Herbal Treatment Spotlight: Raspberry

Throughout the years, raspberry has remained a favored household remedy. Many of its uses are quite unknown because we tend to focus on the juicy fruits that the plant develops. Along with the berries, the leaves of the plant can be used to treat a variety of medical woes, including diarrhea. In this article, we will explore some of its uses, as well as how to prepare the plant for natural treatments.

 

Raspberry has a dry, astringent, and often a cooling effect when used to treat health issues. While the leaves contain helpful polypeptides, the fruit is jam-packed with vitamins A, B, C, and E. The berries also offer minerals, as well as a volatile oil.

 

The fruit can be used as a diuretic, laxative, and for cleansing the body. The leaves have been used to prepare a mother for childbirth, a stimulant, calms the digestive system, and serves as a tonic. Raspberry has also been used to create vinegars that have worked wonders on sore throats and coughs. Creating infusions with the leaves can be used as a poultice for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Even syrup can be created from raspberries to prevent the buildup of unsightly tartar on the teeth.

 

Dried or fresh raspberry leaves carry a world of good for the body. During menstrual cycles, the leaves can calm cramps and overall discomfort. When the leaves are taken during the late stages of pregnancy, it has an affect that prepares the womb for giving birth. The leaves also treat mouth ulcers and wounds. If you suffer from any rheumatic disorders, the leaves have a cleansing effect. In France, raspberry leaves are often used to treat the prostate gland when prepared as a tonic. To get the most out of the leaves, they should be harvested during the summer season before the fruit ripens.

 

As for the berries, while they are delicious to devour, they can ease indigestion, as well as rheumatism. This is because they contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals. Aside from treating medical problems, the berries are just plain nutritious and good for anyone. The berries should be harvested during the late part of the summer when they appear ripe. The juice of the berries have held a place in folk medicine, serving as a cooling remedy for ailments, such as childhood issues, cystitis, and fevers.

 

Before using raspberry leaves and berries to treat yourself, you should know that high does of leaves during the early stages of pregnancy should be avoided because it is known to encourage the uterus to do its part a little earlier than expected.

 

To make herbal remedies from raspberries, you may create an infusion, tincture, wash or vinegar. Infusions can ease childbirth when drank in a tea form. Infusions also treat mild cases of diarrhea and when gargled, sore throats and mouth ulcers feel relief. Raspberry tinctures should be diluted because they are stronger. When applied to wounds and inflammations, positive results are the outcome.

 

Tinctures also make good mouthwashes for gum inflammations and mouth ulcers. Raspberry washes can be used to bath wounds, as well as treat varicose ulcers and sores. Many have also found the soothing properties of a wash when used for the eyes.