Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves and sometimes the fruit have been used in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments, including as a mild remedy for coughs, particularly “spastic” or irritating coughs. Historical herbal texts and folk medicine sources from Europe and North America mention the use of raspberry leaf tea as a soothing agent for sore throats and coughs, attributed to its astringent properties due to tannin content. However, there is little direct scientific research validating the efficacy of red raspberry for cough relief or antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. Most contemporary herbal references cite raspberry leaf mainly for its use in women’s health (e.g., pregnancy and labor support) rather than for respiratory complaints. The rating of 1 reflects the existence of traditional use, but the lack of robust evidence or widespread modern endorsement for this specific indication. No high-quality clinical trials support its use for spastic cough, and authoritative sources such as Commission E and the European Medicines Agency do not list cough as an approved indication for red raspberry. Thus, while it has a place in folk medicine, evidence for its effectiveness in treating cough is very limited.

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