Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) — Bulk Dried Herb
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry leaf is one of the most beloved and widely used nutritive botanicals in the Western herbal tradition — a gentle, astringent herb from the same plant that produces the beloved raspberry fruit, whose leaves have been used by women across European and Native American cultures for centuries. Rich in tannins, flavonoids, and minerals including iron, calcium, and magnesium, Raspberry leaf has a long history of use as a nourishing tonic botanical, particularly in the context of women’s health and reproductive wellness.
Our Raspberry leaf is certified organic, cut and sifted from the leaves of Rubus idaeus harvested at peak maturity.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus
- Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
- Common Names: Raspberry Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Wild Raspberry
- Plant Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe / Asia (naturalized worldwide)
- Appearance: Dried green to pale green leaf pieces with a slightly rough texture and silver-white underside
- Aroma: Mildly grassy, slightly fruity, faintly astringent
- Flavor Profile: Mildly astringent, slightly fruity, pleasant — one of the most palatable herbal teas
About the Plant
Native to Europe and northern Asia, Rubus idaeus has been cultivated and naturalized across the temperate world for centuries. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to about 1.5 meters in height, producing pinnate leaves with 3–7 leaflets that are dark green on top and covered in fine white hairs on the underside, giving them a distinctive silver appearance. The plant produces small white flowers in spring and the familiar red raspberry fruits in summer. Raspberry has been cultivated as a fruit crop since at least the 4th century CE and was documented by the Roman writer Palladius. The leaves have been used in European folk medicine since at least the 16th century and appear in the writings of major herbalists including Nicholas Culpeper.
Traditional Context
Raspberry leaf has been used by numerous Native American peoples, including the Cherokee, Ojibwe, and Iroquois nations, as a botanical preparation. In European folk tradition it was used by women across many cultures as a tonic botanical, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It appears in the writings of Nicholas Culpeper and was used in 19th century Eclectic medicine in North America. It remains one of the most widely used women’s tonic botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism and is one of the most popular herbal teas worldwide.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes for a pleasant, mildly astringent tea
- Long Infusions: Steep overnight in cold or warm water for a more mineral-rich preparation
- Herbal Blends: Pairs beautifully with Nettle, Red Clover, Oat Straw, and Alfalfa in nutritive women’s tonic formulas
- Iced Tea: Makes an excellent cold brew — steep overnight in the refrigerator
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Raspberry leaf maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While Raspberry leaf has a long traditional history of use during pregnancy, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use during pregnancy, nursing, or if you are taking medications or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.