Lots of herbs are green and leafy, well almost all of them. But there is one that most of us probably don’t recognize as an herb that is full of vitamins and minerals and specifically beneficial for women’s health. This year it is being recognized by the International Herb Association (IHA) as the herb of the year. The IHA names the genus Rubus or brambles as herb of the year. The two most familiar members of this genus are blackberries and raspberries. For us in the Pacific Northwest, we are well acquainted with both – domestic and wild.
Since raspberries are in season now and the leaves are tender and young, that is the bramble we’ll focus on. Although the berries and leaves may be credited with healing properties, it is the leaves that are typically used in Chinese and European herbal medicine. Red raspberry leaves contain many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are all vital for uterine health and may be lacking from the diet. The herb also contains other essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and manganese and Vitamins C, A, E, and B complex.
Since raspberries are in season now and the leaves are tender and young, that is the bramble we’ll focus on. Although the berries and leaves may be credited with healing properties, it is the leaves that are typically used in Chinese and European herbal medicine. Red raspberry leaves contain many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are all vital for uterine health and may be lacking from the diet. The herb also contains other essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and manganese and Vitamins C, A, E, and B complex.
