The 8 best teas for menstruation cramps.
Thanks to their characteristics, these teas can both prevent and relieve menstrual cramps.
Every month, the woman gets her period. Although it is a natural process, it can become uncomfortable, especially as the discomfort is accompanied by menstrual cramps and pain, which make the situation worse.
There are women who do not feel anything, and others who suffer so much pain that it does not allow them to get out of bed for at least a day.
While there are multiple methods to regulate menstrual cramps (such as physical activity, putting a cushion of hot seeds on top of the belly, etc.), infusions usually provide a sense of well-being, relaxation and comfort.
It has long been known that infusions have properties to stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles.
This has a positive impact on the menstruating body, as it helps to relax the uterine musculature, decreasing the intensity of the contractions that are affecting the period.
What are the causes of menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea?
Among the factors that are related to the presence of cramps during the menstrual period, we differentiate between those of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
This is a common situation that most women experience at some point in their lives.
The main risk factor is age. In this sense, colic is more common before the age of 20 and improves as a woman ages.
Other risk factors would include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Family history of dysmenorrhea.
- Nuliparity (never having had children).
- Menarche (first menstruation) before the age of 12.
- Bulky menstruation or lasting several days.
- Causes or risk factors of secondary dysmenorrhea
- Use of the IUD birth control.
- Endometriosis.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Cervical canal stenosis (opening of the cervix so small that it prevents the menstrual flow from leaving).
Related article: What tea is good for muscles?
How long does colic last?
Lancinating pain or cramping, which may be serious, in the lower abdomen.
The pain begins 1 to 3 days before the period, peaks 24 hours after the beginning of the period and diminishes in 2 to 3 days.
The 7 best teas for menstruation cramps + recipes.
Chamomile tea
Is the most used to relieve menstrual discomfort since it has multiple properties.
It relieves, relaxes, reduces inflammation and also helps to fall asleep at night, with which, it is very beneficial.
Perhaps one of the best teas for menstruation cramps.
Ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons dried chamomile leaves (10 grams).
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters).
Preparation.
- Add a cup of water to a pot and let it boil.
- Add the dried chamomile leaves and let them infuse for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, strain and consume.
- You can sweeten it to taste, preferably with honey or whole cane sugar.
Ginger tea.
Ginger root can relieve menstrual cramping as it boasts antispasmodic properties. That is, it helps muscle contractions to be reduced, and improves or regulates the flow of menstruation.
- Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (10 grams).
- 1 cinnamon stick.
- The juice of 1/2 lemon.
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters)
- Preparation
- Add the ginger zest and cinnamon in the water and bring to a boil.
- Let it infuse for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice to the hot water.
- Remove the ginger zest and cinnamon sprig and serve in a cup.
- It is advised not to drink too hot. You can consume up to 3 cups of this tea a day.
Related article: What Teas Help Hot Flashes Relief.
Parsley tea.
Parsley has many medicinal uses.
Although there is no scientific evidence to confirm that parsley contains components with significant health benefits, it is considered one of the best teas relieving menstrual cramps.
Ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves (20 grams).
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters).
- Optional: honey and lemon juice.
Preparation.
- Place the fresh parsley in a cup and add boiling water.
- Let stand for about five minutes.
- Strain and you will be ready to drink.
- It is very effective to take it three times a day for the first two days of your period.
Rosemary Tea
The infusion of rosemary not only helps menstrual cramps, but is a rich source of iron.
Because of its medicinal properties, rosemary is good for regulating menstrual periods.
Ingredients.
1 or 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary grass (5 or 10 grams).
1 cup water (250 milliliters).
Preparation.
- Heat the water and, when boiling begins, add the rosemary
- Let the decoction, take place for 3 minutes.
- Then, turn off the heat, cover the pot and leave to rest for 8 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten to taste.
- You can take two to three cups of rosemary infusion a day.
Valerian tea.
Valerian tea is known for its analgesic and antispasmodic properties, making it a good choice to treat menstrual pain.
Ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon of valerian root (10 grams).
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters).
Preparation.
- Put the water on the fire and, before it comes to a boil, add the valerian root.
- Cover and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
- Finally, strain and drink the tea.
- This infusion can be sweetened to taste, either with honey or sugar.
Basil tea.
Basil is a plant that has analgesic properties that could be useful when relieving mild menstrual cramps.
On the other hand, having a delicious aroma, it comforts the person while drinking it.
Ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon basil leaves (10 grams).
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters).
Preparation.
- Boil the water with the basil leaves.
- Let it sit for about two minutes and consume.
- You can drink basil tea every two hours to forget about cramps and feel good in those days.
Related article: Are teas ok during pregnancy?
Fennel tea.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are very useful.
With fennel you can also prepare an infusion and relieve those annoying colic thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (5 grams).
- 1 cup water (250 milliliters).
Preparation.
- Add the fennel seeds in the water and boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, strain and consume.
- The hotter you drink it, the better the results. If you take it for three days before the arrival of the period, it would mitigate the pain.
Sage tea.
A well known best teas for menstruation cramps.
Due to its diuretic action, sage prevents fluid retention and the appearance of PMS symptoms, such as irritability and headaches. It is recommended to take one cup of this infusion every day before menstruation.
Ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon of whole or crushed sage leaves (10 grams).
- 4 cups of water (1 liter).
Preparation.
- Heat the water and, when it comes to a boil, add the leaves.
- Bring to a boil for 10 to 12 minutes.
- After the indicated time, remove from the heat and let stand.
- Strain and consume
- You can add sweeteners like honey if you feel the taste is very bitter.
Related article: What are the health benefits of peach tea?
Premenstrual syndrome and its symptoms.
PMS is physical symptoms that can be experienced a few days before you have your period.
This is due to the hormonal changes your body experiences during the menstrual cycle.
But it is not something universal, nor does it always happen.
There are women who suffer from dysmenorrhea in each cycle, some only occasionally, and others never experience these symptoms.
This syndrome can occur in two ways: the one that affects the physical part and the one that affects the emotional part. They can even happen both at the same time.
Physical symptoms include:
- Tenderness, swelling, and breast pain.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Being hungrier than usual.
- Problems in the dermis, such as the appearance of pimples.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Weight gain.
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and belly.
- Menstrual cramps and pain in the abdomen.
- Tiredness and need to sleep more.
- Muscle and joint pain.
As for emotional symptoms, you may experience the following:
- Changes in mood.
- Sudden urge to cry.
- Sadness, tension, anxiety, or depression.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Trouble falling asleep.
- Feeling more irritated and angry than usual.
- Changes in sexual desire.
- Little desire to socialize.
Related article: 10 Excellent Teas For Women’s Health. 2021.
*Affiliate links are used in this post, which means I get a small commission from purchases made by you at no extra cost to you. Click here for the full disclaimer.