When you think about the hell of period pain, the first few things that come to mind for relief are medication, a hot water bottle, and maybe a little bit of chocolate for some comfort eating. All of these are tried and tested methods for that stressful time of the month, but something that is also worth a mention is tea! It’s been used in various ways in ancient and holistic medicine for thousands of years, so it’s worth a try! Here are five of the best teas to drink during your period.
1. Peppermint Tea
The secret of peppermint tea and the positive effect that it can have on your body during your period is menthol. Your cramps are caused by your muscles spasming and contracting to expel the menstrual fluids, and drinking a cup of peppermint tea two to three times a day can help fight the spasms, along with encouraging your stress and fatigue levels to improve.
2. Cinnamon Tea
It’s not a taste that everyone enjoys, but if you like cinnamon tea, than it can be perfect for your period. It has similar antispasmodic properties to peppermint tea, along with the added bonus of also being anti-inflammatory, therefore able to reduce pain. You can add milk or honey to sweeten the taste if you need to.
3. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Did you know that this has been known as the ‘woman’s herb’ throughout history? Red raspberry leaf tea is believed to be effective at cleansing your blood of excess hormones that cause you to be moody and emotional when on your period. A cup or two of this per day during your time of the month, or even the week leading up to it, can help you to stay relaxed and on an even keel.
4. Fennel Tea
Another rather old fashioned type of herbal tea, fennel is another ingredient that can help to relieve the classic symptoms of PMS. It contains phytoestrogen, which is also known as dietary estrogen, which works to regulate your hormone imbalances and make you a much happier lady!
5. Ginger Tea
It’s a seriously strong flavour and an acquired taste, but ginger tea has lots of great benefits. You will be well aware of that feeling of unsettled stomach that your periods brings along with it, and ginger can be very helpful in calming your stomach down and helping you feel less bloated and irregular with your bowel movement during your menstrual week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which teas are best for relieving menstrual cramps?
- Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint teas are great for soothing cramps and reducing inflammation.
- Can drinking tea help with mood swings during periods?
- Yes, teas like chamomile and lavender have calming properties that can help alleviate mood swings.
- Is it safe to drink caffeinated teas during menstruation?
- It's best to limit caffeine intake as it can worsen bloating and irritability, so opt for herbal teas instead.
- How does ginger tea benefit women during their period?
- Ginger tea helps reduce nausea and inflammation, providing relief from cramps and digestive discomfort.
- Can peppermint tea reduce bloating during periods?
- Yes, peppermint tea acts as a natural muscle relaxant that can reduce bloating and ease digestive issues.
- Are there any teas that help improve sleep during menstruation?
- Chamomile and lavender teas are excellent for promoting relaxation and better sleep quality during your period.
- How often should I drink these teas during my period?
- Drink 1-3 cups a day to enjoy the benefits without overconsumption.
- Can red raspberry leaf tea help with menstrual flow?
- Red raspberry leaf tea is known to support uterine health and can help regulate menstrual flow.
- Is it okay to combine different teas during menstruation?
- Yes, blending teas like ginger and chamomile can enhance benefits, but avoid excessive intake.
- Do these teas have any side effects I should be aware of?
- Most are safe, but if you have allergies or medical conditions, consult your doctor before trying new herbal teas.