If you’re a tea lover, you probably know how a cup of tea can make you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. But did you know that tea can also help you cope with your menstrual cycle? Yes, you read that right. Tea and menstruation have a close connection that goes beyond just comfort and warmth. In fact, tea can play a vital role in promoting your well-being during ‘that’ time of the month.
In this article, we’ll explore how tea can benefit your menstruation health, what are the best teas for menstrual relief, how to create your own custom tea blends for menstrual wellness, and how to incorporate tea rituals into your self-care practices during periods.
So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive in!
The Science Behind Tea and Menstruation
To begin with, we’ll take a quick look into the science behind drinking tea for periods. Tea is not just a delicious beverage, it’s also a rich source of bioactive compounds that can have positive effects on your menstruation health. Some of these compounds are:
- Polyphenols: These are antioxidants that protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Polyphenols can also modulate the activity of enzymes involved in hormone metabolism, such as aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase. This tea compound may help balance your estrogen and testosterone levels, which can affect your menstruation cycle.
- Catechins: These are a type of polyphenol found mainly in green tea. Catechins have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which means they can reduce inflammation and pain. Catechins can also inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions and cramps.
- Flavonoids: These are another type of polyphenol found in various teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint. Flavonoids have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which means they can relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and reduce cramps. Flavonoids can also modulate the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, which may help improve your mood and reduce stress.
Several studies have shown that drinking tea can help reduce menstrual cramps, bloating, and mood swings:
- A study in 105 women with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) found that drinking green tea three times a day for two months significantly reduced pain intensity and duration compared with a placebo.
- A study in 180 women with primary dysmenorrhea found that drinking chamomile tea twice a day for one week before menstruation significantly reduced pain severity and distress compared with a placebo.
- A study in 60 women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) found that drinking ginger tea three times a day for seven days before menstruation significantly improved physical and psychological symptoms compared with a placebo.
As you can see, tea can be a natural ally for your menstrual health. But not all teas are created equal. Some teas have more benefits than others when it comes to menstrual relief.
The Best Tea for Menstruation Relief
There are many types of teas that can help you cope with your period symptoms. And to gain optimal effects, you should try drink them frequently throughout the day. Additionally, you may want to mix and match the different teas to gain the individual benefits. For example, you may want to drink chamomile before bed to help with relaxation, and ginger tea before meals to help with menstruation cramps. Here’s a list of some the most popular and effective teas for periods and how to enjoy the benefits:
1. Chamomile Tea
Firstly, one of the most soothing types of tea for menstruation, and one of the best all-round teas for many health problems. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and sedative effects, which can help ease cramps, bloating, and insomnia. Chamomile also contains glycine, an amino acid that relaxes the nerves and muscles. For a calming and fragrant Chamomile tea, try Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Herbal Leaf Tea.
Brewing Tips:
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water for 3–5 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, especially before bedtime.
Why not try our Lavender Chamomile Recipe for extra relaxation?
2. Ginger Tea
Another one of the most effective choices of tea for menstruation, ‘Ginger Tea’. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-nausea effects, which can help reduce cramps, pain, and nausea. Ginger also stimulates blood circulation and warms up the body, which can help relieve coldness and fatigue. For extra convenience, try FGO Organic Ginger Tea Bags.
Brewing Tips:
Peel and slice a small piece of fresh ginger root. Boil it in a cup of water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and add honey or lemon juice to taste. Drink 2–3 cups a day, preferably with meals.
Why not try our Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe for added benefits?
3. Peppermint Tea
This is one of the most refreshing types of herbal tea for menstruation. Peppermint has anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative effects, which can help relax the uterus, reduce inflammation, and expel gas. Peppermint also has menthol, a compound that activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin and mouth, creating a cooling sensation that can soothe headaches and hot flashes. Order Amazon’s best selling peppermint tea Organic Spearmint Leaf Tea Bags.
Brewing Tips:
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, as needed.
Why not try our Iced Cucumber Mint Tea for a refreshing and nutricious twist?
4. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Lastly, this is one of the most nourishing kinds of tea for menstruation. Raspberry leaf has astringent, tonic, and uterine-stimulating effects, which can help tone the uterus, regulate the menstrual cycle, and prevent excessive bleeding. Raspberry leaf also contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which can help replenish your blood and boost your immune system. We recommend a raspberry leaf tea with added vitamins such as Hyleys Women’s Tea for extra health benefits. Or ORIGEENS Organic Raspberry Loose Leaf Tea for a delicious and reasonably priced loose leaf option.
Brewing Tips:
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in a cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, starting from a week before your period until the end of your period.
You can also mix and match these teas to create your own blends, depending on your preferences and needs.
How Tea Affects Hormonal Balance During Menstruation
Not only is tea great for reducing the obvious physical symptoms, it can also help support your hormonal balance during menstruation. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various functions in your body, such as reproduction, metabolism, mood, and sleep.
During your menstrual cycle, your hormones fluctuate depending on the phase you’re in. Sometimes, these fluctuations can cause hormonal imbalances, which can lead to symptoms such as acne, weight gain, hair loss, irregular periods, or infertility.
How can tea help maintain a healthy hormonal balance?
- Detoxifying your liver: Your liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess hormones from your body. If your liver is overloaded with toxins, it may not be able to perform this function efficiently. Tea can help cleanse your liver and improve its function by stimulating bile production and enhancing antioxidant activity.
- Regulating your blood sugar: Your blood sugar levels affect your insulin levels, which in turn affect your sex hormone levels. If your blood sugar is too high or too low, it can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt your ovulation and menstruation. Tea can help regulate your blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.
- Modulating your estrogen: Estrogen is the main female sex hormone that controls your menstrual cycle. If your estrogen is too high or too low, it can cause menstrual irregularities, such as heavy bleeding, spotting, or amenorrhea (absence of periods). Tea can help modulate your estrogen by inhibiting aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, which convert other hormones into estrogen.
The Best Teas For Hormone-Regulation:
1. Green Tea
To begin with, this is one of the most researched teas for hormonal health. Green tea contains catechins, which can inhibit aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, reducing estrogen levels. Green tea can also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, lowering blood sugar levels.
Brewing Tips:
Steep 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for 2–3 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, preferably before meals.
Discover the Green Tea Benefits for Hair – How to Apply It & Why It Works.
2. Red Clover Tea
Another one of the most popular teas for hormonal health, Red Clover tea. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens that can mimic or block estrogen receptors in the body. It can help balance estrogen levels by increasing or decreasing them depending on the need.
Brewing Tips:
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried red clover flowers in a cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups a day, preferably between meals.
3. Licorice Root Tea
Lastly, this is one of the most potent teas for hormonal health. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can inhibit 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, which converts cortisol into cortisone. Licorice root can help balance cortisol levels by preventing its breakdown and increasing its availability.
Brewing Tips:
Boil 1 teaspoon of chopped licorice root in a cup of water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and add honey or lemon juice to taste. Drink 1–2 cups a day, preferably in the morning or afternoon.
You should consult with your doctor before drinking these teas if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications that may interact with them.
Custom Tea Blends for Menstruation Wellness
Once you’ve chosen your base tea, you can even add additional ingredients to increase the benefits more! Customization is one of the best things about drinking tea, as you can tweak it to suit your taste and mood. You can try create your own tea blends using different herbs, flowers, and spices that have beneficial effects on your menstruation health.
Try adding some of these ingredients to make your own period-soothing tea blends even better:
- Nettle: This is a mineral-rich herb that can help replenish your blood, support your liver, and reduce water retention. Nettle also has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effects, which can help with allergies and skin problems.
- Dandelion: This is a diuretic herb that can help flush out excess fluids and toxins from your body. Dandelion also has bitter and cholagogue effects, which can stimulate your digestion and bile production, helping with constipation and indigestion.
- Cinnamon: This is a warming spice that can help improve blood circulation and regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, which can help fight infections and inflammation.
- Lemon balm: This is a calming herb that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Lemon balm also has antiviral and antispasmodic effects, which can help with cold sores and cramps.
You can experiment with different proportions and combinations of ingredients to find what works best for you. You can also add honey, lemon juice, or milk to enhance the flavor and benefits of your tea blends.
Try some of these menstrual recipes for Inspiration!
- Soothing blend for cramps: Mix 1 part chamomile, 1 part ginger, and 1 part lemon balm. Steep in hot water for 5 minutes and drink as needed.
- Energizing blend for fatigue: Mix 1 part green tea, 1 part peppermint, and 1 part cinnamon. Steep in hot water for 3 minutes and drink in the morning or afternoon.
- Calming blend for mood swings: Mix 1 part raspberry leaf, 1 part nettle, and 1 part lavender. Steep in hot water for 10 minutes and drink in the evening or before bedtime.
Tea Rituals for Self-Care
Drinking tea is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental and emotional health. Tea can help you create a serene space where you can relax, reflect, and recharge during your period. It’s important to take it slow and practice mindfulness to avoid those emotional outbursts. Tea can be a great way to help bring you a sense of calm!
Try these ‘tea rituals’ to enhance your self-care practices during menstruation periods:
- Use beautiful teaware: Choose a teapot, cup, or mug that makes you happy. You can also use a strainer, infuser, or filter to brew loose leaf teas. Make sure to wash and dry your teaware after each use to keep it clean and hygienic.
- Light scented candles: Choose candles that have soothing aromas, such as lavender, vanilla, or jasmine. You can also use essential oils or incense sticks to create a pleasant atmosphere. Make sure to place the candles away from flammable materials and extinguish them when you’re done. You can try something like the popular Chesapeake Bay Scented Lavender & Thyme Candle for a calm and soothing period!
- Play calming music: Choose music that helps you relax, such as classical, ambient, or instrumental music. You can also listen to nature sounds, such as raindrops, ocean waves, or birdsong. Avoid music that is too loud or distracting.
- Practice mindfulness: While drinking your tea, pay attention to the sensations of smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound. Notice how the tea smells, tastes, feels, looks, and sounds. Observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them. Focus on the present moment and enjoy your tea.
- Meditate or journal: After drinking your tea, you can meditate or journal to deepen your self-awareness and self-compassion. You can use guided meditations, breathing exercises, or affirmations to calm your mind and body. You can also write down your thoughts, feelings, goals, or gratitude in a journal or notebook.
- Be gentle with yourself: Remember that your period is a natural and normal part of your life. Don’t feel guilty or ashamed for taking time to rest and care for yourself. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, especially during this sensitive time.
Conclusion:
As you can see, tea is more than just a drink. Tea is a natural remedy that can help you improve your menstruation health and well-being.
By drinking tea regularly, you can:
- Reduce menstrual cramps, bloating, and mood swings
- Explore different teas and create your own blends
- Incorporate tea rituals into your self-care practices
- Support your hormonal balance
So next time you’re on your period, don’t reach for the painkillers or chocolate bars. Reach for the teapot instead and brew your way to a better period!
Remember, your period is not a curse. It’s a blessing that reminds you of your femininity, creativity, and power. Embrace it with love and gratitude, and flourish with tea!
Discover more tea-related articles:
- How to Make a Tea Schedule for the Day: The Best Teas for Different Times of the Day
- How to Make Bath Bombs Using Tea: A Relaxing DIY Project
- Tea for Sickness: How to Brew the Perfect Cup for Your Symptoms
- The Perfect Match: How to Find the Best Books and Tea Pairings for Your Reading Mood
- Soursop Tea: A Tropical Treat with Amazing Health Benefits
Sources:
- Green Tea During Periods – Does Green Tea Delay Periods? | Lybrate
- The 8 Best Teas for Menstrual Cramps – Healthline
- The Benefits of Tea for Menstrual Health — Rosie Loves Tea
- Is Green Tea for Periods Helpful? – Be Bodywise
- Tea and Hormones: How Tea Can Help Balance Your Hormones Naturally
- How to Balance Your Hormones with Tea – Pique
- Photo by Cup of Couple
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