Menstruation pains are one of the most typical problems faced by women across the globe. At times, those severe cramps make it impossible to work or even do daily chores. Fortunately, there are some excellent herbal teas that will help ease your menstrual pain.
Herbal teas are known across the globe for their comprehensive health benefits. Right from headaches to providing relief from sinus, teas help deal with a lot of health conditions. And tea for cramps is just as effective. Apart from its various health benefits, the significant part about tea is that it tastes good as well.
While on periods, a luteotropic hormone called prolactin causes your uterus to contract. When this happens, it will shed the inner lining. Now, every time your uterus contracts, the blood vessels around the uterus will get zero oxygen. As a result, it causes cramps. Now, this is where teas play a significant role. Teas that are rich in L-theanine content help your muscles and blood vessels relax. L-theanine content-rich teas are green tea, black tea, oolong tea, etc.
[Also Read: Treat Cramps Naturally]
From reducing menstrual cramps to increasing energy, teas can do a lot of things. If you are suffering from menstrual cramps, then here’s our list of best tea for cramps that will help you in getting back to normal instantly.
Raspberry leaves are derived from the red raspberry plant. For centuries, women have been using this tea to treat various health conditions. Just like a raspberry fruit, this tea also gives a similar aroma. Raspberry is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber.
A paper(1) published on the medicinal uses of raspberry leaf says that raspberry leaf tea significantly reduced the menstrual cramps. The tea is filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties that help you in relaxing your muscles that cause painful cramps. Another research also supports the medicinal uses of raspberry leaf in strengthing the womb and preventing over-bleeding in pregnant women.
Known for its anti-carminative properties, fennel tea is one of the effective teas that can reduce periods cramps. It is made from the seeds of the fennel plant. People have been using fennel seeds and fennel tea as an ingredient in traditional medicines to treat digestive issues like gas and bloating. Fennel tea reduces menstrual cramps by decreasing the inflammation.
Ginger tea is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. You can use either dried ginger or fresh ginger to brew a hot cup of tea. There are various “ginger-green tea” combination teas readily available in the market. You can also make a cup of ginger tea at home using finely chopped ginger.
A research(2) was conducted on the effects of ginger on period cramps. Out of two groups, one group of women received 500 mg capsules of ginger root powder thrice every day for three days. Ginger reduced the intensity and duration of pain.
Chamomile leaves are known for their calming and soothing impact. Various researches and studies have claimed that chamomile has beneficial properties which will improve sleep and provide relaxation.
A study was conducted on 80 students to test the efficacy of chamomile tea. The students consumed one cup of chamomile tea a week before their periods. They drank chamomile tea for five days during their menstrual cycle. The students who had Chamomile tea experienced less pain and distress during their periods.
Peppermint dramatically helps in boosting your mood. This tea is excellent to enhance performance and decrease menstrual cramps. You can either brew your tea at home using peppermint tea leaves or buy tea bugs that are readily available in the market. Either way, they will help you in reducing your menstrual cramps to a great extent.
Herbal teas are excellent pain relievers. The herbs themselves provide exceptional nutritional benefits. Some other herbal teas that you can try are Clove tea, Dandelion tea, and Cramp Bark tea.
Undoubtedly herbal teas are good for cramps. Most of the times, menstrual cramps are normal. However, there are scenarios wherein the pain is excruciating. So if experience similar unbearable pain, you can try these teas for cramp at home. These teas are better treatment options in reducing your cramps.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps]
All herbal teas are good for cramps. Try and see what works for you. For better results, you can brew herbal tea at home using fresh leaves than store-bought teas.
There are anecdotal reviews by women stating that black tea helped them in reducing cramps and discomfort during the menstrual cycle. However, please talk to your OB/GYN for a better option.
Hot tea is usually better for cramps, as hot liquids increase blood flow to your skin and may relax cramped muscles.