leaves are a stinging plant when found in nature, but they are extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The plant is high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, vitamins C, D, and B-complex. It is also anti-inflammatory. It may boost adrenal function and is very useful against seasonal allergies. This is a safe remedy if you need help with adrenal function or allergies during pregnancy, but is also a good general tonic due to all the nutrients. It can also boost milk supply.
Oatstraw: This is a very nourishing herb with many benefits. It is rich in carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, vitamins B complex and E. It is beneficial as a nerve tonic, soothing anxiety and aiding depression. It may reduce pain, boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol. If you are prone to postpartum depression, including this herb is an excellent idea. It can also boost milk supply.
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a very nutrient-rich plant that is especially beneficial for many women in the final weeks of pregnancy. It can help to clot blood (which helps prevent hemorrhage in many women, but it should not be taken by women who already have issues with blood clots or who have lupus). It may help to relieve pain and joint stiffness (some women experience joint pain in pregnancy; this is a good herb to try). It may reduce cholesterol. It may increase energy levels and help to treat UTIs. It is rich in many nutrients, including magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E and K. Many women use it in the final weeks of pregnancy to boost their vitamin K levels so their babies will not need any supplementation (a controversial practice anyway — infant supplementation).
Red Raspberry Leaf: This plant is very beneficial to pregnant women. It contains manganese, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, and sulfur. It also contains vitamins B complex, C, D, and E. It may be beneficial in alleviating morning sickness, and it also smooths and tones the uterine muscle, making contractions more effective and labor often shorter and easier. Some consider it controversial in early pregnancy, because on occasion it can cause miscarriage in sensitive women. However, other studies have shown that it may help prevent miscarriage. For most women red raspberry leaf is very safe and beneficial throughout pregnancy, and should especially be taken in the last trimester.
I started at 2 cups per day around 20 weeks and I'm working my way up to 4 cups per day starting in the third trimester. My midwife said it's great to drink during labor and postpartum as well. I found that I really like drinking it cold, so I make a big enough batch to last several days and store it in the refrigerator.
A word of caution though if you buy bulk herbs online: Most retailers sell these in 1 pound packages. A pound of herbs is a TON, especially if you buy a pound of each of the 4 I listed above. However, you'll certainly save money in the long run compared to buying tea bags.0 -
Thanks for all the feedback!! I think I'm definitely going to give it a try. I found a case of organic RRLT (96 tea bags) on Amazon for around $23. I think that should last me the duration of the pregnancy. My mom bought me some "red raspberry tea" from the grocery store back around week 20 something. I drank a cup of it and had lots of pains that I shouldn't have been having that early. So I started reading the ingredients only to find that it had an artificial raspberry flavoring and was made primarily of hibiscus leaves & rosehip! OOPS!!! That being said, to anyone thinking about drinking it, make sure it's Red Raspberry LEAF Tea and not just RR, and you also might want to check out the other ingredients as well. Good luck to everyone!!0
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Thanks for all the feedback!! I think I'm definitely going to give it a try. I found a case of organic RRLT (96 tea bags) on Amazon for around $23. I think that should last me the duration of the pregnancy. My mom bought me some "red raspberry tea" from the grocery store back around week 20 something. I drank a cup of it and had lots of pains that I shouldn't have been having that early. So I started reading the ingredients only to find that it had an artificial raspberry flavoring and was made primarily of hibiscus leaves & rosehip! OOPS!!! That being said, to anyone thinking about drinking it, make sure it's Red Raspberry LEAF Tea and not just RR, and you also might want to check out the other ingredients as well. Good luck to everyone!!
I just got my Amazon order yesterday (I ordered the organic stuff you mentioned). I had a cup last night, and it was good! Pretty much your run-of-the-mill herbal tea, so it was nice to drink and doesn't taste strongly of any one ingredient in particular.
I'm 32 weeks, so I figured I would drink 1 cup/night, then up it to 2 cups/day at 34 weeks, then 3 cups/day at 36 weeks, and at 37 weeks I'll go up to 4 cups/day. The packaging recommended 3-4 cups/day but didn't say *when* to start doing that.0 -
I'm not a big tea drinker, but I found some red raspberry leaf pills on amazon, 100 for less than $4!!0
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I was just given the go-ahead to start drinking this too but she didn't tell me how much. My midwife told me that it tones the uterus, reduces labour time and reduces bleeding afterwards. Whether or not that's true I don't know but they do back a lot of their recommendations up on research. I am 27 weeks now, so will probably start at 30 weeks and will probably only be able to do 1 cup!0
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Ok ladies, just wanted to let you know my experience. I drank the tea starting 34-35wks 1-2x daily until I went into labor at 39wk5days. I had a SUUUUPER fast labor (arrived at the hospital at 8cm dilated) I barely tore, she just put 1 tiny stitch (baby was 7lbs6oz) my uterus contracted back to normal VERYYY quickly, they had a hard time finding it to massage it after I delivered. She told me that I officially have the smallest uterus. LOL. My bleeding was heavy for only 5days and then I spotted until 4wks and bleeding completely stopped. Soo I would definitely drink it again my next pregnancy. DId it help? I like to think so, but who knows. My previous pregnancy I was induced so I will never know. LOL0
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Ok ladies, just wanted to let you know my experience. I drank the tea starting 34-35wks 1-2x daily until I went into labor at 39wk5days. I had a SUUUUPER fast labor (arrived at the hospital at 8cm dilated) I barely tore, she just put 1 tiny stitch (baby was 7lbs6oz) my uterus contracted back to normal VERYYY quickly, they had a hard time finding it to massage it after I delivered. She told me that I officially have the smallest uterus. LOL. My bleeding was heavy for only 5days and then I spotted until 4wks and bleeding completely stopped. Soo I would definitely drink it again my next pregnancy. DId it help? I like to think so, but who knows. My previous pregnancy I was induced so I will never know. LOL
WOW! What a great labor/ delivery experience! I'll hope it's related to the RRLT. I've been drinking it, and will continue to do so until baby gets here (4 weeks). Thanks for sharing! 0 -
Ok ladies, just wanted to let you know my experience. I drank the tea starting 34-35wks 1-2x daily until I went into labor at 39wk5days. I had a SUUUUPER fast labor (arrived at the hospital at 8cm dilated) I barely tore, she just put 1 tiny stitch (baby was 7lbs6oz) my uterus contracted back to normal VERYYY quickly, they had a hard time finding it to massage it after I delivered. She told me that I officially have the smallest uterus. LOL. My bleeding was heavy for only 5days and then I spotted until 4wks and bleeding completely stopped. Soo I would definitely drink it again my next pregnancy. DId it help? I like to think so, but who knows. My previous pregnancy I was induced so I will never know. LOL
WOW! What a great labor/ delivery experience! I'll hope it's related to the RRLT. I've been drinking it, and will continue to do so until baby gets here (4 weeks). Thanks for sharing!
*goes to make herself a cup now*
I started drinking it at 32 or 33 weeks, as I bought a ton of it off of Amazon. I even have a box in my office. I drank it once a day for most of that first week, then once a day for probably 3 days of the next week, then I forgot about it. I'm 36+ weeks.
Seriously, I'm going to make myself a cup now and will make one tonight. Tomorrow I will try to do 3x/day!0 -
Just walked to the store and bought some tea. Brewed up 4 servings worth and I'm drinking it as iced tea.....Meh on the taste. My midwife recommends drinking 3-4 cups a day starting at 36 weeks.
Has anyone added lemon to this tea with success?
Also starting the evening primrose this week too.0 -
My sister's an OB nurse. She said the tea doesn't bring on labour, it just makes contractions more efficient. She gave birth on Monday morning. Her water broke around 2 a.m., and baby came at 7 a.m. She said she started drinking it at 26 weeks. She was 41 + 2 days when she delivered. I'm at 29 weeks now, and I need to get out to buy some. She said she found hers in the natural food aisle at the grocery store (in small town Ontario, no less).0
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I've been drinking 2 cups a day for several weeks now (36 weeks Sat). I've found about a half a tsp of sugar makes it much more bearable to my taste buds.0
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Just walked to the store and bought some tea. Brewed up 4 servings worth and I'm drinking it as iced tea.....Meh on the taste. My midwife recommends drinking 3-4 cups a day starting at 36 weeks.
Has anyone added lemon to this tea with success?
Also starting the evening primrose this week too.
Yeah, it tastes like generic herbal tea and has no raspberry flavor to it that would make it awesome as an iced tea. I suppose you can add whatever you want to it to make it more palatable. I'm not sure how lemon would work. Honestly I've just been drinking it as-is. It's really boring, which is why I haven't had as much as I should, plus it's just too warm for hot tea!0 -
My sister's an OB nurse. She said the tea doesn't bring on labour, it just makes contractions more efficient. She gave birth on Monday morning. Her water broke around 2 a.m., and baby came at 7 a.m. She said she started drinking it at 26 weeks. She was 41 + 2 days when she delivered. I'm at 29 weeks now, and I need to get out to buy some. She said she found hers in the natural food aisle at the grocery store (in small town Ontario, no less).
I know Canada's Amazon sometimes has different items than the US version (and only sometimes is US stuff available to Canadian customers), but I bought mine on Amazon. It was a bunch of boxes (6 boxes of 16 tea bags), but the value was much better than buying it in a store, and it was organic, too. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009F3PP8/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=10 -
Just walked to the store and bought some tea. Brewed up 4 servings worth and I'm drinking it as iced tea.....Meh on the taste. My midwife recommends drinking 3-4 cups a day starting at 36 weeks.
Has anyone added lemon to this tea with success?
Also starting the evening primrose this week too.
Yeah, it tastes like generic herbal tea and has no raspberry flavor to it that would make it awesome as an iced tea. I suppose you can add whatever you want to it to make it more palatable. I'm not sure how lemon would work. Honestly I've just been drinking it as-is. It's really boring, which is why I haven't had as much as I should, plus it's just too warm for hot tea!
Yeah, I was looking forward to a raspberry taste! Boohoo to no taste.0 -
I started drinking it when I was TTC #4 and I think it helped my uterus a ton. It helped regulate my cycles and now I'm pg with #4 and due the end of November/early December. I'm glad to know that it can help during labor and afterwards too. I'm def gonna start drinking it again once I hit the 30 week mark. I'm gonna check w/ my Midwife on when to start. I got mine from a local grocery store. It is all organic and the taste is actually pretty good and I'm by no means a tea drinker. I'm glad I found some positive feedback on it.0
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Hey ladies,
I brewed enough for 3 cups today to make iced tea. I added EmergenC Raspberry and it really improved the taste 0
