Wondering if red raspberry leaf tea for labor actually works? Well, it depends on who you ask.
Red raspberry leaf tea is one of those controversial home remedies we’ve all heard about. Many doctors will scoff at something as simple as a berry tea to induce labor, while many doulas and midwives will swear by it. So we’ve decided to do some research and find out for sure if red raspberry leaf tea actually helps to induce labor or not…
The Facts
There have been only a few studies that examine the effects of using red raspberry leaf tea to induce labor.
In a 1999 study, it was discovered that drinking red raspberry leaf tea for labor may help to decrease the risk of artificial rupture of their membranes. This can help to reduce the need for a C-section, vacuum birth, or the use of forceps. The study found that the tea did help to shorten labor. But here’s the kicker: there were no documented side effects of the tea. It did its work without causing a negative reaction in the mothers who took it.
Then, in a 2010 study, red raspberry leaf extract was given to rats in the later stage of pregnancy to determine what effect, if any, it would have on them. The extract did help to stimulate contractions, but in high dosages it actually inhibited contractions. The quantity of red raspberry leaf tea determined its effects.
READ MORE: 10 Health Benefits of Herbal Tea
However, it’s not all good news. In a 2009 study, it was discovered that red raspberry leaf tea may actually have negative side effects. Taking the extract didn’t affect the mother, but it increased the risk of reproductive health problems in the offspring.
Now, the fact that these last two tests were conducted on rats means that the evidence can only be generally applied to humans. The top-listed study did prove that the tea was fairly safe for human consumption, and that there were no negative side effects to the mother. However, the fact that there were side effects for the offspring (even if they were rats) means that it’s something you should seriously consider before taking. If you’re not 100% certain it’s what you want, you may be better off looking for another remedy.
READ MORE: Labor Inducing Exercises Worth Trying
The Good News
The good news is that red raspberry leaf tea has many other uses! Even if you don’t take it to induce labor, there are many other purposes for drinking the tea:
- You can improve your reproductive health
- You can strength the uterine wall, reducing the risk of miscarriages when you do get pregnant
- You can balance your hormones, thereby improving your fertility
- You can reduce the discomfort that accompanies menstruation
- You can increase the chances that your attempts to get pregnant will work, as the tea can improve the probability of implantation
All this to say, red raspberry leaf tea can be a great reproductive remedy to have at home. Even if you aren’t sure you should take it to induce labor, you can take it to improve your fertility and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
But remember: before you take it, consult with your doctor. You want to be sure to get an expert opinion on any of this type of supplement before you start taking it. That way, you can be certain you’re doing what’s best for your body. Most important of all, you’re certain you’re not taking anything that could harm your reproductive system. Better safe than sorry when it comes to supplements like red raspberry leaf tea!
