Evidence supporting the use of: Rubus (unspecified)
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rubus species, particularly Rubus idaeus (red raspberry), have been used traditionally in herbal medicine to support women’s health, including the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Historical texts and folk practices often reference raspberry leaf tea as a remedy believed to tone the uterus, reduce menstrual cramps, and ease other PMS symptoms such as bloating and irritability. The primary traditional use comes from European and North American herbalism, where raspberry leaf has long been employed for various gynecological complaints. However, the evidence supporting these uses is mostly anecdotal or based on historical practice rather than rigorous clinical research.
From a scientific perspective, there are very limited studies focusing specifically on Rubus species and their effects on PMS. Some laboratory analyses indicate that raspberry leaves contain vitamins, minerals, tannins, and flavonoids, which may contribute to general health and possess mild anti-inflammatory or antispasmodic effects. Yet, direct clinical trials assessing efficacy for PMS symptoms are lacking, and systematic reviews often note insufficient evidence to recommend its use for this purpose. Thus, while Rubus is traditionally used to support PMS, scientific validation remains sparse, and more research would be needed to confirm any real benefit.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Rubus (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Ulcers