Ileum exposed to raspberry leaf for 5-10min, washed and re-exposed. Relaxation activity compared 5min before exposure to after exposure. Ginger is commonly used for pregnancy-related nausea, particularly during the first trimester. Overall, there is no evidence that ginger increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight babies, earlier delivery. St. John’s wort induces CYP 3A4 and P-glycoprotein. It interacts with many drugs, including oral contraceptives. Some of these interactions could be serious. Turmeric Recommendation Although research has yet to confirm the benefits of red raspberry tea, there are a number of claimed health benefits to drinking it:

While a couple of small studies found no safety concerns among pregnant women who consumed raspberry leaf in tea or tablet form during pregnancy, a recent analysis of 74 published studies on herbal medicine use in pregnancy found that raspberry leaf consumption was associated with higher risk of cesarean delivery. Another study found an association between the herb and gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, vomiting and heartburn. If you decide to drink red raspberry leaf tea, it's recommended to start around 32 weeks of pregnancy with just one cup a day. You could gradually increase this to two or possibly three cups a day (or the equivalent in tablet form). Excited contractions similar to oxytocin in pregnant tissue. Co-treatment of tea and oxytocin enhanced contractility more than oxytocin alone. Variable levels of response from different animals. Roman chamomile may induce abortion. It could be unsafe to take medicinal amounts orally during pregnancy.Compared clinical outcomes for mother and infant, and side effects for cohort of women taking raspberry leaf in pregnancy with those not. However, a scientific study found no effects, neither harmful nor beneficial. Potential Risks of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Langhammer AJ, Nilsen OG. 2014. In vitro inhibition of human CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 by six herbs commonly used in pregnancy. Phytotherapy Research. 28(4): 603-10. [Accessed January 2021] Mallory, J. et. al. Various. Red Raspberry Leaf. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/red-raspberry-leaf Opens a new window [Accessed February 2021]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316647753_Botanical_characterization_phytochemical_analysis_and_antioxidant_activity_of_indigenous_red_raspberry_Rubus_Idaeus_L_leaves A non-statistically significant association was made between using cranberry in the second or third trimester and vaginal bleeding (more than spotting) after pregnancy week 17. Echinacea Recommendation Echinacea is used orally for colds and other upper respiratory infections. Reliable information on the safety of echinacea during pregnancy is limited. Short-term use (up to 7 days) may be safe. Affect your bowels: while some users found it to have a laxative effect, others found it actually helped treat diarrhoea.While red raspberry leaf tea is typically used to facilitate labor and birth during pregnancy, some people use the herbal remedy to help with nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy as well ( 6). There is some evidence to show that drinking red raspberry leaf tea may allow for a labor with fewer complications. Herbal teas have been used by midwives throughout history to help with some of the negative symptoms associated with pregnancy and labor. Red raspberry leaf has been recommended as a tonic to improve fat metabolism and encourage weight loss. It is often sold as a “detoxifying” supplement meant to improve body composition and overall health.

Shorten labor. One small study of less than 200 women found that raspberry tea shortened the second stage of labor by about 10 minutes.Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are thought to be beneficial to overall health.

Although more research is needed, some claim that raspberry leaf tea can help strengthen the uterus, improve labor outcome, and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth. May help shorten labor There have been reports of malformations in the babies of women who ate fenugreek seeds during pregnancy.

As previously mentioned, raspberry leaves are thought to be particularly beneficial to women. As well as being used since ancient times there is some evidence to suggest that it may shorten labour for those who are expecting. 5 While there are no studies to suggest that this fruity herbal tea can induce labour, by understanding how it works with the womb, it's understandable why so many pregnant women are keen to try the tea. Why do pregnant women drink raspberry leaf tea? Additionally, red raspberry leaf tea may not be suitable for all pregnant people. In a 2016 case study, a pregnant person with gestational diabetes became hypoglycemic after consuming the tea. Although this was a single case, it highlights the need for more robust research. Other evidence also suggests the tea may not be suitable for: NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance suggests ginger as a non-drug option for mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Evidence Interestingly, one study in 121 pregnant people found that 38% reported using red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy ( 5).