The leaf is an astringent traditionally used for loose stools and toning mucous tissues. The fruit is a nutritive food rich in fiber and polyphenols.
Medicinal plant
Raspberry
Rubus spp.
Astringent leaf tea, nourishing fruit.
Properties
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Uterine tonic — Traditionally supports tone and function of uterine tissue
Nutritive — Provides nourishing minerals or other nutrients
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Drying — Reduces excess moisture or secretions. Toning — Firms, strengthens, or tightens tissues.
Similar herbs: Blueberry, Fireweed, Nettle
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Perennial root system with biennial canes.
Hardiness
Cultivar-dependent. Hardy red raspberries are broadly adapted to New England; Zone 5 remains the calendar default.
How to start
Bare-root cane or nursery plug. Choose a disease-free cultivar suited to your climate.
Starting from seed
Skip seed if you want a predictable cultivar.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves selectively once plants are established; fruit timing depends on cultivar.
Grow in zone
Plant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: AprilPlant out: MayHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: MayHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: SeptemberHarvest berries — Gather berries in these monthsHarvest berries: JulyHarvest berries: AugustHarvest berries: September
Cultivar choice changes fruit timing and hardiness. In northern New England, spring planting is preferred; fall planting is not recommended in Maine.
Gardening tools
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Steep raspberry in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties.
Parts used
Leaf DriedGather
- 1–2 tspdried leaf per cup
Harvest leaves before or during flowering. Dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- Cover the dried leaf with boiling water
- Steep 10–15 minutes
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Use raspberry as food, seasoning, garnish, or an ingredient in everyday cooking.
Parts used
BerryPrepare
Eat fresh, freeze, preserve, or add to food.