Drink Your Tea!

 By Colette Crawford, RN, BSN

Red raspberry leaf has been known for centuries as a healthy tonic for pregnancy. It has the right ratio of calcium and magnesium, is rich in vitamin C, has vitamins A, B complex and E, iron and other minerals. Benefits are increasing fertility (in men and women), decreasing nausea and toning the uterus, making for an efficient labor and more. 

Nettle leaves are high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur and iron, along with vitamins A, C, D and K (your baby also gets vitamin K in utero, which increases his/her blood clotting factors). Along with toning the uterus, kidneys, liver and other organs, Nettles can help reduce leg cramps, prevent hemorrhage after birth and hemorrhoids. 

Red clover is high in vitamins, protein, calcium and magnesium. When used with red raspberry leaf it helps to promote fertility. It also helps to balance the hormone and nervous system which makes for a healthy relaxed mother.

These herbs used together make a great pregnancy and lactation tea.  They are an excellent tonic for anyone, man, child, woman-pregnant, postpartum, menstruating or menopausal.

I like to use loose herbs and mix them with this ratio: 2 parts red raspberry leaf, 1 part nettles and 1 part red clover and then make an infusion. I pour about 4 cups of boiled water over 1/4 cup of loose herbs in a pot. Put the lid on and let it steep for 4 hours. Strain and enjoy. It’s a great beverage for kids. My German grandmother gave this to my mother and her siblings, which kept them healthy throughout the winter. I, in turn did the same with my children.

So, drink your tea!