Does Drinking Tea Help With Period Cramps?

The Red River or Aunty Flo as a lot of us call it, is a monthly visitor who, quite often than not, is frowned upon thanks to the side effect she brings alongside her: Menstrual cramps, a common discomfort during menstruation that can disrupt your daily routine and leave you seeking relief.

Period cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can be incredibly debilitating for many individuals. We hear of women not being able to do day-to-day tasks during their periods and having their entire lives come to stand stills, every month, during this time. The cramps can be accompanied by other distressing symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.

The physical and emotional toll of severe period cramps cannot be underestimated, highlighting the need for effective management strategies and support for those who experience this challenging aspect of their menstrual cycle.

While over-the-counter pain relievers are popular, many women are now turning to natural remedies for their soothing properties. An immensely popular home remedy to reduce period cramps is turning to tea to help with period cramps.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of herbal teas and explore the varieties that have been known to help alleviate menstrual cramps. These teas are not just known to reduce discomfort, but these teas help with cramps as well, along with multiple health benefits.

Green tea for periods: a gentle companion for menstrual cramps

• Green tea, derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits.
• It contains polyphenols, such as catechins and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• Green tea may help reduce inflammation and alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Additionally, green tea contains caffeine, which acts as a natural painkiller by blocking pain signals.

However, it’s important to note that excessive caffeine intake should be avoided during menstruation, as it can lead to dehydration and exacerbate cramps. Moderation is key, have this tea regularly in moderation.

Ginger tea for periods: a warming elixir for menstrual discomfort

• Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, has been used for centuries to relieve various ailments. It has also been extremely helpful to some for menstrual cramps.
• Ginger tea benefits for periods can include eased out muscle contractions and reduced severity of cramps.
• Research suggests that ginger’s active components, such as gingerols and shogaols, have pain-relieving effects and may inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for triggering uterine contractions.
• Ginger also provides relief from fatigue, bloating and provides a certain sense of freshness.

Enjoy a cup of ginger tea during your period to help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation.

Recipe to make ginger tea

• You can either boil water with ginger pieces in it and add honey to it and drink it as is or add other ingredients like chopped parsley to it.
• Feel free to add seasonings like black pepper, black salt, turmeric to this tea. Turmeric can have anti-inflammatory properties too.

Cinnamon tea for periods

A common question we often get asked is ‘Is Cinnamon tea good for menstrual cramps?’ The answer is yes! While cinnamon is a popular, well-loved spice, its fragrant brew is also known to soothe menstrual cramps.

• Cinnamon tea can be a comforting remedy during your period, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
• The active compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, helps relax the muscles and reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps.
• It may also help regulate blood flow, which can contribute to a more comfortable period.

When we say cinnamon, you probably are thinking of those delicious cinnamon buns and desserts. But a healthy, less sugary suggestion from us entails sipping on a cup of cinnamon tea. This can provide warmth and relief, making it a valuable addition to your menstrual care routine.

Recipe to make cinnamon tea

• A tasty way of making this tea is by boiling water in a saucepan, once it starts to simmer you add roundels of ginger and sticks of cinnamon to it and let it boil.
• Turn off the heat and let it cool a little.
• Add honey to this and savour this tea throughout the day.

Chamomile Tea for periods: calming nerves and easing menstrual cramps

Known for its calming properties and incredibly soothing effects, chamomile tea is made by crushing the flowers of the chamomile plant. It is fragrant, soothing and an absolute delight to sip on throughout the day.

• It can help relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve menstrual cramps. Moreover, this has been written about in the study published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility.
• The compound apigenin present in chamomile tea acts as a muscle relaxant and has been shown to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which can help alleviate cramping.
• Chamomile tea is known to have a gentle sedative effect which can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation during your period.

So, this is definitely a must-have for people who have major bouts of premenstrual syndrome.

Conclusion

So, when it comes to finding relief from menstrual cramps, exploring natural remedies can be a valuable option. Turning to tea that help with cramps such as green tea, ginger tea, cinnamon tea, and chamomile tea offer potential benefits in soothing menstrual discomfort.

However, while these teas can help alleviate symptoms, it's important to remember that individual experiences may vary. No two people are the same and if your menstrual cramps are severe or persistent, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Homemade remedies take time to show effects and have a slow and steady way of helping your body. So, if your doctor advices you to take medication, you can incorporate these delightful teas into your routine along with them and discover soothing relief.