Because red raspberry leaf provides dual qualities as mild stimulant and gentle relaxant, it has a regulating effect on the uterus. The leaves contain an alkaloid known as fragerine, which relaxes and strengthens the uterus and tones the pelvic muscles. Raspberry remains one of the safest and most effective herbs for use in the entire course of pregnancy. A recommended use of this tea is one cup three times daily in the first trimester, one to two cups three times daily in the second trimester, and two to three cups three times daily through the third trimester and postpartum. A few women have found they are especially sensitive to red raspberry's toning effect in the first trimester and tend to have too much uterine stimulation. If red raspberry is being used and uterine cramping is experienced in the first trimester, it is best to use less of it, or to stop using this herb altogether until later in the pregnancy. Raspberry can, however, have reasonable success in preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage, so careful history taking and evaluation on the part of the care provider is important.
-Linda Lieberman in The Birthkit Issue No. 6 (a Midwifery Today publication)
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 9, Feb. 26, 1999)
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