Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Raspberry leaf extract on Pesach

5 June, 2018
Question:

I am 37 weeks pregnant and I recently started using raspberry leaf extract to help me prepare for delivery. I only purchased the extract because there is apparently a significant shortage of the plain leaves in Jerusalem stores (where I live). The only ingredients are the raspberry leaf extract, water, and alcohol. Is it permitted for me to continue using the extract during Pesach if I am unable to find the leaves anywhere? Also, can I assume that I may continue taking my unflavored prenatal vitamin, iron supplement, bioflavanoid tablets, and omega–3 tablets during Pesach?


Answer:

Besha’ah tovah!

We are sorry to hear of the shortage of plain raspberry leaves and appreciate the difficulty it presents. Unfortunately, since alcohol can sometimes be derived from a grain, an extract cannot be used on Pesach without Pesach certification. You should use plain leaves over Pesach, or an extract with a Pesach hechsher.

Assuming all the pills mentioned are both non-chewable and unflavored, you may continue taking them over Pesach.  Such pills are halachically considered inedible and don’t present a problem of kashrut.

Chag kasher vesameach!

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