Period cramps can be a minor nuisance that you can just shrug off. It can be a debilitating experience that can cause you to skip important events in both work and life. Unfortunately, there is no magical cure that can immediately relieve the pain it causes. But one thing’s for sure: every menstruating person will do everything in their power to lessen the impact of cramps.
When looking for menstrual cramp relief, the most common solutions are simple. You can take over-the-counter painkillers or place a heating pad on your belly. If you're looking for something out of the norm, try what they call, biohacking wellness. Alternately, for some, simply fixing themselves a nice, hot cup of tea does the trick.
Some health benefits of drinking tea
We’ve always known that tea has many hidden and not-so-hidden health benefits. They can help:
When it becomes a habit, drinking tea can even help with skin concerns. So, for your period pains, bet you can rely on drinking a few tea bags to ease the aches away!
Before we find out the best herbal tea for period cramps, let’s first figure out if they’re actually good for you on your red days.
Does Tea Worsen Period Cramps?
Some teas will help you soothe cramps. Unfortunately, however, some teas will only make things worse.
Herbal teas with high caffeine content might only result in heightened irritability and even increased cramping. So, as much as possible, avoid these four teas during that time of the month:
- Black Tea
- Oolong Tea
- Green Tea
- White Tea
Which Herbal Tea Helps With Menstrual Cramps?
To relieve period cramps, you can sip on a warm cup of one of these five teas:
1. Chamomile Tea
Out of all the teas out there, chamomile has the least amount of risks attached to it. Not only will it help with sleep, but it also has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your period cramps.
If you really want to benefit from chamomile tea, it’s best to drink it two weeks before your period. According to research published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility, participants were given two cups of chamomile tea every day for three months. They would start one week before menstruation and continue during the first five days of their cycle. This gradually reduced the discomfort caused by period cramps.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger is known as a wonder root for a reason. It has many medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to soothe period cramps, among hundreds of other ailments.
A study of 150 women, all with severe menstrual pain, shows that ginger has pain-relieving properties on par with prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen.
3. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Not only is raspberry leaf tea mild and sweet in taste, but it also has fragarine, a plant compound that helps tighten and tone the muscles in your pelvic area. As a result, it inhibits these muscles from spasming. It is when your muscles spasm that you'll experience that unpleasant cramping sensation.
Furthermore, research by the European Medicines Agency added that raspberry leaf tea contains anti-inflammatory qualities that help relieve the pain associated with period cramps.
4. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon is a great way to add a dash of flair to your favorite winter dishes. But did you know that it’s also been used as a natural healing agent for thousands of years? This household favorite packs a healthy punch as it contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal qualities. These properties help with digestion, blood sugar control, and menstrual pain relief.
Another study found that three capsules of 420 mg cinnamon per day reduced menstrual discomfort and bleeding for women with dysmenorrhea.
Plus, if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cinnamon can aid in its management.
5. Fennel Tea
Fennel tea is often consumed after a heavy meal to ease digestion. But only a few people are aware that it can also help with bloating and cramps.
Fennel tea is filled with antioxidants such as vitamin C and quercetin that have anti-carminative and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, a study examined pain levels in 60 females with dysmenorrhoea. They took 30 mg of fennel extract four times a day for three days at the start of their cycles. The results revealed that individuals saw a considerable reduction in discomfort.
A Cup of Tea For Period Cramps And Make Everything Better
As individuals who menstruate, we will always look for solutions and natural treatments to lessen the pain.
So, aside from using your period underwear to ensure no leakage throughout the day and carrying backup tampons and pads for good measure, make sure to bring a few tea bags with you, too.
With good sleep, a healthy diet, an effective workout routine, and a few cups of herbal tea every now and then, you too can overcome period cramps!