We don't have to tell you how debilitating period pain can be. That's why we're sharing the best tea for menstrual cramps starting right now.
Whether you're killing it in the office or rocking life at home, you can't let menstrual cramps get in your way. Of course, you could pop a few over-the-counter pain killers, but then you're loading your body up with chemicals.
Those chemicals can have adverse side effects, like liver damage, which is no joke. But just because you don't want to pack your body full of chemicals doesn't mean you have to suffer.
In this guide, we'll quickly show you how to fight menstrual cramp pain with a variety of teas.
What causes menstrual cramps?
Before we get to our 3 teas every mom, lady boss, and an awesome gal can't do without, let's take a moment to discuss what causes menstrual cramps to begin with.
We could get pretty technical about this, but the simple explanation is prostaglandins and endometrium are to blame.
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, which gets expelled from your body during each cycle. The amount of endometrium can contribute to cramping.
Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation, which leads to pain. Unfortunately, some women just have more of this nasty culprit.
For 10% of women, period pain is so bad that it keeps them from living life for up to three days a month. That's like having to take a month off every year just for cramps!
Why should I drink tea for menstrual cramps?
Inflammation is the main factor that we can change during our cycles, and that's precisely what certain teas tackle. Anti-inflammatory teas can keep you from loading up on NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen), which can be great news for your stomach or if you're sensitive to them.
Turmeric Tea for Menstrual Cramps
Turmeric can stop inflammation in its tracks. But it can have a strong flavor on its own, which is why we have a recipe for you to try.
Heat one cup of milk on the stove. Once it's simmering, pull it off the heat and add:
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- Stevia (to taste)
You might recognize some of the other ingredients from our list of teas that can help you survive your next period.
Ginger Tea for Cramp Relief
Ginger also inhibits prostaglandins. Like turmeric, it can be a strong flavor, so we recommend trying it with some honey or lemon.
Ginger tea can be pretty powerful. Just 1/8 of a teaspoon is as powerful as leading drugs for period pains.
Many supermarkets and tea shops sell ginger lemon tea, for example, so this is an easy one to pick up. Just brew and enjoy.
Cinnamon for the Win
Cinnamon is a double-action phenomenon. Not only does it put inflammation on hold, but it can battle muscle spasms.
To enjoy both of these benefits, take a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, and steep it in boiling water for ten minutes. You can also buy cinnamon tea bags, which only need to steep for about three minutes.
If the flavor is too strong, you can sweeten it with honey.
Don't Let Menstrual Cramps Keep You Down and Out
Women have been drinking tea for menstrual cramps for centuries because it works and it's safe. If you've got your personal care all set for your next menstrual cycle, add one or more of these teas to your routine.
Less pain means you'll feel better. When you feel good, you can get the most out of life.
Which of these teas is your favorite cramp-fighter? Let us know in the comments!
