Periods call for stocking up on chocolates, pain killers and, heating pads. Periods are a normal phenomenon, but for some women, menstrual cramps are unbearable. Besides painkillers, you also have the option of going the natural route.
Here’s a list of the best teas for menstrual cramps you should drink to de-stress your body. Instead of dealing with the side effects of OTC medications, you may be able to feel better, relax faster, and manage pain.
Before we jump straight to the teas that relieve period pain, let us know the common causes.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Menstrual Cramps
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An endocrine disorder, PCOS causes ovaries to enlarge and become saturated with fluid. An ultrasound can diagnose Polycystic Ovarian syndrome.
- Uterine fibroids: The growth is not cancerous, but it can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation. This is the primary cause of prolonged periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases: This primarily results from pelvic organ infections.
- Premature ovarian Failure: This is often a result of the ovarian function declining before the fertile age between the ages of 30-40, causing irregular periods in females. They may come and go for years.
- Eating disorders: The disorder of excessive weight loss known as Anorexia Nervosa most generally affects young people. Bulimia Nervosa is another condition that causes extreme weight gain.
- Thyroid disease
Best Teas for Menstrual Cramps
The contractions of the uterus during the period cause pain. From severe to mild, the symptoms can last for one or two days during the period. During periods, herb teas can be helpful. They are not only soothing but also delicious, which prevents nausea and vomiting.
Let’s check out these herbal teas for menstrual cramps:
1. Chamomile tea
Chamomile blossoms and hot water combine to make this herbal remedy. Additionally, herbal tea helps with sleep. The sedative effect helps in reducing cramps and pain. Naturally caffeine-free, it can be taken before bedtime. Hence, it will boost sleep and relieve pain. Additionally, it decreases inflammation and stress and relieves symptoms of stiffness, depression, and anxiety.
2. Peppermint tea
This herbal tea helps to boost mood and reduce pain. During menstruation, peppermint tea reduces abdominal cramps and eases back pain. Menstrual cramps can be treated naturally with peppermint tea because it contains mefenamic acid, an anti-inflammatory.
3. Green tea
By nature, it is a natural diuretic, reducing water retention, relieving menstrual cramps, and reducing bloating. Green tea has catechins that improve blood circulation by reducing inflammation, thus, relieving pain. Green tea also helps in treating uterine fibroids, which are the leading cause of pain during periods. A study shows that green tea reduces the severity of pain and helps in absorbing nutrients, showing improvement in anemic symptoms during periods.
4. Ginger tea
Ginger is used to preparing this spicy tea. In addition to enhancing flavor, it has anti-inflammatory properties. You can use fresh or dried ginger powder to make this little tingly tea—just add it to your regular black tea. Enhances tea flavor and aroma while boosting mood. Ginger relieves dysmenorrhea symptoms and severe menstrual pain and helps control them. During periods, it also helps control heavy bleeding. Ginger also relieves constipation during PMS and periods, according to a recent study.
5. Raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaf tea is made from its plant leaves. Due to its medicinal properties, it has been used in treating menstrual pain. Over 100 years ago, it was the most widely used natural medicine in Europe. A delicious raspberry leaf tea has a fruity flavor and a delightful fragrance that enhances mood and reduces anxiety symptoms during PMS and periods. Additionally, it helps minimize the symptoms of spasms during painful periods. By reducing inflammation, it makes muscles tense and reduces excessive bleeding.
6. Cinnamon tea
From cinnamon tree bark, cinnamon tea is a popular health drink. When it dries up, it rolls, making it easily identifiable. Add cinnamon bark into boiling water with black tea. This is one of the best teas for menstrual cramps which can also help you lose weight. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces menstrual cramps and pain. Additionally, it improves the cardiovascular system and blood sugar levels.
7. Fennel tea
Fennel tea is made up of fennel plant seeds. It has a sweet aroma and flavor. Pour a few fennel seeds into boiling water, and you are ready to drink. Anti-carminative, it is mainly used to relieve bloating and constipation. It is an effective, natural tea for menstrual cramps.
8. Dandelion Tea
Bloating and tender breasts are the most common problems during menstruation. Dandelion tea is a diuretic, so it flushes out salt from the body and increases blood circulation, helping one relieving menstrual cramps.
9. Cramp Bark tea
Native to England and Scotland jungles, cramp bark tea is made from cramp bark, which is shaved during fall. Although it smells pungent and bitter, it has cooling qualities. The cramp bark tea is specially formulated for cramps during pregnancy, menstrual cramps, and PMS. Furthermore, this tea eases period cramps by relaxing muscles.
Food and drinks to avoid during periods
These drinks cause specific symptoms during periods, for example-Headache, nausea, mood swings, diarrhea.
- Spicy food causes acidity, bloating, and stomach pain.
- Red meat during periods body produces prostaglandins, which leads to uterine contractions and causes pain and bloating, cramps. It is also a source of prostaglandins, which cause pain.
- Salty food causes water retention, which results in bloating. When dealing with bloating, be careful of processed foods containing sodium and don’t overdo it on salt.
- Alcohol has adverse effects on the body. Dehydration caused by alcohol can lead to nausea and vomiting. It is usually accompanied by fatigue and headaches.
- Coffee causes bloating and water retention. Also, it can affect digestion and cause headaches.
- Too much sugar during periods can cause skin problems like acne, oiliness, and whiteheads. Because acne bacteria feed on sugar, acne issues are common during periods.
In menstruation, progesterone levels are high, resulting in an increased appetite and food cravings. Some can aggravate the symptoms.
How to relieve menstrual cramps naturally
- Drink plenty of water along with herbal teas. Hydration reduces symptoms of dehydration, bloating, and headaches. I have a recipe for a delicious, hot pumpkin soup you’ll enjoy.
- During periods, iron levels decrease, causing headaches and dizziness. Vegetables that are high in both iron and vitamin A, such as spinach, may benefit the body. Chicken and fish are also good sources of iron and protein. Consuming protein makes you feel full, which prevents you from craving food.
- Water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber are great for hydration. With sweet fruits, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without eating refined sugar.
- Omega-3s can reduce the intensity of period pain. In a 2012 study, these supplements helped reduce symptoms such as menstrual pain, mood swings, and depression. Increase the diet’s omega-3 content, for example, by incorporating fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. You may also want to consider fish oil supplements.
- Dark chocolate contains a high level of magnesium and iron.
- Ginger is anti-inflammatory, which soothes achy muscles. Ginger can also reduce nausea. A study found that ginger reduces nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. However, avoid too much ginger as it can cause stomach cramps.
- As a spice, turmeric contains curcumin, which fights inflammation. A study showed that curcumin helps in relieving the symptoms of PMS symptoms.
- Mild physical activity can reduce menstrual pain. Performing exercises like cardio aerobics, walking, swimming, cycling, or meditation can help relieve menstrual cramps.
- Hot compresses or hot water bags can reduce pain in the abdomen and back.
- For severe pain, medicines like ibuprofen can reduce your cramps.
- Massaging the lower abdomen area, stomach, or back can reduce menstrual pain.
- Take 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Regular sleeping habits can reduce stress, mood swings. Eat green vegetables, salads, and citrus fruits. Make sure to have multivitamins, supplements, and vitamin D once a week.
- Acupuncture also helps in relaxing the mind.
How to prevent PMS and Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual pain can be extremely uncomfortable and most women experience it. Most commonly, it is a throbbing pain in the lower abdomen and back. Usually, it begins four to five days before periods, and some women complain of leg cramps. This pain might continue throughout the period. As a result of heavy blood flow, cramps are usually worst during the first two days of a cycle.
- Before taking any medicine, consult your physician. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe during menstrual cramps. Do an allergy test before taking any medication
- Consider taking a hot shower to increase your blood circulation.
- Calm the nervous system by adding lavender essential oil to the bath or lighting scented candles.
- Cramps that worsen may indicate pelvic inflammatory diseases, adenomyosis, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Get in touch with your doctor.
- Usually, PMS is an emotional or physical condition. The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are caused by hormonal changes in the body. PMS symptoms include craving sweet and spicy foods, headaches, dizziness, weight gain, muscle pain, acne on the face, dull skin, constipation, anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia. PMS can be diagnosed when these symptoms have been present for at least three months.
The use of herbal tea for menstrual cramps can provide relief from the symptoms and pain. With these tips, you will have a pleasant and pain-free period!
