Raspberry bushes are native to North America but are cultivated in other countries including Canada. Although it is best known for its delicious red berries, raspberry leaves have a number of medical applications. They have been used in connection with the common cold, sore throats, diarrhea, irregular periods and pregnancy.

Raspberry leaf tea acts as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin or mucous membranes effectively reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a mouth wash it is used to soothe mouth and throat irritations. In pregnancy it has been traditionally used to help with nausea, ease labour and delivery, and post- natal recovery.

Raspberry leaf should never be taken during the first five months of pregnancy because of the stimulating effect on the womb. It can be taken after this time, but is probably best being left until the final 2 months of pregnancy. In a study carried out in Sydney, Australia, 192 first-time mums were given at random either a 1.2g raspberry leaf tablet or a placebo twice a day from 32 weeks of pregnancy. Those women who had taken raspberry leaf tablets were found to have a shorter second stage of labour and a lower rate of forceps delivery (19.3% versus 30.4%).

If you want to make an infusion of raspberry leaf tea put 25g/1oz of the dried herb in a pot and pour on 600ml/1 pint of boiling water. Cover and infuse for 15 minutes. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Start with one cup of tea a day or one tablet and build up gradually to a maximum of four cups of tea or tablets daily. The tea can be sipped freely during labour, too.

Research from the University of Helsinki has suggested that taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy may reduce the risk of babies suffering from childhood allergies. Probiotics which can be found in live, natural yogurts are living organisms designed to restore a healthy balance in the gut and prevent stomach upsets. Some experts believe they may also stimulate the growth of the immune system and play a part in preventing asthma, allergies and eczema.  (see BioKult on the Resources Page).

A lack of vitamin E during pregnancy may substantially increase the risk of childhood asthma. Scientists at Aberdeen University believe vitamin E and D could account for up to a third of new cases of asthma in recent decades. The increase in asthma, especially in children, has never been fully explained. However, there is growing evidence that maternal diet is implicated in the rise of asthma.  The research found a clear link between asthma and wheezing in children aged three and low intake of vitamin E by the mother during pregnancy.