#red raspberry

[turtlesandfrogs]

One of the interesting things I've noticed (been frustrated by) is that while some herbs have a whole bunch of studies done of them, and have multiple systematic reviews and are generally well studied (*cough* St. John's Wort *cough*) others have very little research done on them.

One example of this is red Raspberry leaf and its use for treating menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea in the literature. Red raspberry leaf is pretty well known by people in general where I am, to the point that people who don't know anything about herbalism at all know about raspberry leaf tea for menstrual cramps. It is in many herbal books, and if you look at online forums, loads of people are saying it's effective for them, some even going so far as to say it is the only thing that works for their cramps.

Seems like something worth looking into the science of, right?

But when I go to look at the research that I can access (as a non-student, non-researcher), there's very little on raspberry for this use. I found:

One article* in the Lancet from 1941 that looked at the effects of raspberry leaf on animal uteruses, which I would recommend not reading if you're squeamish about descriptions of animal experimentation.

A paper** that referenced the above and the traditional medicinal use of raspberry, and then treated human patients with dysmenorrhea with a combination of five different herbs in one pill. It did find a positive effect, but also one of the other herbs themselves are well studied in this and has a good amount of evidence to back it up.

A review*** that says they found both mild and effective herbal treatments in the literature, but doesn't let you actually read what they are without purchasing the article, which is a massive barrier. And it doesn't reference any clinical studies on raspberry leaf. Any. Which makes me suspect there aren't any studies to reference.

Another article that just references the 1941 article and traditional knowledge.

Finally, a paper in 2002****, this time on guinea-pig ileum. They did find that it had an antispasmodic effect on the guinea pig's small intestine in test tubes.

And that is it. That's all I can find through Science Direct or Google Scholar. No large scale, double-blind, placebo controlled studies in humans. No single-herb studies in humans. No in vivo studies in humans. No review articles, because there is nothing to review. To be clear, these things all exist for other herbs, and I'm super stoked to read them.

And I'm kinda really frustrated, because menstrual cramps are really common, monthly occurrence for about half the population. They suck. If you listen to people who drink raspberry leaf tea, they say it is very effective, going so far as to prevent menstrual cramps from ever happening. You would think that this would be something that scientists have studied, because that's a huge amount of possibly preventable pain.

And yeah, we have over the counter pain medication now, but it still seems like someone would have looked into it. Because I don't think I'm the only one who would prefer having a cup of tea over the other options.

* https://www.sciencedirect.com/sdfe/pdf/download/eid/1-s2.0-S0140673600713481/first-page-pdf JH Burn, ER Withell "A principle in raspberry leaves which relaxes uterine muscle" The Lancet, 1941

** Bone, Kerry. "Phytotherapy for pain management in dysmenorrhea." Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 258 (2005): 57-60.

*** https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/95649 Rashmi Saxena Pal*, Yogendra Pal, Pranay Wal, Nikita Saraswat and Ankita Wal, "A Novel Approach on Review of Herbal Menstrual Cramps Relievers" Current Women`s Health Reviews 2019

**** https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1040 Janne Rojas-Vera, Asmita V. Patel, "Relaxant activity of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro" Phytotherapy Research, 2002

[angryrdpanda]

Going to add a couple:

Mullein leaf tea for cough/chest congestion (I had been coughing/out of breath for 4 weeks post-covid infection before trying this. Albuterol inhaler wasn't helping.)

Red raspberry leaf tea for menstrual and ovulation cramps

Herbal tea basics -

Herbal teas can help with a wide range of health issues, depending on the type of tea and the specific properties of the herbs used.

Here are a few examples:

Digestive issues: Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea can help soothe an upset stomach, relieve bloating, and aid digestion.

Anxiety & stress: Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm tea are known for their calming and relaxing properties, and can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Insomnia: Valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile tea can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making them useful for treating insomnia.

Cold & flu symptoms: Echinacea, elderflower, and ginger tea can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve symptoms of colds and flu.

Menstrual cramps: Ginger and chamomile tea can help relieve menstrual cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Headaches: Peppermint and ginger tea can help relieve headaches and migraines, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

It's important to note that while herbal teas can be helpful for many health issues, they are not a substitute for proper medical care.

If you have a serious health condition or are taking medication, it's always best to talk to your healthcare provider before using herbal teas or other natural remedies.

[fishymom-art]

I KNOW I’M SUPPOSED TO BE TAKING A BREAK AND IT’S 3AM, BUT I WANTED TO DRAW SOME FIX A BEAST SHIPS

(For unfortunate souls who don’t know - Candy Apple and Strawberry are the same age in this au (16), Raspberry is 21 and Princess is 20 JUST IN CASE)

[chasingrainbowsforever]

~ Red | Yellow | Green ~

[wwwabbiglinescom]

Red Raspberry-Orange Jam This is a fruity and not too sweet red raspberry jam with oranges that you can make with fresh or frozen raspberries in the winter when oranges are in season.

[fullcravings]

Heart Cutout Cookies with Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

[fullfatburningmode]

Prioritize Your Diet: A Path to Health and Well-being

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and neglect our health. One area that often takes a backseat is our diet. However, it's crucial to recognize the significance of prioritizing our diet for our overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore why prioritizing your diet is essential, the benefits it offers, and practical tips to help you make healthier choices.

Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet forms the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. The food we consume provides us with the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support bodily functions and maintain optimal health. A balanced diet not only fuels our body but also enhances our mental and emotional well-being.

A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health disorders. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can promote longevity, boost energy levels, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall quality of life.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Your Diet

Prioritizing your diet brings a multitude of benefits that extend beyond physical health. Let's delve into some of the key advantages:

a) Weight Management: A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight, preventing obesity and related health conditions. By consuming nutrient-dense foods and controlling portion sizes, you can achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

b) Increased Energy Levels: A diet consisting of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, provides sustained energy throughout the day. Avoiding sugary snacks and processed foods helps prevent energy crashes, keeping you alert and focused.

c) Improved Mental Health: Emerging research suggests a strong connection between diet and mental health. Nutrient-rich foods, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, can support brain health and reduce the risk of conditions like depression and anxiety.

d) Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: A healthy diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension. Nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants found in whole foods contribute to disease prevention.

e) Enhanced Digestion: Prioritizing a diet rich in fiber aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Good gut health has been linked to improved immune function and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal disorders.

Practical Tips for Prioritizing Your Diet

a) Plan and Prepare: Set aside time to plan your meals for the week, create a grocery list, and prep ingredients in advance. This reduces the likelihood of opting for unhealthy convenience foods when you're short on time.

b) Eat Mindfully: Slow down and savor your meals, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating promotes better digestion and helps prevent overeating.

c) Include a Variety of Foods: Aim for a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. This ensures you receive a broad spectrum of nutrients.

d) Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid eating large quantities of calorie-dense foods. Use smaller plates, bowls, and cups to help control portion sizes.

e) Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars: Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, high levels of sodium, and added sugars. Minimize your intake of these items and opt for whole, natural foods instead.

f) Hydrate Well: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration and energy crashes.

g) Seek Professional Guidance: If you have specific dietary needs or health concerns, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can provide personalized advice and guidance.

Conclusion

Prioritizing your diet is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. By making conscious choices and adopting healthier eating habits, you can reap numerous benefits, including improved physical health, increased energy levels, enhanced mental well-being, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Start by incorporating one healthy habit at a time, and gradually build upon them. Prioritize your diet today and pave the way for a healthier, happier future.

Lose Belly Fat the Easy Way:

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[that70schef]

Part two of Pure Vanilla approved marriages

[daredevil-vagabond]

Your tear caught the light, the earth from a distance - Hozier

[multihues]

raspberries by Mona Eendra

[die-rosastrasse]

Blessed Beltane! Magical Walpurgisnacht! Happy Floralia! 🌹🌼🍓💐🕯️🌙

[myxomycota]

Tubifera ferruginosa by tyrannorasaurus

[leounderseas]

An assortment of cookie run requests from my instagram that I decided to actually try to do some cool stuff with! Fair warning that I dont play witch's castle and JUST started ovenbreak so idk anything about Marble Danish or Raspberry Mousse, I just drew what felt right with the bit of info from the wiki also no one requested marge its just customary to me to add him in

[chasingrainbowsforever]

~ Red ~

[summerwages]

well raspberries...

[fullcravings]

Homemade Raspberry Pectin Gummies