Evidence supporting the use of: Raspberry
For the body system: Uterus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Raspberry leaf (particularly Rubus idaeus, or red raspberry leaf) has a long history of traditional use to support the uterus and female reproductive health. Folk medicine and midwifery practices, especially in Europe and North America, have recommended raspberry leaf tea to "tone" the uterus, ease menstrual discomfort, and support women during pregnancy and childbirth. This use is largely based on anecdotal accounts and centuries-old herbal traditions rather than robust scientific validation.

While raspberry leaf contains vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds such as fragrine (an alkaloid thought to affect uterine muscle tone), scientific studies investigating its direct effects on the uterus are limited and mostly preliminary. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest a possible mild uterine muscle contractant or relaxant effect, but results are inconsistent and not sufficient to confirm efficacy or safety in humans, especially during pregnancy. Clinical trials in humans are few, small, and often poorly controlled, with mixed results regarding labor outcomes or menstrual relief.

Major health authorities, including the American Pregnancy Association and the NIH, note the traditional use of raspberry leaf but do not endorse it due to insufficient clinical evidence. As such, while raspberry leaf is widely used in traditional herbalism for uterine support, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence rating is low.

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