Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Recipes That Are Actually Yummy!

Red Raspberry Leaf has been used for thousands of years amongst many cultures, but it wasn't until the 1940's that it was more commonly used in Western medicine. Red Raspberry Leaf is rich in vitamins and while it can be used to treat a pretty wide variety of ailments, it is now pretty well known for the benefits it provides to the all mighty uterus. Taking raspberry tea is said to strengthen the uterine muscles and tone the pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth.

There have been studies that have seen a correlation between those who consistently drink raspberry leaf tea with lower rates of birth interventions AND short second stage of labour than those who don't drink it. 

The thing is - it doesn't taste very nice. At least I did't like it. AT ALL.

So during my second pregnancy I came up with these recipes that made the drink pretty delicious!

There is a cold and a hot option available - but with the heat wave we have been having in Vancouver - the cold drink is probably all you need.

Here is what you need for one serving:

1 Raspberry Leaf Tea Bag (can be purchased at health food stores and most grocery stores)
1/4 Lemon
1 Tsp Honey
Hot Water
If I have it in the house, I love to add some mint to it as well!

Then all you do is put the lemon on the bottom of a glass (and mint if using) and mash them to get the juices flowing. Add the tea bag, hot water and honey and then mix. Leave it on the counter to cool. When cooled, put in the fridge until ready to drink. Don’t forget to add lots of ice!

** Tip – I make 3-5 mason jars of the tea that way I can cover it, and just grab one when I want it. Great if you have somewhere you need to go and terrifically refreshing as the days start getting hotter!

Not only are you getting the benefits from the Raspberry Leaf Tea, but also from the lemons. Here are just a few of the benefits from lemons:

1. It boosts your immune system – perfect when you body is working hard at growing another person in your belly!
2. It reduces inflammation.
3. Give you a boost of energy!
4. Helps fight viral infections.
5. It aids in digestion which will relieve some of the heartburn and bloating that is often experienced in pregnancy.