
Isn’t it often the case that when you really need something for an acute condition you either don’t have it or it is not easily available? When you or a loved one are unexpectedly suffering, then is not the time to be searching or thinking up ideas for a remedy. That is why I have a “first aid kit” with small amounts of everything in my pharmacy that I can grab quickly. Extremely handy for international travel, the last minute camping trip, or the accident/illness none of us can plan for. A diarrhea tincture is one of those things we all should have prepared and on hand. The one I make contains a proprietary blend of black berry and red raspberry. Nettle , lady’s mantle, mint or black currant leaves could also be added.

Red raspberry leaves can be used for more that a women’s tea. Their astringent action can act on numerous tissues in the body including the skin, mucous membranes, veins, and various organs.
Raspberry is shrubby plant in the rose family that can grow as high as 6 feet tall. You can find it in wastelands, growing wild in the mountains, fields/meadows, as an unwanted thicket in urban areas and in gardens. The perennial root produces shooting stems/canes that live for 1-2 years. Some canes will have a blueish bloom on them and all are covered with fine “hairs” that may irritate the skin. Stems are covered in large alternate, pinnate leaves which are further divided into 3-7 leaflets which are serrated. These oblong/ovate leaflets have a pale/white downy underside. Clusters of white cupped shaped flowers with 5 petals appear in second year. The red edible fruit takes the form of a domed aggregate and is ripe in early or late summer. You will notice that a raspberry has left a bit of its insides on the plant when it has been picked. It appears hollow when you look inside. There are very distinct botanical differences between raspberries and black berries. Rubus prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade and poor/clay soil. It thrives best when well watered.
Historically this herb has been used to treat-nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, gum disease, , heavy periods, flu, labor pains, cramps, osteoporosis, sore throat, irritated eyes, arthritis, muscle cramps, low milk supply, hemorrhage, organ prolapse, and infertility, As an astringent it makes an excellent toner for the heart and uterus. . When used externally as a wash/poultice it may be helpful for sores, fungal infection, acne, inflamed tissues, varicose veins, and burns.
Although blackberry and red raspberry leaves can be used interchangeably in most cases, I prefer to use blackberry externally and raspberry internally.
Parts used:leaves
Energetics:Sweet, moist, neutral
Element:water
Contraindications: avoid consuming decaying leaves as they may be higer in cyanide.