Raspberry

Part Used: leaves

Energetics: astringent, sweet/ tooling/ sweet PK- V+ (in excess)

Tissues: blood, plasma, muscles, reproductive

Systems: circulatory, female reproductive, digestive

Actions: astringent, alterative, tonic, hemostatic, antiemetic

Indications: diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal flu, vomiting, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, uterine bleeding, prolapse of uterus or anus, hemorrhoids, inflamed mucous membranes, sores, wounds

Precautions: American red raspberry has a good reputation for reducing miscarriage but other varieties are known to promote abortion; high Vata; chronic constipation

Preparation: infusion (cold or hot), powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste

RASPBERRY is an effective anti-Pitta herb with affinity to the colon and female reproductive organs, where it has a strongly astringent and mildly tonifying (nurturing) action. It raises prolapse, stops hemorrhage, gives tone to the muscles of the lower abdomen, soothes the mucous membranes and allays inflammation. It is a safe, mild astringent for sore throats, diarrhea (it is good for children), nausea, heart­burn and ulcers.

As a uterine tonic it can be combined with stronger tonics like shatavari, in proportions of 1 to 3. For menstrual complaints it combines well with rose flowers and hibiscus flowers. As a good astringent douche for uterine inflammation, leucorrhea or prolapse, it can be combined with small amounts of myrrh.