Organic Merchant’s Mother Nature Tea is a certified organic raspberry leaf tea blended specifically for birth and beyond. It was expertly formulated with expectant mothers in mind by Chalimah Jeanne, a naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and mother of two.

OVERVIEW OF TOPICS COVERED ON THIS PAGE:

• Raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy
• Further benefits
• When to start drinking raspberry leaf tea?
• Potential side effects
• Contraindications
• Ingredients in our certified organic red raspberry leaf tea
• How to prepare raspberry leaf tea

Raspberry leaf tea and pregnancy

The blend’s bloomy and herbaceous floral flavour and can be safely enjoyed during the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy and in the weeks post birth.

One of the main ingredients in our Mother Nature Tea is raspberry leaf. Rubus Idaeus has been used traditionally for thousands of years. In the 1940’s it was adopted and now is commonly used by many western medical practitioners as a uterine tonic during pregnancy and to facilitate childbirth. This study showed a shortening of the second stage of labor and a lower rate of forceps deliveries.

Raspberry Leaf Benefits

• Raspberry leaf is both a parturient and astringent, toning the uterine membranes and strengthening the pelvic floor and uterine muscle tissue to assist childbirth. This toning action increasing the contractility of the uterine walls and makes for more effectual contractions during labor ^1,2,3 .
• Raspberry leaf is nutritive to both mother and child, containing a rich assortment of vitamins including vitamin B complex and minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. ¹
• Continuing to consume tea after labour helps the uterus return back to its normal size, shape and elasticity. ^1,3
• Raspberry leaf also boost the immune system and helps fight infection.
• The herb is a galactagogue assisting to increase and enrich milk supply after birth. ¹
• Studies have shown that women who take red raspberry leaf have a reduced incidence of birth interventions ^6,7. Research has also found that women who drink red raspberry leaf tea regularly towards the end of their pregnancies had a shorten labour with no identified side effects for the women or their babies. The findings also suggest that women who ingest raspberry leaf tea might decrease the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation and may be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than women who do not consume raspberry leaf.

Further benefits of ingredients in our Mother Nature Tea

In addition to raspberry leaf, our Mother Nature Tea also includes nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), shativari root (Asparagus racemose) and rose petals (Rosa centifolia)

• Nettle leaf is extremely nutritive and has an impressive nutritional composition, most notably it is the iron content which is most important during this 3^rd trimester. Other nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Sodium. It has a high protein content and has a better amino acid profile than most other leafy vegetables ⁴.
• Shatavari is a highly regarded reproductive tonic for women’s health. Asparagus racemose is also the best known Ayurvedic tonic for women after childbirth. This rejuvenating herb is wonderful for balancing hormones, is highly nutritious, excellent at strengthening and supporting the nervous system, preventing postnatal depression, enhances and enriches milk supply, promotes healthy energy levels, sooths the digestive tract and boosts immune system⁸.
• Rose petals have been used in Chinese medicine for more than 4000 years. Rose is especially useful in alleviating insomnia typical in the 3^rd trimester, as well as tension and anxiety around childbirth and preventing postnatal depression. Rosa centifolia increases the elasticity and strengths the integrity of vasculature therefore preventing and treating varicosities and fluid retention, soothes the digestive tract in both mother and child and is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections associated with pregnancy⁸.

When to start taking raspberry leaf tea?

Benefits can take several weeks to accumulate in the body and take effect. Starting in the 3^rd trimester around 8 weeks before birth, we suggest to start by drinking 1 cup per day, and gradually increase this to 3 to 4 cups per day. This nutrient-rich herb should be continued for 2 – 12 weeks postnatally to assist with reducing blood loss, toning the uterus back to normal size, supporting the nervous and  immune systems, assisting breast milk production and the many other wonderful associated benefits.

Potential side effects

Most women do not experience any side effects from taking raspberry leaf tea, however the following side effects are possible:

• Nausea
• Loose stools
• Increase in Braxton Hicks contractions

Contraindications of raspberry leaf tea

There are no known contraindications for raspberry leaf when used in the third trimester at an appropriate dose. An exception being if previous labour(s) have been really fast, it’s best avoided. With very little in the way of side effects and contraindications, and such great benefits observed and recorded, raspberry leaf is a great option for most pregnant women.

This information is not intended to diagnose in any way. For treatment consult a healthcare professional.

100% ACO certified organic ingredients:

• Raspberry Leaf
• Nettle Leaf
• Shatavari
• Rose Petals

Store out of direct sunlight in a dry place below 30°C.

This blend is caffeine free, sugar free, and contains no artificial colours or flavours.

How to prepare?

Use 1 – 2 heaped teaspoons of Mother Nature Tea per 1 cup boiling of water and let steep for 5-15 minutes. Allow to cool before drinking.

Long infusions of 6-8 hours are best for extracting more of the mineral nutrients.

 

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References

1 Berger, Judith. Herbal Rituals. New York: St. Martins Griffin Press, 1998.

2 Tilgner, Sharol ND. Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres Press, INC, 1999

3 Rosemary, Gladstar Family Herbal: a guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality Storey Books, North Adams, Massachusetts, 2001.

4 Hoffmann, David FNIMH, AHG. Medical Herbalism: The Science and practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, 2003

5 Yarnell, Eric ND, RH Phytochemistry and Pharmacy for Practitioners of Botanical Medicine. Healing Mountain Publishing, Inc., 2004

6. Burn JH & Withell ER 1941, A principle in raspberry leaves which relaxes uterine muscle. The Lancet, July 5, pp. 1-3.

7. Parsons M 1999, Raspberry leaf. Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Newsletter 1(2) pp. 1-2.

8. McIntyre, Anne The Herbal for Mother and Child. HarperCollins London 2003