Rubus idaeus
Raspberry leaves have a time-honoured reputation for assisting 'female conditions' , most notably enhancing fertility and childbirth, as well as being applied to menstrual discomfort. Raspberry leaf has been used as an alternative to hormonal (drug) therapy for mares with oestrus problems and the attendant behavioural disturbances. For mares who have had, or are likely to have, difficulty conceiving it can be given for a period prior to mating. Generally, raspberry leaf is used to tone the uterine muscles, encourage an easy labour, and prevent/reduce haemorrhaging during and after foaling, as well as assisting in expelling the afterbirth.
Raspberry leaf's astringency also sees it applied to cases of diarrhoea, mouth ulcers/inflammation and conjunctivitis (externally).
