The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Raspberry
The Power of Herbs: Herbs and Spices

ORIGINS

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a member of the rose family. Like a rose bush, this plant also has thorny stems. The edible fruit of the raspberry plant may be red, black, purple, or golden, depending on the variety. The leaves also have culinary and medicinal uses.

HISTORY/LORE

As hunter-gatherers, Paleolithic cave dwellers are known to have eaten raspberries. According to Greek mythology, Zeus’s nursemaid, Ida, pricked her finger on a thorn of a raspberry bush and her blood dripped onto the fruit, changing it from white to red. Another version of the story says that the berries got their name when the gods found them growing on Mount Ida. (Rubus idaeus means “bramble bush of Ida.”)

USES

Healing Uses: Raspberry fruit and leaves are used in pregnancy to strengthen uterine tissue, assist with labor, and prevent hemorrhaging during and following birth. Due to its astringent properties, raspberry treats mouth sores, bleeding gums, and other oral inflammation. As a gargle, raspberry soothes sore throats. The fresh or dried leaves can be used in a tea to relieve digestive problems and nausea. Raspberry seed oil benefits the skin and can be used as a natural sunscreen.

Magical Uses: The raspberry plant is associated with fertility. The leaf and fruit can be dried and placed in an amulet to support the female reproductive organs or protect a pregnancy. Steeping the berries in wine and serving it to a lover keeps a relationship strong. Raspberry leaf enhances sleep and brings good dreams.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: First-year raspberry plants do not produce fruit but are essential to the future fertility of the plant. This is a reminder to be patient in creative endeavors, which may take time to fully reach their potential. The thorns of the plant remind us to be gentle with one another.