Menstrual cramps are extremely painful for a lot of women, and they tend to interfere with day-to-day activities. While moderate cramping is a given with your period, it can be quite severe in some cases, making it very difficult for women to even get out of bed.
There are many over-the-counter medications for alleviating painful cramps, but most women turn to natural, home remedies since the former can lead to various side effects.
One of the most effective natural remedies for menstrual cramps is none other than tea. As it turns out, a hot cup of tea is the solution to numerous body and health-related problems, including cramps.
Some teas help a great deal with relieving abdominal discomfort during menstruation and can ease away the pain. Even if you aren’t a tea-lover, you will find great relief and comfort in some of these teas for menstrual cramps.
We have rounded up a list of some of the best teas for menstrual cramps that you can during your period and be at ease.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is deemed to be quite pungent and spicy in terms of its flavor profile, but when infused in a tea, it turns into this rich, aromatic, and flavorful beverage that really soothes the stomach region. In case you still find the flavor to be quite harsh, you can simply add a teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
Ginger has long been used for medicinal purposes, quickly becoming one of the most common home remedies for a number of ailments, including period cramps.
Ginger features pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that significantly help with menstrual pain and bloating. It has also been found to reduce heavy blood flow and decrease period pain, as shown in a study published in Phytotherapy Research. The study included a total of 92 participants, out of which some received ginger, and others received placebo. The group that consumed ginger experienced a significant decrease in blood loss as well as in the extremity of their menstrual pain.
This goes to suggest that ginger tea is surely one of the best teas for menstrual cramps.
Chamomile Tea
Typically consumed as a sleep and relaxation aid, chamomile tea is another excellent choice of tea for menstrual cramps. Chamomile is known to be one of the most effective herbs for pain relief and alleviation of cramps experienced during menstruation.
This medicinal herb features impressive sedative and calming benefits that don’t only affect your mood but also your physical bodily symptoms. The sedative effects of chamomile tea don’t directly impact your period pains, but they help by reducing fatigue and promoting better quality sleep at night.
The best part about chamomile tea is that it’s naturally caffeine-free, which means you can easily drink it before your bedtime to induce a calm, relaxed state and sleep well, thereby easing your menstrual cramps.
A study was once conducted on the link between chamomile tea and period cramps which was published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility. The study was done on eight university students, out of which some drank two cups of chamomile tea every day, and others had a placebo. The former group of students drank chamomile tea a week before they got their period and then again during the first five days of menstruation. They experienced less anxiety and distress, and they were also reported to have experienced lower pain symptoms as compared to the placebo group.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm is a wonderful lemon-scented herb that helps boost the mood, increases relaxation, and alleviates symptoms of stress.
Lemon balm tea is one of the most effective teas for menstrual cramps, as shown through a study that was conducted on the effects of lemon balm on menstrual pain and cramps. The study showed that consumption of lemon balm tea during menstruation could significantly help decrease the severity of painful menstrual symptoms.
There are numerous other studies that suggest that lemon balm contains numerous antioxidants that decrease inflammation, lower oxidative stress, and they might also contain antispasmodic effects.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint and watermint, and it features such a unique, cool taste that lingers on the tongue for quite a while. From easing digestive upset to freshening your breath to relieving clogged sinuses, this minty tea is the answer to numerous ailments.
Among all that, peppermint tea also helps relieve menstrual cramps and provides a great degree of relief to abdominal discomfort. It has shown to be quite helpful for decreasing menstrual cramps, alleviating muscle pains, and also providing ease to the mind.
Peppermint leaves contain a chemical called menthol that helps soothe muscle spasms, further reducing painful menstrual cramps.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
This tea is made with an infusion of red raspberry plant leaves that have long been used for numerous medicinal purposes across the world. Its flavor is quite similar to that of other fruity black teas like Earl Grey and features a great blend of earthy and fruit notes.
Raspberry leaf tea is another amazing tea for menstrual cramps, given how it offers anti-inflammatory properties that minimize muscle spasms associated with cramps and painful periods. Research shows that this delicious tea also helps prevent excessive bleeding and strengthens the womb with regular consumption.
Key Takeaway
If you experience debilitating pains during your menstrual cycle, you might want to look into these teas for menstrual cramps. Some of these teas have a direct effect on period pains and cramps, while others are more about relaxation, comfort, and sedation.
While is tea is one of the best and most natural remedies for menstrual cramps, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor first just to be sure. Some of these teas might have possible side effects and might not work as well for you, so do consult your doctor before consuming them.
