Menstrual cramps. Period bleeding. Mood swings. These are the PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms that the majority of menstruating women go through for much of their adult lives, starting in their teens. There are all kinds of pills and other artificial remedies you can take to alleviate the discomfort during your time of the month, but we believe in natural alternatives, too.
Believe it or not, there is an herb that helps with PMS symptoms as well as providing essential immune support. This wonderful plant that sounds too good to be true is called red raspberry leaf, and it is a primary ingredient in our Elderberry Armor and Womb Ritual tea blends.
So What Is Red Raspberry Leaf?
Red raspberry leaf - also called Rubus idaeus and Rubus occidentalis - is a small but mighty herb that grows in tiny, bright green, ribbed leaves. It’s been used for centuries throughout Europe, to which it is native, as well as the United States, and is still used today for the same purposes.
What Are The Benefits Of Red Raspberry Leaf?
Benefit One | Relieves PMS, Heavy Periods, And Cramps
In the days leading up to your time of month, PMS symptoms like cramps and nausea can throw all your plans out of whack. Red raspberry leaf contains fragarine, which is a substance that helps tighten muscles in the pelvic area of the human body. This may be the secret to red raspberry leaf’s extraordinary benefit of reducing cramping during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The herb has been used for this purpose for centuries, and according to Healthline, some research (although limited) supports the claim that it can help alleviate PMS symptoms in women.
In addition to relieving the pain of menstrual cramps, according to Botanical Medicine For Women’s Health, red leaf raspberry leaf is also often used to reduce bleeding during periods.
Benefit Two | Regulates Mood And Hormones
One potential result of your PMS symptoms lessening and your periods getting less heavy is that your mood will be significantly improved before and during your menstrual cycle. One of the reasons women experience such bad moods during their cycle is because the side effects that come with it - cramping, nausea, bleeding - can be uncomfortable at best and unbearable at worst. Red raspberry leaf helps reduce those symptoms, which leaves you feeling far less pain and much happier during that time of month.
Another reason you might be in a bad mood during your cycle is hormonal imbalance. Hormones can be thrown off for a variety of different reasons. According to WebMD, simply not ovulating can throw your hormones off and make your menstrual bleeding heavier.
But red raspberry leaf provides uterine support by strengthening your uterus through increased blood flow to the organ. A stronger uterus means a more properly functioning uterus, so it won’t throw off your hormones. Balanced hormones = a balanced mood.
Our Womb Ritual tea blend contains red raspberry leaf as well as other powerful, soothing herbs that promote women’s health. If you experience cramping, heavy bleeding, or mood swings, we recommend you add Womb Ritual to your PMS relief regimen.
Benefit Three | Supports Immune System
Aside from its specific benefits for women leading up to and during their monthly menstrual cycles, red raspberry leaf naturally contains several vitamins and minerals that are healthy, even essential for you to consume. According to a 2018 article in Integrative Medicine, red raspberry leaf contains vitamins A, C, and E; calcium; iron; and potassium. These nutrients provide much-needed energy and vitality to your body. (They will also keep you feeling healthy and strong during your period bleeds).
Red raspberry leaf also contains a high level of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect the cells in your body and help heal your body from infection and illness.
Our Elderberry Armor tea blend, which contains red raspberry leaf along with other healing herbs, will relieve common cold and flu symptoms, fight infections, and accelerate post-sickness recovery time. This tea blend not only tastes great, but the medicinal benefits will have you on the road to recovery in no time.