Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

Description

The leaves of the plant contain a variety of tannins, which have an astringent effect. Raspberry leaf is commonly prepared as tea, alone or in combination with other herbs. Raspberry leaf infusions are used in natural hair and skin products, as well as mouthwashes and throat gargles.
While the fruit is used to make jams, jellies and pies, the leaf is harvested and typically prepared as tea. Like the fruit, raspberry leaf is quite nutritious and is a good source of carotenes, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and other minerals. A high tannin content lends the leaf astringent qualitiesand used to improve fat metabolism and encourage weight loss. It is often sold as a ?detoxifying? supplement meant to improve body composition and overall health