Finding the best tea for menstrual cramps came out of necessity.
I would love to be one of those women who can lend a sympathizing ear when their friends are going through the worst part of their periods. Unfortunately, I’m one of those women who need to sympathizing ear.
I’m currently on my period right now, and it’s seriously sore. However, I have a confession to make: it’s kind of my own doing.
After the birth of my second daughter, I decided to reassess my options when it came to birth control. I don’t like taking the pill too much because I would rather go without the hormones, and my husband hasn’t worn a condom for years.
The IUD was looking like the best, most viable option. I opted for the hormone-free, copper version – but it came with a high price.
The lady told me that because the copper IUD irritates the lining of the cervix, your periods can be more painful. I was like, whatever. I’d given birth twice, once with no pain relief – surely it couldn’t be too bad?
Fast forward to finding the best tea for menstrual cramps. In fact, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t try for my menstrual cramps. It honestly feels like I’m in the early stages of labor all over again – 12 times a year.
I'll save you the rest of my sob story. All you need to know is that I get awful period cramps, and these are the best teas for them.
1. Peppermint Tea
My first tea for menstrual cramps recommendation also coincides with my favorite personal flavor, which is a bit of a win.
The cooling peppermint tea leaf is a great tool to arm yourself with when going into battle against your period. Peppermint tea can help to relieve bloating along with your menstrual cramps.
The secret ingredient to take note of here is menthol. Menthol can help with the spasming of the uterus muscles, helping to relieve some of the pain you’re experiencing down there.
If the pain is really bad, I recommend drinking two to three cups a day.
2. Fennel Tea
My favorite teas for menstrual cramps are the more exotic, unusual ones. As a relatively amateur tea connoisseur myself, I love finding new and exciting flavors to try that I might not find at my local supermarket.
Fennel seeds are a great addition to your lame period days. This is because they’re effective at promoting and regulating the blood flow, along with helping to sooth the muscles in your uterus.
I think what I love most about this tea for menstrual cramps is that you can make it at home from what’s in your cupboard – if you’ve got fennel seeds, that is.
Simply place a tablespoon of fennel seeds in a mug and then pour boiling water over them. Let them steep for a bit before drinking.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has got to be my second favorite tea for menstrual cramps – and again, it’s all to do with the flavor.
While we are kind of here for the flavor, we're also here to eradicate period cramps once and for all, as well. I will take this opportunity to note, however, that ginger is quite a strong taste and therefore not for the faint-hearted – but if you are a fan of ginger like me, you'll be good to go!
Ginger is an excellent tea for menstrual cramps because it targets pain explicitly caused by prostaglandins, reducing the effect they have on you.
While you may not be able to get rid of your period cramps entirely, I can attest to the fact that ginger tea has properties which can undoubtedly give you relief.
4. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
The fourth tea for menstrual cramps is also a personal favorite of mine. Okay, they’re all great – there, I said it. Personally, I think it's hard to dislike any flavor of tea.
Let’s begin our description of raspberry leaf tea with a disclaimer. This isn’t the same as raspberry tea, and it’s much harder to come across than raspberry tea is. You most likely won’t find this type of tea in your local grocery store, which is why I’ll recommend one at the end!
Raspberry leaf tea contains tannins and fragarine, both of which can really help when it comes to your menstrual cramps. This is because these properties can help to tighten the muscles in your pelvic region, reducing the number of muscles spasms you’ll experience.
This tightening of the muscles can also be useful if you’re a particularly heavy bleeder, like moi.
My pick for raspberry leaf tea is Traditional Medicines organic raspberry leaf. The best thing about it is that all of its ingredients are certified organic. Get yours here.
Sometimes, I feel like a sucker for punishment when I think about all that my body goes through as a woman.
I thought pregnancy was bad, but I would gladly go back to being pregnant because it meant that I didn’t have an entire week every month where I could barely get up off the couch.
Thank goodness I don’t have to wish this anymore. Since finding the right tea for menstrual cramps, I’ve been able to experience relief from my angry muscle spasms.
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Which menstrual cramps tea flavor is your favorite? Let me know!