Making red raspberry leaf tea - how would you prefer it to?

[havsulen]

I am in the process of making my own red raspberry leaf tea for use in pregnancy.

The provider of leaves says he can supply leaves from wild "Rubus idaeus" - will that be ok do you think?

If you could make your own, how would you prefer it?
Do you have a special variety you prefer? If so, do you have the latin name for it?

Do you prefer it together with other herbs or not?

[Peace+Hope]

i don't have options on various kinds of RRL, but i do like to mix it with the same amount of thistle and a little fresh mint.

what method do you use for preparation?

[havsulen]

Thanks for your reply Peace+Hope, your mixture sounds wonderful!

My biggest question is whether I can go wrong with the type of raspberry leaves that I use. The provider of leaves says he can supply leaves from wild "Rubus idaeus", and I am wondering if that is an ok type? Does anyone know whether any kind of raspberry leaf type is ok, since there are several different types?

[mwherbs]

Rubus idaeus is the common one used- I think domestic or wild there may be different varities but all can be used- I would have a preference for wild but that is just me- adding other things into the mix is just a choice I would probably want some actually dried berries and some hybiscus for flavor an bioflavinoids - if you were having lots of contractions you might want to add one of the viburnums or if you want more minerals then add nettles
Rosemary Gladstar has a women's herbal out and so does Aviva Jill Rhom either book could give you some additional ideas and info

[Brown Lioness]

Not pregnant right now, but i like the idea of making it into a tea/lemonade concoction (im a lemonade freak lol).

I guess you would start out making lemonade and then just add the brewed tea instead of adding just water.

[havsulen]

Thanks for the tips about books! Now, I have read. But I still have a few questions.

It seems to me that I can either make tea og infusion.
An infusion would stand in room temperature for 4 hours to finish. Which do you prefer for the health benefit? Will both methods give the same benefit?

How would you describe what this tea really does to the uterus and the pelvic muscles?
I have read stuff like "has a positive effect on the uterus", but exactly how - does anybody know?

[CageFreeFamily]

I make an infusion (long steeped) of Raspberry leaf, nettles, comfrey and a hint of peppermint per Wise Woman Herbalist Susan Weed's suggestions.

This is my third pregnancy and my first time drinking the infusion regularly during pg. I have noticed a lot of differences!

Susan Weed has a great book called Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. It covers just about everything!

[Kidzaplenty]

[havsulen]

Originally Posted by CageFreeFamily

Susan Weed has a great book called Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. It covers just about everything!

Thanks for the tip! I love the book!

In it, she refers to "a handful" of red raspberry leaves. Could any of you please tell me how to give this measurement in a more accurate way? How many tablespoons or oz/cups would you say that a handfull is on average? Is there a standard measurement for this? Thanks!