Herb Descriptions:  O - R
(In alphabetical order, scroll down the page)

      Oats:  Botanical name: Avena sativa.  For some herbal supplements, the green or rapidly dried aerial parts of the plant are harvested just before reaching full flower. Many herbal texts refer to using the fruits (seeds) or green tops. Although some herb texts discuss oat straw, there is little medicinal action in this part of the plant. The common oat used in herbal supplements and foods is derived from cultivated sources.

In folk medicine, oats are used by herbalists to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” A tea made from oats was thought by herbalists to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. A tincture of the green tops of oats was also used to help with withdrawal from tobacco addiction.  Oats were often used in baths to treat insomnia and anxiety as well as a variety of skin conditions, including burns and eczema.

Oats have been used in connection with high triglycerides, anxiety, eczema, and nicotine withdrawal.

Active constituents: The fruits (seeds) contain alkaloids, such as gramine and avenine, and saponins, such as avenacosides A and B.  The seeds are also rich in iron, manganese, and zinc. The straw is high in silica. Oat alkaloids are believed to account for the relaxing action of oats, but it should be noted this continues to be debated in Europe. The German Commission E does not approve this herb as a sedative.  However, an alcohol-based tincture of the fresh plant has reportedly shown some promise in countering nicotine withdrawal and helping with smoking cessation.

A tea can be made from a heaping tablespoonful (approximately 15 grams) of oats brewed with 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water. After cooling and straining, the tea can be taken several times a day and shortly before going to bed.5 As a tincture, oats are often taken at 1/2–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) three times per day. Capsules or tablets, 1–4 grams per day, can be taken. A soothing bath to ease irritated skin can be made by running the bath water through a sock containing several tablespoons of oats, then bathing in the water for several minutes.

Oats are not associated with any adverse effects.  At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with oats.

      Onion:   Onion is a bulbous perennial or biennial herb believed to be native to western Asia. Numerous varieties are cultivated worldwide.  Onion bulb has been used as a food for thousands of years. It has also been used medicinally.  Its actions were considered to be comparable to those of garlic, though milder. 

Onion is used for loss of appetite and prevention of atherosclerosis and age related change in blood vessels.  May reduce the risk of gastric cancer.  The Commission E reported antibacterial, lipid, and blood pressure-lowering properties and inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation.  Recent investigations suggest that therapies aimed toward the prevention of atherosclerosis should include a diet rich with onions. Contemporary studies have shown that onions, like garlic, may inhibit platelet aggregation and interfere with fibrinolyis.  Clinical studies have reported that onions lowered lipid levels and inhibited the formation of blood clots.  Onions are also cooked in milk and eaten in order to clear congestion in the lungs.

Onion bulb contains numerous organic sulfur compounds, including trans-S-(1-propenyl) cysteine sulfoxide, S-methyl-cysteine sulfoxide, S-propylcysteine sulfoxide, and cycloalliin; flavonoids; phenolic acids; sterols including cholesterol, stigmasterol, b-sitosterol; saponins; sugars; and a trace of volatile oil composed mainly of sulfur compounds, including dipropyl disulfide.  A fresh onion bulb contains fructans with a low degree of polymerization, flavonoids, and sulfur-containing compounds. When an onion bulb is bruised, the sulfoxides are degraded by alliinase and release pyruvic acid and alkylthiosulfinates, which rapidly form into disulfides. 

Unless otherwise prescribed: 50 g per day of fresh bulb or 20 g per day of cut dried bulb, pressed juice from fresh onions and other oral galenical preparations.  Dried bulb: 20 g.  Fresh bulb: 50 g.  Infusion: Steep 1–2 teaspoons in 120 ml water.   Tincture: 5 ml (1 teaspoon), three to four times daily.   If onion preparations are used over several months, the daily maximum amount for diphenylamine is 0.035 g.

      Oregon Grape:  Botanical name: Berberis aquifolium.  Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub which grows throughout the American northwest. It is somewhat misnamed, as the fruit are not actually grapes. It is, however, grown in Oregon (it is the official state flower). Oregon grape is a close relative of barberry (Berberis vulgaris), and shares many common uses and constituents. The root is used medicinally.

Oregon grape has been used in connection with chronic candidiasis, conjunctivitis/blepharitis, diarrhea, infection, parasites, poor digestion, psoriasis, and urinary tract infections.
 
Before European colonists arrived, the indigenous peoples of North America treated all manner of complaints with Oregon grape.  The berries were used for poor appetite. A tea made from the root was used to treat jaundice, arthritis, diarrhea, fever, and many other health problems.

Active constituents: Alkaloids, including berberine, berbamine, canadine, and hydrastine, may account for the activity of Oregon grape.Isolated berberine has been shown to effectively treat diarrhea in patients infected with E. coli.  One of the ways berberine may ease diarrhea is by slowing the transit time in the intestine.  Berberine inhibits the ability of bacteria to attach to human cells, which helps prevent infections, particularly in the throat, intestines, and urinary tract. These actions, coupled with berberine’s ability to enhance immune cell function, make Oregon grape possibly useful for mild infections although clinical trials are lacking on the whole root.

In one clinical trial, an ointment of Oregon grape was found to be mildly effective for reducing skin irritation, inflammation and itching in people with mild to moderate psoriasis.  Whole Oregon grape extracts were shown in one pharmacological study to reduce inflammation (often associated with psoriasis) and stimulate the white blood cells known as macrophages.  In this study, isolated alkaloids from Oregon grape did not have these actions. This suggests that something besides alkaloids are important to the properties of Oregon grape responsible for reducing inflammation.

The bitter-tasting compounds as well as the alkaloids in Oregon grape root are thought to stimulate digestive function.

A tea can be prepared by boiling 1–3 teaspoons (5–15 grams) of chopped roots in 2 cups (500 ml) of water for fifteen minutes. After straining and cooling, 3 cups (750 ml) can be taken per day. Tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (3 ml) three times per day, can be used. Since berberine is not well absorbed, Oregon grape root might not provide adequate amounts of this compound to treat significant systemic infections. A physician should be consulted in the case of infection before attempting to use Oregon grape. An ointment made with 10% Oregon grape extract applied three or more times daily may be useful for psoriasis.

Oregon grape is thought to be safe in the amounts indicated above. Long-term (more than two to three weeks) internal use is not recommended. Berberine alone has been reported to interfere with normal bilirubin metabolism in infants, raising a concern that it might worsen jaundice.  For this reason, berberine-containing plants should be used with caution during pregnancy and breast-feeding.  Certain medications may interact with Oregon grape. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications

      Parsley:  By the middle ages, parsley made its appearance in herbal medicines.  It has been given credit for curing a great range of human ills, especially those having to do with the dineys and liver.

Although we tend to think of it only as a decorative green on our plates, parsley is a course in vitamin therapy all by itself.  It contains vitamin A, more vitamin C per volume than an orange, several B vitamins, calcium and iron.  The distinctive odor common to all parts of the parsley plant is the work of volatile oils, one of which, parsley camphor, has been extracted for medicinal use.  Containing two important chemicals, apiole and myristicin, parsley has significant diuretic and mild laxative qualities.  It can help eliminate bloating, excess water weight, can ease the pain of flatulence (gas), and colic and has a reputation for bringing on delayed or suppressed menstruation.  In one study, it has been shown to have antihistamine qualities which may be useful in relieving allergy symptoms.

Incorporating parsley into your diet, in normal amounts, would be of benefit to your overall health.  Excessive amounts of parsley (as in infusions and tinctures) can cause negative side effects in pregnant women and may cause kidney irritation.

      Passion Flower:  "The association of the passionflower with Christ dates back to the seventeenth century.  The five petals and five sepals of the flower represented the ten faithful apostles (absent are Judas, the traitor, and Peter, who denied he knew Christ).  The dramatic corona resembled the crown of thorns that Jesus wore; the five stamens represented Christ's five wounds; the curling tendrils symbolized the cords used to whip him; and the leaves were thought to represent the hands of Christ's persecutors." Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Passionflower extract has a slightly narcotic effect when taken internally.  It has been used as a tranquilizer to treat tension, fatigue, insomnia, and muscle spasms.  In small doses it has no known toxicity.  A cup of medicinal passionflower tea can be made with 1/2 to one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water.  Smoking passionflower was supposed to impart a marijuana-like high.  In an herbal bath it is soothing.

Passionflower is not recognized as safe or effective in the United States but continues to be used in quite a few sedative-hypnotic drug mixtures marketed in Europe. 

      Pau d'arco:  Known as lapacho colorado in Argentina and Paraguay and as ipe roxo in Brazil, is a good example of the lure of the exotic. This South American native has been used medicinally by several indigenous groups.  There are several species of Tabebuia, and most appear to be broad-leaved evergreen trees with very hard wood that resists decay. It may be difficult to determine precisely which species is being sold as pau d'arco tea.  Pau d'arco has a reputation for having been used by the Incas, although it is not native to the high Andes.

It is said to be useful against cancer, diabetes, rheumatism, and ulcers, as well as several other ailments.

Readers of "The People's Pharmacy" have reported success in using it topically as a soak to cure fungus-ridden toenails.  Extracts have been used topically to treat Candida yeast infections.  Overall, however, the research on pau d'arco does not offer strong support for most of the medicinal claims made for it.

The part of the tree used is the inner bark, and the preparation made from it is sometimes termed taheebo. Pau d'arco, or taheebo, contains a number of quinone compounds, including the naphthoquinone lapachol and the anthraquinone tabebuin. These and related compounds are assumed to be the active ingredients.  La pachol has antibacterial activity, and a related compound fights off fungus and yeast.  Lapachol has demonstrated activity against malaria, a property that would certainly be useful for people in the areas where Tabebuia species grow wild.

Research in the 1950s and 1960s indicated that taheebo extract and lapachol could slow the growth of certain tumors. The National Cancer Institute subsequently tested lapachol for anticancer activity in humans, with disappointing results.  Some practitioners report anecdotes of marvelous cancer cures, but the Brazilian Cancer Society disavows its use.  In human trials, it was difficult to attain therapeutically active levels of lapachol with oral administration, and when levels did get high enough, most people suffered serious adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting. 

Taheebo extract has anti-inflammatory activity, at least in rats. Researchers have also found that it helps animals resist ulcers.  In laboratory studies on human blood cells, lapachol had immunosuppressant effects at higher doses and immunostimulant activity at low doses.

Standard dose has not been determined. 

Special Precautions:  Pregnant women should not take taheebo internally because there is no evidence of its safety, although it can provoke adverse reactions.  Pau d'arco should be discontinued before surgery because of the danger of excessive bleeding.

      Peppermint:  (Mentha piperita) Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first cultivated near London in 1750. Peppermint grows almost everywhere. The two main cultivated forms are the black mint, which has violet-colored leaves and stems and a relatively high oil content, and the white mint, which has pure green leaves and a milder taste. The leaves are used.

Recognized in the early eighteenth century, the historical use of peppermint is not dramatically different than its use in modern herbal medicine. Classified as a carminative herb, peppermint has been used as a general digestive aid and employed in the treatment of indigestion and intestinal colic.

Peppermint leaves contain about 0.5–4% volatile oil that is composed of 50–78% free menthol and 5–20% menthol combined with other constituents. Peppermint oil is classified as a carminative, meaning that it helps ease intestinal cramping and tone the digestive system. Peppermint oil or peppermint tea is often used to treat gas and indigestion. It may also increase the flow of bile from the gallbladder.

Peppermint oil’s relaxing action also extends to topical use. When applied topically, it acts as a counterirritant and analgesic with the ability to reduce pain and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Enteric-coated peppermint oil has shown benefit for people with irritable bowel syndrome, according to double blind studies. One double blind study found that combining peppermint and caraway oils in an enteric-coated tablet was superior to placebo for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

A tea of peppermint is a traditional therapy for colic in infants, and a double blind study has confirmed its effectiveness.  The tea used in this study contained mint and also licorice, vervain, fennel, and lemon balm. However, peppermint should be used cautiously in infants.  Check with your pediatrician.

A study of topical peppermint oil applied to the temples of healthy volunteers (with or without eucalyptus oil) found that peppermint oil had a muscle-relaxing action and it decreased tension. This may explain its usefulness in treating tension headaches.  Peppermint oil alone reduced pain as well.

For internal use, a tea can be made by pouring 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1 heaped U.S. teaspoon (5 grams) of the dried leaves and steeping for five to ten minutes; three to four cups daily between meals can relieve stomach and gastrointestinal complaints.  Peppermint leaf tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts are often taken at 3–6 grams per day. For treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, 1–2 capsules of the enteric-coated capsules containing 0.2 ml of peppermint oil taken two to three times per day may be preferable.

For headaches, a combination of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil diluted with base oil can be applied to the temples at the onset of the headache and every hour after that or until symptom relief is noted. 

      Phyllanthus:  Common names: Bahupatra, Bhuiamla.  Botanical name: Phyllanthus niruri.   Phyllanthus is an herb found in central and southern India. It can grow from 30–60 centimeters in height and blooms with many yellow flowers. Phyllanthus species are also found in other countries, including China (e.g., Phyllanthus urinaria), the Philippines, Cuba, Nigeria, and Guam. All parts of the plant are used medicinally to treat hepatitis and pain .

Phyllanthus has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years and has a wide number of traditional uses including internal use for jaundice, gonorrhea, frequent menstruation, and diabetes and topical use as a poultice for skin ulcers, sores, swelling, and itchiness. The young shoots of the plant are administered in the form of an infusion for the treatment of chronic dysentery.

Active constituents: Phyllanthus primarily contains lignans (e.g., phyllanthine and hypophyllanthine), alkaloids, and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin).

Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. In one study, 59% of those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV infection (e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen) after using 900 mg of phyllanthus per day for 30 days.  While clinical trials on the effectiveness of phyllanthus for HBV have been mixed, the species P. urinaria and P. niruri seem to work better than P. amarus.  Clinical trials with hepatitis B patients have used 900–2,700 mg of phyllanthus per day.

Research has used the powdered form of phyllanthus ranging from 900–2,700 mg per day for three months.  No side effects have been reported using phyllanthus as recommended in the amounts above.  At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with phyllanthus.

      Psyllium:  Seeds (also known as blond psyllium or ispaghula) are derived from a species of plantain that is native to India and Iran.  The seeds are small and reddish-brown, with no distinctive aroma and almost no flavor.  They absorb water and become surrounded with mucilage that has excellent emulsifying power and is prized as a laxative.

The main constituent of psyllium seed is dietary fiber. Although the majority of it is insoluble, there is also a fair bit of soluble fiber in the mucilage. This is mostly polysaccharides.  The seeds also contain proteins, other carbohydrates, oil, sterol, and some flavonoids, but the soluble fiber is primarily responsible for its therapeutic action.

Psyllium is a bulk laxative. The powdered seeds are taken with ample water, and once in the intestine they swell.  This "bulk" encourages defecation, and the mucilage tends to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.  This herb is frequently recommended for the treatment of constipation and is even approved as an over-the-counter drug in the United States under brand names such as Fiberall, Konsyl, Metamucil, Modane Bulk, or Serutan.  In addition to its value for treating chronic constipation, psyllium can be useful in treating diarrhea.  In one study, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome improved with psyllium administration.  Diarrhea following gallbladder surgery has also been successfully treated with psyllium seed.  Psyllium preparations can reduce pain and bleeding from hemorrhoids.

Psyllium seed has also been used to reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. In an eight-week trial, total cholesterol decreased by 14 percent and undesirable LDL cholesterol by 20 percent. In studies lasting more than two months, triglycerides came down to just over half the baseline levels.  Psyllium seed is also reported to slow the absorption of dietary sugar. This may be beneficial in diabetes, although it is a subtle effect.

The usual adult dose is 7 g of psyllium seed preparation up to three times a day to a maximum of 30 g per day. It must be taken with at least 8 ounces of water each dose.  Paradoxically, the dose for diarrhea can range even higher to a maximum of 40 g daily.  Children from six to twelve years old are treated with half the adult dose.  It may take two or three days for psyllium to produce the desired effects. Unlike other laxatives, psyllium seed may be used as long as needed without fear of dependence.

Special Precautions:  Children under six years old should take psyllium seed or psyllium preparations only under medical supervision.  Psyllium seed is not appropriate for anyone with intestinal blockage.  People allergic to psyllium must avoid it.  Constipation or diarrhea that persists for several days deserves medical attention.

      Pygeum:  Botanical names: Prunus africanum, Pygeum africanum.  Pygeum is an evergreen tree found in the higher elevations of central and southern Africa. The bark is used medicinally. Wild pygeum is environmentally threatened and efforts are being made to grow pygeum on plantations and control harvesting in the wild.

Pygeum has been used in connection with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis (CBP, NBP).

The powdered bark was used as a tea for relief of urinary disorders in African herbal medicine. European scientists were so impressed with reports of pygeum’s actions, they began laboratory investigations into the active constituents in the bark. This led to the development of the modern lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract used today.

Active constituents: Chemical analysis and pharmacological studies indicate the lipophilic extract of pygeum bark has three categories of active constituents: 1) Phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, have anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the formation of hormone-like substances in the body (prostaglandins) that tend to accumulate in the prostate of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); 2) pentacyclic terpenes have an anti-edema, or decongesting, effect; 3) ferulic esters indirectly control testosterone activity in the prostate, which may reduce the risk of BPH.  While these effects have been shown in test tube studies, human studies are still needed to confirm these effects in the body. Pygeum alone has been shown in some double-blind trials to help men with BPH by improving urinary flow and other symptoms of BPH.  It has also been used successfully in combination with nettle root to treat BPH. Long-term BPH studies (six months or greater) on pygeum are lacking, however.

The accepted form of pygeum used in Europe for treatment of BPH is a lipophilic extract standardized to 13% total sterols (typically calculated as beta-sitosterol).  Men with mild to moderate BPH sometimes take 50–100 mg two times per day. A double-blind trial found that 100 mg once daily was as effective as 50 mg twice per day. Pygeum should be monitored over at least a six-month period to determine efficacy. Men with BPH who are using pygeum should be supervised by a doctor.

Side effects from the lipophilic extract of pygeum are rare. In clinical trials, there were reports of mild gastrointestinal upset in some men.  At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with pygeum.

      Quince:   Native of Persia and Anatolia.  Quince are many-branched shrubs, or small trees, with large, solitary, white or pink flowers, like those of a pear or apple.

The Quince as we know it in this country is a different fruit to that of Western Asia and tropical countries, where the fruit becomes softer and more juicy. In colder climates, the fruit is of a rich golden colour when ripe and has a strong fragrance. The rind is rough and woolly and the flesh harsh and unpalatable, with an astringent, acidulous taste. In hotter countries, the woolly rind disappears and the fruit can be eaten raw. This is the case not only in Eastern countries, where it is much prized, but also in those parts of tropical America to which the tree has been introduced from Europe. This explains the fact that it figured so prominently in classical legends. It was very widely cultivated in the East and especially in Palestine, and many commentators consider that the Tappuach of Scripture, always translated Apple, was the Quince. It is also supposed to be the fruit alluded to in the Canticles, 'I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste'; and in Proverbs, 'A word fitly spoken is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver.'

It was believed, a long time ago, that the fruit warded off the influence of the evil eye.  Other legends connect it with ancient Greek mythology.  By the Greeks and Romans, the Quince was held sacred to Venus, who is often depicted with a Quince in her right hand, the gift she received from Paris.  The fruit, being dedicated to Venus, was regarded as the symbol of Love and Happiness, and Plutarch mentions the bridal custom of a Quince being shared by a married pair. Quinces sent as presents, or shared, were tokens of love.

The Quince will thrive almost anywhere, but is best adapted to a damp spot, in a rich, high and somewhat moist soil.  Propagation is generally by cuttings or layers. 

Due to its astringency, a syrup prepared from the fruit may be used as an addition to drinks in sickness involving loose stools.  The seeds may be used medicinally for the sake of the mucilage they yield. When soaked in water they swell up and form a mucilaginous mass. This mucilage is analogous to, and has the same properties as, that which is formed from the seeds of the flax or linseed.

The chemical constituents include fixed oil and protein, together with small proportions of amygdalin and emulsion. The chief constituent of the seed is about 10 per centmucilage, contained in the seed-coat. The pulp of the fruit contains 3 to 3.5 per cent of malic acid.

The seeds have soothing and demulcent properties and are used internally.  They are prepared in a decoction by boiling 2 drachms of Quince seed in a pint of water in a tightly-covered pan for 10 minutes and straining off.  Large quantities of the decoction may be drunk in dysentery, diarrhea and gonorrhea and it is used in thrush and irritable conditions of the mucous membrane. The decoction also forms a useful adjunct to boric-acid eye-lotions.  It is also used as an adjunct to skin lotions and creams.

      Red clover:  Botanical name: Trifolium pratense.  This plant grows in Europe and North America. The flowering tops are used in botanical medicine. Another plant, white clover, grows in similar areas. Both have white arrow-shaped patterns on their leaves.

Red clover has been used in connection with cough, eczema, and menopause.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western folk medicine used this plant as a diuretic, a cough expectorant (an agent that promotes discharge of mucus from the respiratory passages), and an alterative. Alterative plants were considered beneficial for chronic conditions, particularly those afflicting the skin.

Active constituents: Red clover is known as an alterative agent (i.e., one that produces gradual beneficial changes in the body, usually by improving nutrition; also known as a “blood cleanser”). It is a traditional remedy for psoriasis and eczema. However, the mechanism of action and constituents responsible for red clover’s purported benefit in skin conditions are unknown. Modern research has revealed that red clover also contains high amounts of isoflavones, such as genistein, which have weak estrogen-like properties.  Modern research has focused on a red clover extract high in isoflavones as a possible treatment for symptoms associated with menopause and cardiovascular health in menopausal women. A double-blind trial found that red clover improved cardiovascular function in menopausal women, but it has not been shown to provide any benefits for symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes or vaginal irritation). Various laboratory studies and one case report of a man with prostate cancer suggest red clover isoflavones may help prevent cancer.  In another case study, use of red clover by a man with prostate cancer led to noticeable anticancer effects in his prostate after the cancer was surgically removed. Although the isoflavones in red clover may help prevent certain forms of cancer (e.g., breast and prostate), further studies are needed before red clover is recommended for cancer patients.

Traditionally, red clover is taken as a tea, by adding 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water to 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 grams) of dried flowers and steeping, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) can be drunk each day. Red clover can also be used in capsule or tablet form, equivalent to 2–4 grams of the dried flowers. Also, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) of tincture three times per day may be taken. Standardized extracts providing 40 mg isoflavones per day are available as well.

Non-fermented red clover is relatively safe. However, fermented red clover may cause bleeding and should be avoided. Red clover supplements should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women and their safety has not been established in young children and infants.  Certain medications may interact with red clover. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications.

      Red Raspberry:  Botanical name: Rubus idaeus.  Raspberry bushes are native to North America and are cultivated in Canada. Although most well known for its delicious berries, raspberry’s leaves are used in medicine to treat the common cold/sore throat, diarrhea, and for pregnancy and postpartum support.

Raspberry leaves have been used by herbalists to treat diarrhea. In traditional herbalism and midwifery, red raspberry has been connected to female health, including pregnancy. It was considered a remedy for excessive menstrual flow (menorrhagia) and as a “partus prepartor,” or an agent used during pregnancy to help prevent complications.

Active constituents: Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and like its relative, blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea.  The constituents that affect the smooth muscles, such as in the uterus, have not yet been clearly identified. The German Commission E monograph has concluded there is insufficient proof to recommend red raspberry in modern herbal medicine.

Traditionally, raspberry leaf tea is prepared by pouring 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the herb and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. Up to 6 cups (1500 ml) per day may be necessary for acute problems such as diarrhea or sore throats due to a cold, while less (two to three cups [500–750 ml]) is used for preventive use during pregnancy. By itself, raspberry is usually not a sufficient treatment for diarrhea. Tincture, 3/4–1 teaspoon (4–8 ml) three times per day, may also be taken.

Raspberry leaf may cause mild loosening of stools and nausea. Otherwise, use of the herb appears to be safe.  Certain medications may interact with red raspberry. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications.

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