Raspberry Leaf Extract

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) grows on a prolific, red, prickly vine forming dense thickets. It's a member of the rose family, grows in fields along the edges of wooded areas throughout North America. In the summer, the red, prickly vines become covered with delicious berries, beloved by birds, small animals and humans alike. The fruit is a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals.

The part of the plant used as a health support in herbal lore is the leaf. The first recorded therapeutic use of red raspberry leaf extract dates to 1597. The leaves can be picked in the summer to early fall, and steeped into a tea or dried for later use. Red raspberry is one of the herbs often used to support female health and is considered soothing to the digestion. The active ingredient in red raspberry is referred to as fragarine. The plant also contains calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, carotenes, niacin, thiamine and other vitamins and minerals.