for you women who plan to deliver soon...

[nicANDjethro]

has anyone suggested red raspberry leaf tea to you?

from what i've read, it's wonderful in toning your uterus and can aid in delivery. :)

i bought some, because i read it's also good to drink before conception because of it's aid in your menstrual cycle and the development of your pelvic floor muscles *kegel kegel*...

it's actually quite nice.


:)
nic

[Ryoko!]

I have never heard of that...
where did you read this??

[Orlando]

Make sure you don't drink this when you are pregnant, Nic, as it can cause miscarriage.

From what I understand it causes mild contractions of the uterus which, in LATE pregnancy, can tone the muscles but it's main use (and partly the reason I used it) is to encourage labour. It's often suggested as to mothers-to-be who have gone over 40 weeks but want to deliver naturally. The advice I was given by the herbalist was not to use it until 38 weeks (the time when a natural delivery is thought to be "safe"). I started using it just after 38 weeks and a week later I went into labour, six days early - unusual for the first!

It also tastes absolutely foul and you have to drink large quantities for it to be effective. *shudders at the memory*

I've not heard about it's uses before conception but I'd check with a midwife, doctor or herbalist before you take it. I get the sneeky suspicion that it may cause early miscarriage therby preventing you from getting pregnant. Don't take that as gospel, though. Just ask around first.

[nicANDjethro]

It also tastes absolutely foul and you have to drink large quantities for it to be effective.

:f i like the flavor of the kind i bought - it's like black tea... if you like that sort of thing...

um, the box i bought actually says "supports female systems"

http://www.good-earth.com/traditional-medicinals-raspberry-leaf-tea.html

i think it's good for late pregnancy, and BEFORE ovulation to help tone the uterus and pelvic floor muscles...even though some pages say that it's okay to take it the first trimester, most say DON'T because of uterine stimulation.



here are some more links that explain its benefits:

http://epregnancy.com/info/nutrition/redraspberry.htm

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancynutrition/3537.html

http://www.babyzone.com/preconception/herbs/redraspberryleaf.asp

http://www.parentsplace.com/features/morning/qas/0,10338,239725_100017,00.html

Raspberry leaf has a long tradition of use in late pregnancy to strengthen and tone the tissue of the uterus, assisting contractions and checking any hemorrhage during labor. As an astringent it may be used in a wide range of cases, including diarrhea, leukhorroea and other loose conditions. It is valuable in the easing of mouth problems such as mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and inflammations. As a gargle it will help sore throats. Raspberry is also very rich in iron and calcium.
"As for the Red Raspberry leaf tea, it is not recommended until after the third month and then it is only a cup a day. It is a uterine toner and works on the smooth muscle of the uterus so in early pregnancy it can cause bleeding. I have both read this in my reference books and seen it discussed on alt.folklore.herbs. It is not until your third trimester that you can take up to 3 cups a day. It is not something I would ever recommend before the third month of pregnancy, but that is just me, I would rather be cautious than foolish."



about WHEN to take certain herbs:
http://www.babyzone.com/preconception/herbs/uterinetonic.asp


ryoko - call your doctor or midwife about the red raspberry leaf tea - if you're late in pregnancy, it might help...they say it can help shorten the labor process...

but, ASK FIRST! DEFINITELY!

:)

(it's really not that bad...not the kind i got...if you LIKE herbal teas, that is...i'm a big fan of chammomile, too)

xox
nic

[Orlando]

I must have just got the icky stuff. I love herbal teas but this tasted more like sewage than tea! I'll have to try and get a different brand this time!

Thanks for the info Nic. :)

[nicANDjethro]

No...thank YOU for the suggestion on NOT taking it during the first trimester!!! :)

As you might know from browsing around, I'm NOT pregnant, but hope to be soon...(6 months)...

I'm learning as much as I can, and having you question me made me look deeper into it - learning MORE.

so...thanks! :e

nic

[Orlando]

Between us we'll set the world to rights ;)