<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi Everyone, I asked if I could make red raspberry leaf tea with my home grown leaves. Thank you for all the suggestions and advice: Red rasp leaves are usually indicated for menstrual problems. Do not use any herbs etc unless they are organically grown and away from polluted water sources because you do not want to ingest those chemicals. For skin rashes, try Rhus Tox 30c, a homeopathic rememdy ...2 pills under the tongue as needed. Many times rashes are due to too much acid in the diet, tomatoes, fruit etc. Would black raspberries be ok too? You'd have to use a *ton* of the fresh leaves to get the same effect as you would from dried leaves. You can dry the leaves yourself or get them at the hfs very inexpensively. I'd recommend getting them at the hfs simply b/c of the quantity that you'd need. RRL while very nourishing, isn't typically used specifically for skin issues....more often for pregnancy -though it will benefit the skin. I'd actually use burdock root and other herbs... But if you're planning on doing the RRL....you'll want to use a *handful* of the dried herb per quart of water....steep for 4-8 hours. Drink 1 quart per day. As long as you have not sprayed any pesticides or herbicides on the plants, they will be fine to use. I was the one who suggested that. All I know is that the leaves I buy at the store are dried red raspberry leaves. Whether they do anything to them other than dry them, I have no idea.... You could probably use the leaves from your bush in the garden. The only concerns I would consider are if there are large amounts of pesticides in the leaves and if they can be properly dried with out moulding. I love red raspberry leaf tea. I drink it quite a bit for a number of reasons: diarrhea and cramps, nausea (mixed with peppermint), and for overall general health. They say it helps promote healthy hair and nails, too. I'm not the original poster, but, yes, the raspberry leaves off your raspberry plants are fine, in fact, they're perfect. Just rinse the leaves carefully before using. You can steep the whole fresh leaves in a pot of water for the tea. 1/2 cup to 1 cup of leaves depending on the size of the pot. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes depending on amount, or depending on taste preferences. It is best if the leaves are not sprayed with chemicals, but if you do chemically treat your plants, wait a minimum of 72 hours before you pick the leaves and then rinse them very thoroughly and carefully. Careful on this one for anyone who is pregnant...especially in the early stages...I read that this type of tea can make for an unplanned early delivery....sometimes far to early for survival of foetus All the best to everyone, Susan