Description :
The red raspberry plant is native to Asia Minor and North America and is a member of the Rose family. The compound leaves have three to five leaflets. The underside of the leaf is silvery-green in color and may be covered in small spines or hairs. The flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. The flowers are white and grow in clusters. The fruit is an aggregate of many tiny berries that we simply call the raspberry. The thorny stalks, or canes, emerge the first year as green stems and, either don’t fruit or fruit very little. The second year, the canes will flower and fruit. At the end of the second growing season, the bark will turn brown and/or gray and the cane will die. Cutting back the brown canes in the fall of the second year will help prevent overcrowding of the patch.
History and Folklore:
It has been said that the Greek Gods of Olympus could be seen collecting the ripe berries around Mount Ida, hence the name Rubus idaeus. In Latin, it means “bramble of Ida”. European and Native American women have used Raspberry leaves for thousands of years to prepare the womb for childbirth.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the leaves at any time of the year or just towards the end of a growing season. Choose young, vibrantly green leaves carefully cut them from the cane. The leaves are then dried for use in teas, tinctures, capsules, and so on.
Precautions:
Do not use while pregnant. Do not take if breastfeeding.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Astringent. Alterative, Emenagogue
Other Names:
Garden Raspberry
Tincture Ingredients: Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaeus)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Benjamin –