Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) plant produces the widely eaten, sweet fruit. Red raspberry fruit and leaf have been used as medicine for centuries.

The chemicals in red raspberry might have antioxidant effects and help relax blood vessels. They might also cause muscles to contract or relax, depending on the dose and the muscle involved. This is the theory behind red raspberry’s use in easing labor and delivery.

People use red raspberry for labor, diarrhea, diabetes, and many other purposes.