Have you ever had days when your menstrual cramps are extremely intense, and you find yourself curled up in your bed? Well, you are not alone. According to a study, up to 20% of women experience severe cramping that hinders their daily life activities. Typically, period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is more noticeable in the first three days and decreases as the days proceed.
If you are experiencing menstrual pain, you probably try reducing the pain by taking over-the-counter painkillers, exercising moderately, holding a hot water bottle to your stomach, and other remedies. But did you know you can relieve your period pain with a bit of assistance from herbal teas? Yes, there are herbal teas that are effective when it comes to menstrual cramps as they are loaded with antioxidants and inflammatory properties. However, we recommend visiting a gynecologist if your periods are severely painful, as there could be underlying issues such as endometriosis.
If you are wondering what kind of tea you should sip, we have compiled a list of the 10 best herbal teas for menstrual cramps.
Chamomile Tea
(ASIN: B01KKJIJKS)
Chamomile tea is the perfect choice to give you a little pick me up when you are not feeling your best. Chamomile directly affects the GABA receptors in your brain, calming your nerves and inducing relaxation. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, the primary cause of menstrual cramps and bloating, especially in the lower abdomen area. Chamomile tea also contains apigenin, a mild tranquilizer that reduces fatigue and promotes better sleep.
Ginger Tea
(ASIN: B002XWSNCA)
Ginger tea is a popular household remedy used for treating various medical issues such as sinuses, colds, flu, indigestion, and cramps. Ginger is high in pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing period pain and bloating.
According to a review study, women who consumed 750-2,000 mg of ginger during the first two to three days of their period experienced reduced cramps.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a powerful herb with several distinctive properties. It is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral and has been used for different health issues, including blood pressure, heart diseases, bowel issues, high cholesterol, and even menstrual cramps. Peppermint tea has a high concentration of menthol, which provides a relaxing sensation. There is no concrete evidence for the efficacy of peppermint tea for menstrual cramps, but it helps relieve uterine contractions, thereby minimizing period cramps.
Cinnamon Tea
Sweetly spiced cinnamon tea is made from a fragrant cinnamon bark or powder, loaded with healing properties and antioxidants that help you fight off nausea, pain, and cramps. According to a clinical study, women who took 2 grams of cinnamon in the initial days of their period reported reduced cramps compared to those who took a placebo.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
The red raspberry plant has been used in traditional medicines for hundreds of years, especially for women’s health and fertility issues. Hence, it is an effective alternative to treat menstrual cramps. It doesn’t directly affect menstrual cramps, but it reduces muscle spasms and inflammation, improving blood flow that minimizes cramps.
Gingko Biloba Tea
(ASIN: B00QMO0QD4)
Gingko Biloba is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily to treat health conditions such as fatigue, stress, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent evaluations have revealed that it works in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well. So, sip on a hot mug of Gingko Biloba tea and say goodbye to cramps.
Thyme Tea
Thyme is a famous herb in many kitchens; however, it also has numerous health benefits. It can become a foe if you are dealing with menstrual cramps. Thyme is abundant in antioxidants, which help reduce period pain. In a study, teenage girls who drank thyme tea reported decreased menstrual cramps.
Dandelion Tea
(ASIN: B00QC166FO)
Dandelion root is a healing plant with anti-inflammatory compounds, helping in balancing out hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, hence making it an excellent treatment alternative for menstrual cramps. It is also a diuretic that helps flush out excess toxins from the body. After learning of its benefits, we are sure you would want to pour yourself a cup of dandelion tea.
Turmeric Tea
(ASIN: 819005010477)
Turmeric has potential health merits, especially when it comes to treating body aches. Several studies have researched the efficacy of turmeric when it comes to reducing menstrual cramps, reporting that the presence of curcumin in turmeric can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Consuming turmeric on its own can be quite unpleasant, but you can get all its nutrients through turmeric tea.
Green Tea
Green tea contains many antioxidants such as tannins, beta carotenes, flavonoids, catechins, etc., with enormous health benefits. It promotes weight loss, reduces risks of cardiovascular diseases, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, soothes cold and flu symptoms, and relieves pain. A warm cup of green tea is also known to help period cramps and treat uterine fibroids.
Our Final Thoughts
Herbal teas have a myriad of benefits and are a safer alternative than painkillers when it comes to treating menstrual cramps. There is scientific evidence that several herbal teas effectively manage menstrual cramps and bloating. However, it is limited, and more research is needed. Anyway, you can try sipping on a cup of herbal tea if it makes a difference in your cramps. Some of the top herbal teas for cramps include peppermint tea, ginger tea, dandelion tea, chamomile tea, cinnamon tea, etc. If your cramps are extremely intense and painful, go to your health physician as soon as possible.
