Red Raspberry Leaf Tea tribe - Page 9

[Kellie_MO4]

Okay, how does this sound for a brew...
I boil about 4-5 C water in a teakettle, and then add (in a muslim (i think?) bag) a small handful of RRL (and I have big hands, so a handful..lol), I add a TM bag of preggo tea, and a mixed berry bag (for flavor). first time I let it steep overnight, but this last time I forgot about it (oops! lol) and it steeped for about 15 hours... Then add maybe 6 or so cups water to make iced tea... tastes not bad, but does the strength sound okay?

ETA I usually fill a 20 oz cup with ice, and then fill up with tea, and have 2-3 cups/day (yes, I'm an ice muncher..lol)

[gen_here]

Originally Posted by Kellie_MO4

Okay, how does this sound for a brew...
I boil about 4-5 C water in a teakettle, and then add (in a muslim (i think?) bag) a small handful of RRL (and I have big hands, so a handful..lol), I add a TM bag of preggo tea, and a mixed berry bag (for flavor). first time I let it steep overnight, but this last time I forgot about it (oops! lol) and it steeped for about 15 hours... Then add maybe 6 or so cups water to make iced tea... tastes not bad, but does the strength sound okay?

ETA I usually fill a 20 oz cup with ice, and then fill up with tea, and have 2-3 cups/day (yes, I'm an ice muncher..lol)

As far as the RRL strength, that sounds like about what I do. I measure mine out based on what the bag at the store said (2 tsp per 6-8 oz of water). I do 8-9 rounded teaspoons of RRL, and 1/2 handful of nettles and about .5-1 Tbs of milk thistle (crushed with a rolling pin) into a quart mason jar, pour 4+ cups of boiling wated over it, and then cap up the jar and let it set on the counter (at least) overnight. In fact, I made it last night at this time and I haven't strained it yet... I should go do that and get tonight's cup =)

[L'lee]

Originally Posted by Kellie_MO4

I boil about 4-5 C water in a teakettle, and then add (in a muslim (i think?) bag) a small handful of RRL (and I have big hands, so a handful..lol), I add a TM bag of preggo tea, and a mixed berry bag (for flavor).

That sounds like a REALLY good idea, wish I'd thought of that before buying 5 pounds of various teas. Oh, well!

[jinkel]

DEFINITELY Joining This Tribe!

Hi, all! Due in July, and hopping on the RRL bandwagon.

Question - - what does nettle do? I see a lot of people adding it to their RRL tea....

[wildflowermama]

I make a strong infusion (a big handful of rrl in a quart sized pitcher. I pour boiling water over it, mix in a tablespoon or two of raw honey, and let it steep overnight leaving herbs in and straining). I avoided it during the first trimester as there are a few vague studies (relatively new I think) relating it to early miscarriage but now I drink as much as I crave. I mix it half and half with orange juice and drink it cold. I love it and crave it a lot. Sometimes I drink nettle infusion instead but often I drink both.

[Peppamint]

Here's some info I found to explain more about nettle:

NETTLE LEAVES (Urtica Dioca)

Less well known as a pregnancy tonic but deserving a wider
reputation and use, Urtica is one of the finest nourishing tonics
known. It is reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other
herb. The list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes
nearly every one known to be necessary for human health and
growth.

Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and
sulphur are particularly abundant in nettles. The infusion is a
dark green colour approaching black. The taste is deep and rich.
If you are blessed with a nettle patch near you, use the fresh
plant as pot herb in the spring.

Some pregnant women alternate weeks of nettle and raspberry
brews; others drink raspberry until the last month and then
switch to nettles to insure large amounts of vitamin K in the
blood before birth.

The benefits of drinking nettle infusion before and throughout
pregnancy include:

*Aiding the kidneys. Nettle infusion were instrumental in
rebuilding the kidneys of a woman who was told she would have to
be put on a dialysis machine. Since the kidneys must cleanse 150
percent of the normal blood supply for most of the pregnancy,
nettle's ability to nourish and strengthen them is of major
importance. Any accumulation of minerals in the kidneys, such as
gravel or stones is gently loosened, dissolved and eliminated by
the consistent use of nettle infusions.

*Increasing fertility in women and men.

*Nourishing mother and fetus.

*Easing leg cramps and other spasms.

*Diminishing pain during and after birth. The high calcium
content, which is readily assimilated, helps diminish muscle
pains in the uterus, in the legs and elsewhere.

*Preventing haemorrhage after birth. Nettle is a superb source or
vitamin K, and increased available haemoglobin, both of which
decrease the likelihood of postpartum haemorrhage. Fresh Nettle
Juice, in teaspoon doses, slows postpartum bleeding.

*Reducing haemorrhoids. Nettle's mild astringency and general
nourishing action tightens and strengthens blood vessels, helps
maintain arterial elasticity and improves venous resilience.

*Increasing the richness and amount of breast milk.

Nettle leaves are a storehouse of nutrition, with high iron and calcium contents, as well as an excellent source of folic acid, an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Nettle strengthens the kidneys and adrenals, while it relieves fluid retention. Because nettle also supports the vascular system, it can prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Postpartum, it increases breast milk. Nettle tea has a rich, green taste and can be mixed with other herbs. Cooked nettle is a mineral-rich substitute for spinach and an excellent side dish with a dash of lemon juice and sesame seeds. Try substituting nettle in lasagna. Pick it fresh from spring until mid summer, but be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin. Its nickname is "stinging nettle," but this sting disappears when cooked. Pick extra to freeze and have on hand for the winter months.

[thundersweet]

I just found out I am pregnant! Is the tea safe for those of us with high blood pressure?

[wildflowermama]

I drank it freely throughout my pregnancies with High bp.

If you are just now pregnant, perhaps you will not have that problem this time around. I'm not having it this time (after two pregnancies with it).

Jo

[amybw]

subbing...

I have looked at the TM tea in the grocery store several times and have talked myself out of it!

Next time I am there I am getting it!
I am planning a VBAC and want all the help i can get!

thanks ladies!


Amy

[MovingMomma]

I need help finding bulk RRL to buy online! I placed an order with Mountain Rose Herbs, but they are sold out & don't have an ETA for more stock. I don't want to buy from the Bulk Herb Store since it appears to be run by the Pearls. Where else can I buy it?

[Peppamint]

If you can get in on a Frontier coop, you can get good prices on it.

[luvmybucababy]

Is it ok/beneficial, to continue drinking after birth?

[Peppamint]

Originally Posted by luvmybucababy

Is it ok/beneficial, to continue drinking after birth?

RRL is definitely beneficial for women always... just be sure any other added herbs are lactation safe.

[~*max*~]

Originally Posted by luvmybucababy

Is it ok/beneficial, to continue drinking after birth?

And it is supposed to be helpful w/afterpains.

[logan&jordansmommy]

don't want to buy from the Bulk Herb Store since it appears to be run by the Pearls.

What does that mean? Sorry may be a silly question. I am going to be looking for some RRL too so I just wanted to make sure to buy from a reputable place.

[jinkel]

Originally Posted by MovingMomma

I need help finding bulk RRL to buy online! I placed an order with Mountain Rose Herbs, but they are sold out & don't have an ETA for more stock. I don't want to buy from the Bulk Herb Store since it appears to be run by the Pearls. Where else can I buy it?

I also tried to order mine from Mountain Rose Herbs (but they were out of stock). I ended up ordering mine from from www.redmoonherbs.com . I honestly can't vouch for the quality, though (since I haven't received it yet)...

[MovingMomma]

Originally Posted by logan&jordansmommy

What does that mean? Sorry may be a silly question. I am going to be looking for some RRL too so I just wanted to make sure to buy from a reputable place.

The Bulk Herb Store has lots of articles by Michael & Debi Pearl, and appears to be a business they started and some of their grown children now run. Michael & Debi Pearl wrote To Train Up A Child, a book about "discipline" that advocates child abuse. The first article I pulled up on their website (www.nogreaterjoy.com) recommends pulling the hair of a 3 month old nursling who bites. Here is a thread about a case where a mother has been charged with first degree murder after her son died while she was "disciplining" him using the Pearl's techniques: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ght=debi+pearl

I'm not 100% how the Bulk Herb Store is affiliated with the Pearls, but just having articles written by such people is enough to convince me to spend my money elsewhere.

[amybw]

maybe a silly question, but is RRL Tea okay for men to drink?

If i have a yummy pitcher of tea, DH may want some too.

[MovingMomma]

Originally Posted by jinkel

I also tried to order mine from Mountain Rose Herbs (but they were out of stock). I ended up ordering mine from from www.redmoonherbs.com . I honestly can't vouch for the quality, though (since I haven't received it yet)...

When do you expect your order to arrive? Care to post a review when it does? Thanks!

[logan&jordansmommy]

The Bulk Herb Store has lots of articles by Michael & Debi Pearl, and appears to be a business they started and some of their grown children now run. Michael & Debi Pearl wrote To Train Up A Child, a book about "discipline" that advocates child abuse.

Yikes! Thanks for the info!