The biochemical properties of raspberry leaf tea and its effects on the female reproductive system🌸🌿
Abstract
Raspberry leaf tea, derived from the leaves of Rubus idaeus, has been traditionally used to support female reproductive health. This article delves into the biochemical properties of raspberry leaves, focusing on their potential mechanisms of action within the female reproductive system. We explore the active compounds, their pharmacodynamics, optimal timing for consumption during the menstrual cycle, recommended dosages, and duration of use.
Introduction
Raspberry leaf tea is widely regarded in herbal medicine for its benefits on the female reproductive system. The leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which are believed to positively influence uterine function, hormone regulation, and menstrual health.
Biochemical composition of raspberry leaves
The leaves of Rubus idaeus contain a variety of active compounds:
Flavonoids: including quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic properties.
Tannins: primarily ellagitannins, contributing to the astringent and tonifying effects on the uterus.
Alkaloids: fragrine, known for enhancing uterine muscle tone.
Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium that are crucial for reproductive health.
Mechanisms of action
Uterine tonification
Fragrine, an alkaloid found in raspberry leaves, enhances uterine muscle tone by modulating calcium channels in the myometrium. This action promotes mild contractions, which may prepare the uterus for labor and potentially reduce postpartum hemorrhage by improving uterine strength.
Hormonal regulation
The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol exhibit estrogenic activity by interacting with estrogen receptors. These compounds may modulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by balancing estrogen levels. Additionally, their antioxidant effects help reduce oxidative stress, a contributor to reproductive disorders.
Menstrual cycle modulation
Tannins in raspberry leaves provide astringent effects that can regulate heavy menstrual bleeding by promoting vascular constriction and reducing capillary permeability. The anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids also help alleviate dysmenorrhea by reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for menstrual pain.
Antioxidant protection
Raspberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which protect reproductive tissues from oxidative damage, potentially mitigating conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Optimal timing and dosage
Phase of the menstrual cycle
Raspberry leaf tea is most beneficial when consumed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (from ovulation to the start of menstruation). During this phase, the uterine lining is preparing for potential pregnancy, and the tonifying effects of raspberry leaves can support uterine strength and reduce PMS symptoms.
Additionally, raspberry leaf tea is commonly recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy to help prepare the uterus for labor.
Recommended dosage
The typical dosage is 1-2 cups of raspberry leaf tea per day. Each cup is made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in 250 ml (about 8 ounces) of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
Duration of use
For menstrual health: begin drinking raspberry leaf tea from the day of ovulation and continue until the start of menstruation. This typically lasts for about 10-14 days per cycle.
For pregnancy: start drinking 1 cup daily from the 32nd week of pregnancy, gradually increasing to 2-3 cups daily as the due date approaches. Continue until childbirth.
Potential clinical applications
Pregnancy support
Raspberry leaf tea is recommended during the later stages of pregnancy to strengthen uterine muscles, potentially leading to more efficient contractions and shorter labor.
Menstrual regulation
For women experiencing irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, raspberry leaf tea can help regulate the cycle, reduce menstrual flow, and alleviate PMS symptoms.
Postpartum recovery
The tea can support postpartum recovery by promoting uterine involution and reducing the risk of hemorrhage. Its nutrient content also aids in replenishing vitamins and minerals lost during childbirth.
🌿🌸Article requested by @gracefulchristiangirl🌸🌿
[photos from Pinterest]
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Complete Guide : How to looksmax & drastically improve your appearance
Looksmaxing refers to the practice of enhancing one's physical appearance through various methods like grooming, skincare, fitness, etc. It's about YOU and feeling the need to constantly remind yourself that you can be better. In this guide, I’m sharing with you ridiculously specific tips to drastically improve your appearance.
body language
Being beautiful is not only about having big lips and a striking jawline. No, it's about the feeling you give to other people, about your energy. Furthermore, it's about how you have embodied your energy. The only way you can embody this truly, is by accepting your authentic energy.
· make eye contact
· keep your head up
· don’t play with your jewelry
· be extremely, obnoxiously confident
· stand up straight, push your shoulders back slightly and open up your chest
· smile more often, it will make you look more charismatic & happy, so you will appear more attractive, as many say “be happy and you will be beautiful”
diet
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in transforming your skin from the inside out. By eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you can help to maintain healthy, glowing skin. You will not only look your best, but also feel your best. Your diet should look like this :
· low carb
· low sugar
· 3L of water daily
· lots of veggies & fruit
· high protein, fibre & potassium
· only eat organic grass-fed meat (for meat)
· 3 Brazilian nuts a day, they improve your skin health & hair health
· ginger shots, a combination of ginger, freshly squeezed lemon juice & water or coconut water. The health benefits of ginger shots include : decreasing inflammation, calming indigestion, and boosting immunity. Keep in mind that ginger shots are meant to be drunk all at once as a quick shot. Be careful not to drink more than one shot a day since too much ginger can cause heartburn.
makeup
· keep it natural, don’t overdo it and remember, less is more
· curl your lashes & mascara (Dior iconic overcurl is my fave mascara!!)
· contour & bronze cheeks (Chanel bronzer 395)
· wear skin tint, NOT foundation. Less is more.
· sublte white highlight on the inner corner (I recommend dior glow palette) DO NOT grab a white pencil and think it does the job. It doesn’t. It will make you look tacky.
· black or brown liner on the upper waterline
· blend your skin tint in with your hand, then go in bak with a damp beauty blender for a flawless finish
· for a natural eye lift effect, draw a line (with a skin coloured pencil) from your outer crease all the way to the temple & blend in a sculpted effect
lashes & brows
Facial harmony is important to the face, and your eyebrows need to work well with all of your face.
For face harmony ask the eyebrow tech this: the eyebrow arch of the eyebrow should be aligned with the upper orbital rim of your eye, reaching it’s highest point slightly lateral to the outer edge of the iris.
For the length the eyebrow should start at a point above the inner corner of the eye and end diagonally from the outer corner of the eye, extending slightly past it.
Also the thickness of the eyebrows should be balanced and in proportion to your facial features.
Ask to maintain thick eyebrows if you do and ask to get it if you don't. Thick eyebrows are good because thicker eyebrows are preferred for a more youthful appearance like you're still in your 20s. Think of an example as Brooke Shields.
Also the distance between the eyebrows should be approximately equal to the width of one eye.
Furthermore the overall shape of the eyebrows should complement your face natural contours, and tell them to take into account your facial structure and features.
Also, your tech needs to be well skilled and knowledgeable to even know these. So I highly recommend going to a very qualified professional in order to get your brows done. At the end of the day, it’s like you’re giving your beauty in their hands. You alternatively do it at home, remember to be precise.
· get fuller brows : brow serum, micro blading, brow pencil, etc.
· grow out your eyelashes with a mix of aloe vera & castor oil (apply as a serum) or use a lash serum (I recommend Latisse)
· dark brows & lashes are more attractive, in order to darken them here’s some advice :
solutions to darken brows & lashes
· brow tint & eyelash tint
· hybrid dye : lasts up to 7 weeks on the hairs & 10 days on the skin
· tint : lasts up to 4 weeks on the hairs & 3 days on the skin
· brow pommade & brow pencil
skin
· in order to achieve your perfect skin tone, eat more carotenoids.
what are carotenoids?
Carotenoids are yellow, orange & red organic pigments that are produced by plants and algae. Carotenoids give the characteristic color to pumpkins, carrots, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, salmon, shrimp, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe, papaya, mangoes, oranges, bell peppers, watermelon, apricots, tangerines.
(In summary they are brightly colored fruits and vegetables)
So make sure to include these foods into your diet. If you want a shorter list of the foods that are the highest in carotenoids :
spinach, kale, corn, oranges, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, broccoli, carrots.
· get custom spray tan
· get laser hair removal (don’t forget to shave before your appointment)
· smile line removal : volufiline
· for clear skin, STOP eating sugar & dairy
· drink CELERY JUICE everyday for glowing skin
· a rich moisturizer, spf & a good diet is all you need
· it is better to get a real tan, not fake tanner
· laser mole removal
· to prevent ageing, you should SPF every single day, never use tanning beds, never smoke, use a retinoid nightly, wash your makeup off & maintain a skincare routine
· stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated help maintain healthy, hydrated & plump skin
lips
Brushing your lips with a toothbrush. Brushing lips with a toothbrush each day can temporarily increase lip fullness. The brushing may stimulate blood circulation in the lips, leading to temporary redness and slight swelling. This increased blood flow can create the appearance of fuller lips for a short period. Brushing the lips with a toothbrush can help exfoliate the surface layer of dead skin cells, promoting smoother and potentially plumper looking lips, removing the buildup of dead skin cells.
· lip liner (love the Charlotte Tilbury liner & MAC lip pencil)
· ombré lips effect
· keep them plump & glossy
· if you want to whiten your teeth I suggest you get professional teeth whitening or use whitening teeth strips (if you have sensitive teeth, make sure to buy the right kind because you risk damaging the area)
get rid of face fat & bloating
Bloating significantly impacts your appeal by concealing the underlying bone structure, which plays a crucial role in defining the contours of your face.
Without well-defined bone structure, your facial features appear less distinct & with a rounder appearance, and it becomes challenging to achieve the desired prominent cheek bone effect.
This is probably the simplest way to get the perfect jawline ; all you have to do is massage your face regularly. A good massage will boost blood circulation and tone your facial structure. Make sure to start massaging from the bottom to the top, to prevent sagging. In case you’re asking yourself if this really works, believe it does. Stay consistent.
Even though you will hear many people say that 5-6 hours of sleep is sufficient for them, it isn’t enough to look your best. Without 8-10 hours of sleep, your body will start looking tired, and your face will look bloated and fluffy.
· avoid SALT & SUGAR & CARBS
Why? Because salt, sugar & carbohydrates each have distinct effects on your body that contribute to bloating. Refined carbohydrates, as well as excessive sugar intake (particularly added sugars that convert into glucose), can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequently lead to bloating. These substances, such as sugar (glucose), have the ability to draw water from your body or hinder its proper absorption.
· eat POTASSIUM (spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon)
· do intermittent fasting
· rub an ice cube on your skin in the morning, as ice tightens your skin and helps reduce puffiness.
· drink 3L of water daily
It is very important to prioritize the consumption of a substantial amount of water every day. Water plays a vital role in flushing out sodium from the body, effectively reducing sodium levels. Also, water intake helps regulate the body's water balance, preventing unnecessary water retention that can lead to facial bloating and puffiness.
· do face massages
· contour & bronze your cheeks
· mewing : smile with closed mouth and swallow, don’t force your tongue. It’s about keeping your tongue in the correct position at all times. There is also a bunch of videos on YouTube.
IN SUMMARY
· working out
· intermidate fasting and calorie deficit
· drink a ton of water
· try to eat less salt, sugar, carbs
· eat more potassium (bananas, potatoes...)
· rub an ice cube on your skin
hair
· Kerastase shampoo & conditioner and dyson for styling
· when doing a high ponytail or bun, don’t forget to slick back your baby hairs around your ears
· rinse your conditioner with cold water
(locks in the moisture, makes your hair look smooth, shiny & reduces frizz)
· use a scalp massager 5 minutes
(stimulates & exfoliates the scalp)
· do Aloe Vera hair masks
· use homemade rosemary oil
· microfibre towel - dries your hair x2 faster plus it is so much better than a regular towel! Why? Microfibre treats your hair with care to help prevent frizziness
· add coffee to your shampoo (stimulates and exfoliates the scalp). It’s a great alternative to scalp scrubs
· rice water rinse twice a week
body
The ideal waist to hip ratio backed by science is 0.6. The target 0.6 ratio is ideal and is genetic, so don't blame yourself if your natural physique doesn't fit it. Enhancing it to 0.6 requires hard work & surgery, implants if you're not naturally gifted. 0.6 is ideal and 0.7 is average. It's bone structure / genetic, if you're already slim and don't have 0.6 it's not your fault. You can only get the desired (0.6) by surgery or possibly by extreme diet if you don't have it genetically.
Our bodies as women influences the type of men we attract. You attract and get chased by higher quality, financially well and genetically attractive men. It's because slimness is associated with elegance, higher class and higher social status. It also signals good health and youthfulness and that you respect your body enough to keep it healthy.
Capture body images
Take photos from the front, side, and back angles, along with a face selfie. This step is crucial and can serve as a powerful source of inspiration in the future when you feel demotivated or lose interest.
Measure your weight
I strongly recommend stepping on the scale on day one, the day you genuinely embark on your weight loss journey. This will be another significant step as it helps establish your starting point and, as you make progress, serves as motivation to keep going.
Develop a plan
Whether your plan is to follow a diet (ketogenic diet & intermittent fasting), to get a gym membership or to buy a scale : reflect on your goals and determine what you want to achieve such as how much you want to lose weight. You need to make a plan that you can fully commit to. And get it done.
Portion control
Although what you eat does matter, its about how much of it you eat. You’re going to consume smaller portions of whatever food, but make sure your plate is smaller because it’s all about calorie deficit. Also try to limit snacking as such as you can, because it’s not a little bar that’s going to make you any fuller. For 15 minutes maybe, but at at what cost? Eat proper meals (in smaller plates). But if you really have trouble with restricting yourself to a smaller plate I advise you to eat foods that are voluminous but low in calories. For example one cookie (15g) is small & thin, filled with 150 calories. But on the other hand, 1 kg of lettuce is 150 calories. See the difference? Same calories but different amount.
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Reveal Your Bollywood Glow: Unveiling Celebrity-Inspired Skincare Secrets.
This blog is going to be all about Indian & bollywood inspired products and skincare tips. If you also want a blog separately about Indian natural and authentic skincare or hair care I'll surely make it. 🫶
Know Your Skin Type : Identify your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to tailor your skincare routine effectively.
Cleanse Like a Star : Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Neutrogena to remove dirt and makeup and a oil cleaner is a must if you wear makeup daily. Opt for micellar water for a quick and effective cleanse on busy days. (But I don't really recommend it).
Exfoliate for Radiance : Incorporate a mild exfoliator like St. Ives Apricot Scrub or The Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel to slough off dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. And my personal favorite coffee scrub from The Bombay shaving company. Don't exfoliate more than twice a week.
Hydration Is Key : Use a hydrating toner such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for an instant boost of hydration or toner + mist from pilgrim works like magic (my fav 😭).
Targeted Treatments : Include a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or vitamin C (for hyperpigmentation) if you are under 17 or 18 like me don't use vitamin c or if you want to use in very less %, I use 2% kojic acid for my uneven skin tone from pilgrim, it's very begniner friendly. (Always consult a dermatologist for your skincare don't go around seeing videos on insta and YouTube believing them). I recommend Minimalist if you want chemical bases serums.
If you are above 23 or 25 Incorporate a retinol-based cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for anti-aging benefits. (Got this tip from mumma for y'all 😭✨️)
Sun Protection Essentials : Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. More affordable and effective sunscreens from brands — dot and key, aqualogica, Dr. Seth and wish care.
Overnight Nourishment: Use a hydrating overnight mask like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to replenish moisture while you sleep. Incorporate a facial oil like The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil for added nourishment and radiance.
DIY Treatments Inspired by Bollywood:
- Try a turmeric, gram flour and yogurt face mask inspired by Priyanka Chopra for glowing skin.
- Use aloe vera gel like Deepika Padukone for its soothing and hydrating properties. (MY fav bolly actress btw 😭❤️)
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin : Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day people are not stupid that they are going around telling you to drink water, IT'S A MUST!. Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea into your diet for overall skin health.
Some of my fav brands (mostly available in india) : dot and key, Foxtale, pilgrim, minimalist, st. Botanica, organic harvest and aqualogica!
Fav brand released by a bollywood actress: Hyphen by Kriti Sanon, their lip balm can even beat Rhode's lip balm istg- and their sunscreen 🔛🔝.
Channel your inner Bollywood diva and achieve a radiant, flawless skin with these skincare tips and product recommendations. Let your skin glow like a star!
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