Abdominal pain before or during periods, known as menstrual cramps, is quite joint and not anything to worry about. Still, for some women, this pain becomes unbearable, gets severe, and disturbs their daily activities.
Studies show that one in four women experiences severe menstrual pain, which affects their studies or social activities. Taking medications and heavy painkillers may help you soothe the pain, but how about dealing with this problem naturally? You can reduce menstrual cramps naturally by drinking tea. Yes, a simple, tasty tea.
In today’s post, we share the 13 natural best tea For Menstrual Cramps you can enjoy during periods and say goodbye to menstrual cramps.
1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
They are well known for their lively red color and pleasant taste. However, the leaves from the plant are also very healthy and can treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and soothe uncomfortable menstrual pain. The fragrance, a compound present in raspberry leaves, prevents the spasms of muscles of the pelvic area and reduces cramps.
A study published by European Medical Agency also supports relieving period spasms. It is natural, healthy, and low caloric, so you can peacefully enjoy this tasty tea without worrying about weight gain. If you don’t have a raspberry plant near you, don’t worry, you can get dried leaves or raspberry leaf tea from the store.
Make sure to drink one cup daily in days leading to your periods and during your periods to see a fast change. If you don’t like its taste, try adding honey, lemon, or orange juice to tea to make it taste better.
2. Peppermint Tea
A simple combination of boiled water and fresh peppermint leaves can solve menstrual cramps. Menthol, a natural compound in peppermint leaves, is a natural muscle relaxant. It soothes your muscles and reduces the pain associated with periods.
According to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, peppermint leaves extracts can significantly reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. It also reduces nausea, diarrhea, and other digestive issues associated with menstruation, plus it has no side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs available in the market.
It is zero caloric and easy to make; you only have to chop some peppermint leaves and add them to hot water. If you are a fan of iced tea, you can add ice cubes and lemon to create peppermint tea. Another good news is you can grow peppermint leaves yourself with ease. It is a simple task as the plant is vigorous and spreads quickly.
3. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made from chamomile flowers and is known for its soothing aroma and calming effect on the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease menstrual cramps. The tea loosens the muscles of the uterus, thus providing comfort from the pain.
It works by increasing the glycine level in the body, which helps reduce the intensity of muscle spasms. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture shows that drinking chamomile tea for a month can reduce PMS, including muscle spasms, due to its antispasmodic property.
A compound known as Apigenin in chamomile tea relaxes the mind and body and produces a soothing effect. To prepare the tea, boil some water and add one to two tablespoons of chamomile tea. Let it brew for 5-8 minutes, depending on how strong you want. You can add honey or other herbs to enhance flavor and nutrients.
4. Ginger tea
Ginger tea is an ideal solution for menstrual cramps and, if not more, can be as effective as ibuprofen in relieving the pain. Gingerol, an active compound present in ginger, provides body anti-inflammatory and antioxidative benefits and is responsible for alleviating the pain of menstrual cramps.
Another enzyme called zingibain in ginger inhibits the production of prostaglandins; a high level of these pro-inflammatory chemicals results in severe contractions and pain. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that drinking ginger tea can reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.
For making ginger tea, grate some ginger and add it to boiling water for a few minutes. If you are not a fan of ginger flavor, try adding peppermint, honey, or cinnamon to cover its flavor and double the benefits.
5. Thyme tea
You may be familiar with dried thyme powder as it is a common culinary spice famous for its warm, minty flavor, But do you know it can help you get rid of period pain? Drinking thyme tea in the days before your period; can prevent and treat menstrual cramps.
It contains antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other active biomedical substances, which give it antispasmodic properties and relaxes uterine muscles. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, Medicine, and Therapeutics, thyme tea possesses a pain-relieving tendency if used during menstruation.
You can make its tea with dried or fresh thyme sprigs. Let the tea steep for 5 to 8 minutes to get the best flavor and nutrients in the water. You can add honey, lemon, or orange juice to enhance the flavor.
6. Green tea
Start drinking green tea a week before menstruation if you want pain-free periods. L-Theanine, an amino acid in green tea, relaxes your muscles and blood vessels. It ensures a proper supply of oxygen to the uterus muscles and decreases period cramps. Drinking green tea can also elevate your mood, and vitamin K helps in blood coagulation and reduces menstrual flow.
Its diuretic properties help relieve bloating and other stomach discomforts common in periods. In short, it is a whole package and benefits you in many ways to make your period as comfortable as possible.
Results of a study; done to check the efficacy of green tea in period pain suggest that women who consume green tea more often have a lower prevalence of dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Just make sure; to maintain a gap of one hour between green tea consumption and meals, as it affects nutrient absorption, especially iron.
7. Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon tea’s sweet and warm flavor can reduce menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting prostaglandin production. Its mechanism of action is similar to ibuprofen in reducing pain, but it has no unpleasant side effects.
It can also help with nausea and mood swings if taken during the first three days of periods. A study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal suggests that cinnamon can be a safe and effective treatment for dysmenorrhea in women; as it reduces pain, heavy bleeding, and nausea associated with menstruation.
8. Oolong tea
Oolong tea comes between black and green tea, and the difference in color, taste, and antioxidants is due to the difference in fermentation. It can treat menstrual symptoms and lessen abdominal cramps and hot flashes.
A study published in the BMJ Open Journal to check the efficacy of green and oolong tea in reducing menstrual cramps shows that green and oolong tea can be an effective treatment for soothing pain. But green tea is slightly more effective than oolong tea in this regard; the difference is due to the caffeine content of oolong tea.
Periods are a natural and healthy phenomenon and make women truly special. It is time to embrace your periods by taking care of your body. Drinking these herbal teas can be your first step to do so. It eases your period, makes you feel better, and doesn’t give you extra unhealthy calories.
They are inexpensive, readily available, and super easy to make. You only have to boil some water and let the tea brew there. So choose your favorite herbal tea and start sipping.
9. Turmeric Tea
To make turmeric tea, steep 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder or 2 teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric root in 1 cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and add a few drops of honey, lemon juice, or ginger to sweeten the tea if desired. Drink up to three cups a day for the best results.
This delicious tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and is a great way to relieve menstrual cramps without any unpleasant side effects. Additionally, it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and promote healthy digestion. Enjoy!
10. Fenugreek Tea
To make fenugreek tea:
- Boil two cups of water in a pot.
- Once it’s boiling, add two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds and reduce the heat.
- Boil the mixture occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Once it’s done, strain the mixture into a cup and add honey or lemon to taste.
- Drink up to three cups of fenugreek tea daily while having menstrual cramps.
In addition to drinking fenugreek tea, you can also take fenugreek supplements. These come in capsule form and are available at most health food stores. Taking fenugreek supplements can help reduce cramping and bloating during your period and provide additional nutrition and support for your body.
11. Lavender Tea
To make lavender tea, steep one teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy with or without honey. You can also purchase pre-made lavender tea bags in many health food stores.
In addition to drinking lavender tea to ease menstrual cramps, you can also use essential oil from the plant as a topical treatment. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil and massage into the affected areas. The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil can provide relief from cramping.
12. Rose Tea
To make rose tea, you can use either fresh or dried rose petals. Steep them in hot water for 10 minutes before drinking. Alternatively, you can purchase rose tea bags from most health food stores or online retailers. Check the ingredients list for added sugar or artificial flavoring, as these may not be beneficial for menstrual cramps.
When consumed regularly, rose tea can help ease menstrual cramps symptoms. While it is generally considered safe, it’s best to consult a doctor before drinking if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions.
13. Stinging nettle leaf tea
To make stinging nettle tea, simply steep 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink the tea warm or cold after straining the leaves. To boost the effectiveness of the tea, you can add a teaspoon of honey or lemon juice.
In addition to helping ease menstrual cramps, stinging nettle leaf tea also helps reduce bloating and the intensity of menstrual flow. Drinking this tea can also help improve digestion and increase energy levels, which can be especially helpful during those difficult days of your cycle.
Bottom Line
Menstrual cramps can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for many women. Fortunately, a few natural remedies, such as drinking certain herbal teas, may help alleviate the symptoms associated with menstrual cramps. Turmeric, fenugreek, lavender, rose, and stinging nettle leaf tea is some teas known to help relieve menstrual cramps. If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps, consider trying one of these herbal teas. However, if your symptoms do not improve or become worse, it is recommended that you seek medical advice.
FAQ About tea for menstrual cramps
Q: What is the best tea for menstrual cramps
13 natural best teas you can enjoy during periods and say goodbye to menstrual cramps.
- Red raspberry leaf tea
- Peppermint tea
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Thyme tea
- Green tea
- Cinnamon tea
- Oolong tea
- Turmeric Tea
- Fenugreek Tea
- Lavender Tea
- Rose Tea
- Stinging nettle leaf tea
Q: Is cinnamon tea good for menstrual cramps
Cinnamon tea’s sweet and warm flavor can reduce menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting prostaglandin production. Its mechanism of action is similar to ibuprofen in reducing pain.
Q: Is nettle tea good for menstrual cramps
Helping ease menstrual cramps, stinging nettle leaf tea also helps reduce bloating and the intensity of menstrual flow. Drinking this tea can also help improve digestion and increase energy levels, which can be especially helpful during those difficult days of your cycle.
Q: Is lavender tea good for menstrual cramps
Drinking lavender tea to ease menstrual cramps, you can also use essential oil from the plant as a topical treatment. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil and massage into the affected areas. The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil can provide relief from cramping.
Q: Which tea helps menstrual cramps
A simple combination of boiled water and fresh peppermint leaves can solve menstrual cramps. Menthol, a compound in peppermint leaves, is a natural muscle relaxant. It soothes your muscles and reduces the pain associated with periods.
