Sip Away the Pain: Discover The Best Tea for Period Cramps !

Are you often suffering from menstrual pain? Cramping during the menstrual cycle is a very common situation. This includes intense lower abdominal pain occurring just before or during periods. Great news, though, tea is one of the best solutions for abdominal cramps caused by menstrual pains. In this article, we hope to help you find out the answer to what the best tea for period cramps specifically for you is.

Symptoms of Period or Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are intense pains in the lower abdomen, and most women have these cramps just before and at the start of their periods. 

The most common symptoms of menstrual cramps include such things as ;

1. Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen
2. Pain that starts 1-3 days before period
3. Dull, continuous ache
4. Pain that radiates to lower back and thighs
5. Headache
6. Loose stool
7. Upset stomach
8. Nausea
9. Dizziness

What Causes Them?

Prostaglandins are the substance that cause menstrual pains. A higher level of Prostaglandins means more severe menstrual cramps. 

The list of causes includes:

1. Endometriosis - Tissue that acts similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – pain caused by a sexually transmitted bacteria
4. Adenomyosis – pain due to the growth of the tissue that lines the uterus into the muscular walls of the uterus
5. Cervical stenosis – the pain due to a small opening of the cervix

Endometriosis

It is a disease caused by the presence of tissue resembling the lining of the uterus outside the uterus. There are different types, mainly according to the places where it is found ;

1. superficial endometriosis is found mainly in the pelvic peritoneum
2. cystic ovarian endometriosis (endometrioma) found in the ovaries
3. deep endometriosis found in the recto-vaginal septum, bladder, and bowel
4. in rare cases, endometriosis has also been found outside the pelvis

Symptoms associated with endometriosis includes painful periods, Chronic Pelvic Pain, painful bowel movements, painful urination, and more.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a disease in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones. Usually, this compound is present in women’s bodies in small amounts. PCOS causes numerous small cysts or fluid-filled sacs, in the ovaries. These cysts make hormones and androgens at higher levels. Some symptoms of PCOS may include missed periods, irregular periods, excess body hair, weight gain, infertility, acne or oily skin, etc.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. These fibroids are made with muscle and fibrous tissues. Most women do not experience any symptoms of this condition and only 1 in 3 may get the symptoms of fibroids. Furthermore, the symptoms may include heavy periods, painful periods, tummy pain, lower back pain, a frequent need to urinate, constipation, etc. Some serious conditions of fibroids are infertility and complications of pregnancy. Fibroids are one of the causes of an enlarged uterus.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of a woman’s reproductive organs is called PID. This is generally caused by some sexually transmitted diseases. There are no tests for PID, and sometimes you may not experience any symptoms either. However, if you experience the symptoms, those would be like below;

1. Pain in lower abdomen
2. Burning sensation when you urinate
3. Bleeding between periods
4. Unusual virginal discharge from the vagina with a bad smell

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is another condition that causes menstrual cramps and lower abdominal pressure. And also sometimes it causes bloating before the periods and heavy period flow. Commonly, it can be found in middle-aged women and mothers. Especially women who had prior uterine surgeries may be at risk of developing Adenomyosis. Furthermore, some studies have concluded that various hormones like estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and follicle may trigger this condition.

What Are the Risk Factors of Menstrual Cramps?

There are many risk factors associated with painful menstrual cramps;

1. Inability to bear a baby
2. Having a too-low or too-high body weight (underweight or obese)
3. A smoking habit can worsen the situation
4. Stress 

Explore The Best Tea for Period Cramps

As discussed above, cramping is very painful, and it makes you uneasy and uncomfortable. Certain tea types support overcoming menstrual cramps and they will help to alleviate your pain. Even though there is not much evidence to prove that these teas are the best tea for period cramps, since they are all safe to consume, you can try them. Mainly, teas like Ginger, Green tea, Chamomile, Fennel, and Cinnamon are the ones that help alleviate menstrual cramps.

Ginger Tea

The pungent, spicy ginger root is the main ingredient in Ginger Tea. It is a common home remedy for menstrual cramps. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of Ginger may help to reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps. Moreover, the studies also show that most women use Ginger during their period to reduce pain. 

Green Tea

Made with Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to make Black tea. Its anti-inflammatory effect may help to reduce bloating. Some of the studies also show that drinking green tea helps to decrease menstrual pain compared to other types of tea.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has a mild floral taste and the main component of tea is chamomile flowers. It reduces the risk of severe menstrual problems. Moreover, Chamomile has the ability to promote better sleep and reduce fatigue. As poor sleep leads to severe menstrual problems, chamomile is beneficial to minimize menstrual issues. 

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is made with dried cinnamon, and it has a sweet, warm, mildly spicy flavor. Further, Cinnamon tea will reduce the uncomfortable bloating that happens during the menstrual cycle. And also, Cinnamon has the ability to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS may cause poor blood sugar regulation and menstrual irregularities. Some researches shows that Cinnamon tea may reduce inflammation and nausea too. 

Cramp Bark Tea

Cramp Bark is a tall, flowering shrub that is native to Europe. And it also grows well in the United States and Canada. Cramp bark has been used traditionally to treat period cramps and muscle cramps. Furthermore, the research indicates it may help prevent kidney stones. 

The name Cramp Bark comes from its use as a pain treatment for menstrual cramps. Meanwhile, it will help relax muscles and blood vessels, and ultimately, it will relieve pain and reduce blood pressure. 

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea helps to cleanse the liver and it helps to cleanse the excess estrogen in your body. Furthermore, Dandelion tea has a bitter taste, so it mixes with other herbal teas. 

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Red Raspberry leaf tea has a mild taste that is similar to black tea. Generally, Red Raspberry Leaf tea is used for many health-related issues associated with women. Especially because it helps the uterus to be stronger and has the ability to stimulate uterine contractions. Equally, Red Raspberry tea contains tannin, which has a toning effect on the uterus while also helping to relieve cramps and menstrual pains. This tea is well known as a remedy for heavy bleeding and irregular periods. However, this is one of the best tea for period cramps.

Spearmint Tea

Spearmint tea is a popular herbal remedy for those who suffer from painful cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It has antispasmodic properties that can help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms. The soothing mint effect of spearmint tea can also help to relax the muscles, making it an ideal choice for relieving PMS-related pain.

Final Thoughts

About 90% of women suffer from menstrual symptoms like cramps, anxiety, bloating, fatigue, joint pains, aches, digestion issues, and so on. During the menstrual period, you cannot stay comfortable, and anything that gives you relief would be worth it. Especially teas such as Ginger, Green tea, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cramp bark, Dandelion, Raspberry leaf, and Spearmint may help to soothe the cramps while making you comfortable. As with all consumables, though,  these teas are only helpful in the right conditions and timing. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please consult with your healthcare provider first before drinking any of these teas.