The Ancient Greeks might have discovered the raspberry plant (Rubus idaeus) in the 1st century B.C. when they saw them on Mount Ida in modern-day Turkey. Alternatively, the name comes from Ida, a Greek nymph, who pricked her finger while collecting raspberries for the infant Zeus and her blood turned them all red. Archeologists have discovered raspberry seeds at excavated Roman forts in England. Raspberry leaves are a traditional pregnancy tonic that midwives have used for centuries. A daily infusion encourages conception, strengthens the uterine muscles, improves labor outcomes, aids in expelling the placenta, and is used to enrich and build a mother’s milk. Rich in iron and antioxidant, raspberry has a toning effect on a uterus and can help lessen heavy menstrual bleeding. The leaves are also a male tonic in the Chinese pharmacopoeia and their astringent action is helpful for retaining vital fluids and vigor. Blackberry has excellent astringent properties and should be used acutely for a short period of time for diarrhea and dysentery. Blackberry leaf is also helpful when there is other loss of vital fluids from the body (e.g. —fevers with profuse sweating, excessive urination, and heavy menstruation), mouthwash for bleeding gums, sores, mouth ulcers, and gargle for sore throats. As topical application (poultice), it is used to treat eczema, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and skin abscesses.