Almost everyone loves sweet, succulent raspberries—they’re simply delicious (especially when picked fresh!). But did you know that the leaves are one of nature’s greatest healers? Red raspberry leaves are a staple in our home, and we make tea with them for any sickness that comes up.

Dr. Christopher loved red raspberry and used it in many of his formulas. The following section from Dr. Christopher’s School of Natural Healing demonstrates just how important it is to have red raspberry leaves on hand:

“Red raspberry leaves are great for cleansing a canker condition of the mucous membranes in the alimentary tract, leaving the tissue toned. When taken regularly in pregnancy, the infusion will quiet inappropriate premature pains and produce a safe, speedy and easy delivery. Raspberry leaves stimulate, tone and regulate before and during childbearing, assisting contractions and checking hemorrhage during labor, relieving after pains, then strengthening, cleansing, and enriching the milk of the mother in the post-delivery period. 

Both the leaves and fruit are high in citrate of iron, which is the active alterative, blood-making, astringent and contractile agent for the reproductive area. The tea is a valuable and effective agent for female menstrual problems, decreasing the menstrual flow without stopping it abruptly. Raspberry leaves are soothing and toning to the stomach and bowels, with healing action to sore mouths, sore throats, nausea, aphtha, stomatitis, diabetes, diarrhea and dysentery. They are especially valuable in stomach and bowel complaints of children. Raspberry leaf tea is a specific for colds and flu” (School of Natural Healing, 159).

Growing up, my parents made a mix of equal parts red raspberry leaves, catnip leaves, and spearmint leaves. They steeped tea from this mix, and we drank gallons of it every time we were sick. I drank this tea throughout each of my pregnancies and gave it to my babies in a bottle until they graduated to sippy cups. Drinking this tea every day kept them so healthy! We still make a big pot of raspberry/catnip/spearmint tea anytime someone is sick. It provides the needed nutrients to heal those who are affected and helps keep the rest of us healthy. I have found that adding a little bit of Dr. Christopher’s Composition Powder to the tea really helps get rid of sickness quickly!

As you plan your garden, consider setting aside space for a raspberry patch. The berries will be delicious all summer long, and you can harvest the leaves each fall. There’s nothing better than growing your own medicine!

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist Foot Zone Therapist/Practitioner. She loves helping people find and continue their path toward health.