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 These herbs have been used in pregnancy for generations. A tonic for female reproductive organs, Red
Raspberry Leaf was commonly used by North Americans
long before Europeans landed here. Here is a basic recipe that can be added to, according to pregnancy needs or taste.
1 part Red Raspberry Leaf
1 part Nettle
½ part Alfalfa (avoid the root, use the above ground plant, dried is fine)
You may choose one or more of the following to the basic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea recipe. Count a cup (250 cc) as one part, for instance.
- ¼ part oatstraw, for stronger veins
- ¼ part spikenard (after first trimester)
- Butcher's Broom, for varicosities of the vulva (swollen veins near the labia)
- ¼ part lemon balm, for calming the mind
- ½ part mint, if not using homeopathic remedies, for flavor and digestion
I have gotten all of the ingredients (with oatstraw) and enjoyed my first cup of tea last night. I actually like it
and feel somewhat primitive :-) ... I take pro-biotics and Omega 3 oils already and have been taking some
pre-natal vitamins (with iron). Thank you for all you
do!!" -- Melanie in Bloomington, MN
Buy the
herbs bulk at a natural foods store, such as a food coop, or herb
store. Sources are available on line if you search. If you pick the leaves, make sure you have Red Raspberry Leaf rather than Black Raspberry. Pick the leaf in the morning after the dew dries from the leaf. Store dry in a cool, dark place. 
 Mix the dried herbs together in a quart jar and stir the dry herbs
with a clean, dry chop stick or table knife. Cover tightly and keep in
a cool dark place, or in a shaded corner of your counter. (To avoid the
out-of-sight; out-of-mind syndrome.)
To make a quart of tea: Put a couple TBSP of dry herb mix in a large
tea ball or tea basket in a quart jar
with the chain hanging out. Or, toss a cup of fresh leaves from a morning picking right into the quart jar. Pour very hot, nearly, but not quite,
boiling water over the herbs and steep 5 minutes or longer. Steep with the jar lid on. Drink hot, warm, or cold. I suggest warm based on the principle
that drinking warm drinks rather than cold is better for health and
digestion over all.
Steeping longer than 5 min.s is beneficial but may be bitter. Get used to
the taste with less steeping and add time till you like it.
Thanks for your opinion, Gail. I'm taking a rrl supplement from
beeyoutiful. http://www.beeyoutiful.com/
red-raspberry-leaves.html
I've enjoyed being able to take it in a capsule since drinking the tea
was at first not very interesting as I wasn't feeling so great. Don't
know if you had seen it in capsules so I thought I would pass it along. - SS, Prior Lake
The Herbs
Red Raspberry Leaf
Susan Weed
states: Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known,
most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs.
Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through
pregnancy are traced to … vitamins and minerals found in this plant and
to the strengthening power of fragrine - an alkaloid which gives tone
to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Of
special note are the rich concentration of vitamin C, the presence of
vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves
also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including
phosphorous and potassium.
Cold Red Raspberry Leaf tea on a hot summer day.
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
is high in vitamins A, D, E, B-6, and K, calcium, magnesium,
chlorophyll, phosphorous, iron, potassium, trace minerals and several
digestive enzymes. Purlife states that alfalfa is higher in calcium than milk.
Nettles
Stinging Nettles have a high mineral content, specifically calcium,
magnesium, potassium, iron and silicic acid, making it one of our most
nutritious herbs. The sting leaves as soon as the herb is steeped in
near boiling water or dried. See Wise Woman Herbals for more information.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis, will reduce inflammation. It is a mild sedative, good for calming, but don’t over use it.
Oat straw
Avena sativa has trace minerals and is relaxing.
Spikenard
This classic pregnancy herb of North America is said to help ease back ache as well as ease labor when used over time.
Mint
For flavor and easier digestion, avoid mints if using homeopathy.
You will note that Lemon Balm and even Alfalfa are listed as
contraindicated in pregnancy by some online sources. These herbs have
been used for generations in pregnancy. Herbs today are often suspect
when seen through the lens of modern medicine. There may be something
in an herb that has an effect, like nettles being a diuretic, that
seems to be unwise in pregnancy. While diuretics are dangerous in
pregnancy, nettles has a healing effect on the kidneys and is an
exception. Lemon balm has been considered beneficial to pregnant women
for decades. We do not suggest that you ingest it in high doses
throughout pregnancy, rather change your secondary herbs when you get
the next “batch” of herbs to refill your supply.
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