Welcome, tea lovers! If you're struggling with period cramps, you've come to the right place. Today, we're exploring the best teas to help ease your menstrual pain and make your time of the month a little more bearable. From herbal teas to classic green tea, these natural remedies are sure to provide some much-needed relief. Let’s dive in!
If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for period cramps right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.
What is the Best Tea for Period Cramps?
1. Yaupon Tea
First on our list is the delightful Yaupon tea, the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. This tea is a fantastic choice for those looking to alleviate period pain while maintaining energy levels. Yaupon tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine and boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce menstrual cramping. It's a great idea to sip on this unique herbal tea during your menstrual cycle for a refreshing and pain-relieving experience.
Benefits:
- A boost for your immune system from antioxidant activity that remove free radicals in your body.
- Improve your mood thanks to l-theanine that increases GABA release in the brain and has a relaxing and anxiety-relieving effect.
- Keep your skin plump and wrinkle-free with Rutin that helps the body produce collagen and utilize vitamin C, major components of your skin.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.
Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to ease those unpleasant menopausal symptoms. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years as a cure for nausea and battling period cramps in regions like Asia and India. A study examined pregnant women with symptoms of morning sickness and found that 28 out of the 32 individuals saw an improvement in nausea when given a daily dose of 1 milligram of ginger root. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea can help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow, easing those painful cramps in your lower abdomen. It’s a popular choice among those seeking natural remedies for menstrual pain. Plus, the spicy kick of ginger can lift your spirits during those mood swings!
Benefits:
- Reduced period pain based on a study that suggests taking ginger during the start of a period can reduce period pain.
- Eases PMS symptoms by decreasing production of prostaglandins to ease headaches and painful cramps.
- Decreases bloating and swelling that can cause painful pressure and discomfort.
Side Effects:
- Makes heartburn worse because it relaxes the muscle that prevents stomach bile from entering the esophagus.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a well-loved herbal tea with a reputation for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. But did you know it’s also great for period pain? Chamomile tea can help relax the uterine muscles and ease menstrual cramping. Its pain-relieving properties make it a good choice for those looking to unwind and alleviate discomfort during their menstrual period. Another benefit is supporting a healthy heart through the compound flavones which has the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Benefits:
- Promotes sleep and relaxation due to its chemical structure and interaction with GABA receptors, helping reduce anxiety.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to boost your immune system and reduce bloating and swelling by reducing production of nitric oxide.
- Ease nausea and soothe your stomach.
Side Effects:
- Chamomile does make you drowsy so be aware before consuming *cue the good dreams*
4. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another fantastic herbal remedy for menstrual pain. This refreshing tea can help soothe muscle tension and reduce period-related discomfort. The cooling effect of peppermint tea can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from painful menstrual cramps. This menthol based flavor can also kill germs that cause dental plaque, helping protect your teeth. It is oh-so refreshing and is delicious hot or cold. It's a great option to sip on throughout the day to keep those cramps at bay.
Benefits:
- Relieve pain and discomfort as a study has shown it can be just as effective as mefenamic acid that is often used to treat period pain.
- Ease headaches as peppermint relaxes your muscles and mitigates the tension caused by inflammation and vasodilation.
- Easy to complement the flavor with ginger, honey, or fruits to find a delicious cup for anytime.
Side Effects:
- Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter.
5. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. This warming tea can help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and alleviate painful cramps. Cinnamon has been shown to improve blood flow and balance hormonal levels, making it a great choice for those dealing with period pain. Enjoy a cup of cinnamon tea during your menstrual cycle for a cozy and comforting experience
Benefits:
- Reduce inflammation that contributes to swelling and pain during period cramps due to anti-inflammatory properties.
- May help restore some blood sugar and menstrual cycle to combat symptoms of PCOS.
- Ease stomach pain thanks to antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.
Side Effects:
- May lower blood sugar if too much is consumed all at once.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is a beloved favorite for overall health, and it’s also beneficial for period cramps. Rich in antioxidants and amino acids, green tea can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, easing menstrual cramping. The moderate caffeine content in green tea provides a gentle energy boost, making it a perfect choice for those looking to stay active during their menstrual period.
Benefits:
- Ease period pain by reducing inflammation and acting as a diuretic with antioxidants that remove harmful free radicals and protect your healthy cells.
- Increase relaxation and ease anxiety thanks to L-theanine that helps you feel more calm.
- Improve blood flow to ease pain and remove lingering toxins.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts are consumed all at once.
7. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Last but not least, red raspberry leaf tea is a traditional herbal remedy known for its ability to ease menstrual symptoms. This tea can help tone the uterine muscles and reduce heavy bleeding, making it a great option for those with painful periods. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support the immune system and to help with labor during pregnancy. Red raspberry leaf tea is also rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being during your menstrual cycle.
Benefits:
- Decrease muscle spasms that cause some of the pain during periods.
- May reduce the amount of bleeding during periods based on recent studies.
- Reduce inflammation to combat and ease bloating, swelling, and pain during period cramps.
Side Effects:
- May have mild laxative effects and loosen stool when a lot is consumed at once.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating these teas into your routine can provide significant relief from period cramps and other menstrual symptoms. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Check out our deep dive on yaupon tea & menstrual cramps for more information.
So, brew yourself a comforting cup of your favorite tea, grab a hot water bottle, and let these natural remedies work their magic. Here’s to a more comfortable and enjoyable time of the month!
If you want to get our best tasting tea for period cramps, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
