Raspberry leaves come from the same shrub that produces raspberries, the well-known red fruits packed with flavor, vitamins and antioxidants. Before the fruit ripens, the prickly shrub’s coarse, lobed leaves are collected, dried, and ground into a convenient powder.

Raspberry leaf has traditionally been considered a women’s herb. Modern herbalists often recommend raspberry leaf to regulate menstrual cycles and to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. The leaves are nutrient-dense and contain tannins that act as a mild astringent that may also be used internally to ease diarrhea or externally as a poultice for minor wounds, rashes, or ulcers.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, raspberry leaf powder is typically encapsulated, either alone or in combination with other herbs. Cut and sifted raspberry leaf is more often used for herbal teas and infusions.