4 Benefits Of Raspberry Leaf Tea, From Experts In Ayurveda & Hormone Health

Known for its vibrant color and fruity flavor, raspberry leaf tea doubles as a tasty herbal tea and a natural remedy to support women's health. Still, many people may have reservations when it comes to whether or not raspberry leaf tea is actually safe and effective.

Raspberry leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the red raspberry plant, a plant native to Europe and certain parts of Asia, which is also known for its tart, bright red berries. Raspberry leaf tea has a fruity, slightly earthy flavor that is often compared to black tea. And just as you might expect, it also has a deep red hue that is reminiscent of raspberries.

This herbal tea is a staple in traditional forms of medicine, such as Ayurveda, according to Ananta Ripa Ajmera, an Ayurvedic practitioner, co-founder and director of The Ancient Way, and author of The Way of the Goddess. "Raspberry leaf tea is used to lower the amount of heat and inflammation people experience in their bodies," she says.

Ajmera explains that it's especially beneficial for digestion, which is the key to overall health, according to the principles of Ayurveda. It's also been associated with benefits for women's health, which we'll get to below.

"Consumption [of red raspberry leaf tea] is associated with less medical interventions during labor when the tea is consumed toward the end of pregnancy," says Jolene Brighten, M.D., a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist and expert in women's health and hormone balance.

She also notes that some studies suggest that it may help shorten labor2, though more research is needed.

Interestingly, both human and animal studies also show that raspberry leaf tea could help relax the uterus, which could be beneficial for preventing preterm labor2.

Many women swear by raspberry leaf tea before and during their period. According to Ajmera, raspberry leaf tea may help ease cramps and nausea while enhancing digestion, all of which can be beneficial during that time of the month. Plus, Brighten adds that it "can be a source of magnesium and calcium, both of which may help improve PMS and menstrual cramps."

Ajmera says that raspberry leaf tea is a great tonic to support postpartum healing. She explains that it can help prevent bleeding and hemorrhaging, thanks to its ability to calm the pitta dosha, a type of heat energy in the body, according to Ayurveda. Not only that, but Ajmera also notes that it may help improve both the quantity and quality of breastmilk after giving birth, making it a popular choice among new moms.

Some claim that red raspberry leaf tea acts as a digestive tonic and can help relieve digestive distress and prevent nausea. But once again, the research on its effects on digestive health is pretty scant.

Though some of the benefits of raspberry leaf tea are still up for debate, there seems to be a general consensus that it's safe for most adults when enjoyed in moderation. In fact, the European Union's HPMC notes that there haven't been any side effects or risks reported with raspberry leaf.

Some health organizations, including the United Kingdom's Committee on Toxicity, point out that because there's not a whole lot of research on raspberry leaf tea, it's not recommended for adolescents or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, according to Brighten, some advise against drinking the tea during early pregnancy, thanks to a 1950s study in rodents, which found that it could cause2 uterine contractions.

Therefore, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor before drinking it, especially if you're pregnant. Depending on how far along you are and whether you have any complications or a history of preterm labor, your doctor might recommend sticking to other types of tea instead.

There are several ways to whip up a soothing cup of this tasty tea. Try adding about a tablespoon of loose-leaf raspberry leaf tea (or a single tea bag) to a cup of boiling water and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes before you strain and enjoy.

If iced tea is more your speed, simply refrigerate the brewed tea for a bit, pour over a cup filled with ice cubes, and top it off with a few of your favorite garnishes, such as fresh raspberries, a drizzle of honey, or a spritz of lemon juice.