A cup of tea can fix anything, from a sad mood to a sore throat. But have you tried using it to soothe those painful menstrual cramps? Menstrual cramps also called dysmenorrhea are aches and pains that usually affect the lower abdomen that might radiate to the lower back and thighs. Cramps are a normal part of your period. Nevertheless, these cramps can be utterly painful and can inhibit you from performing day-to-day activities.
With the rise in PCOS, a very common hormone problem for women of childbearing age, it is all the more essential to make lifestyle changes that help in curbing stress levels.
While it is not possible to completely get rid of cramps, we can take active steps to manage them. Tea, when blended and brewed with the right ingredients, can be used to soothe yourself on days when menstrual cramps cause irritation and discomfort. While research suggests that painkillers are the go-to relief for most women, some prefer tea over medicines to help relieve cramps naturally, rather than using over-the-counter medications. Some research even supports the use of certain teas for menstrual cramps and the monthly bloating and discomfort it brings along.
Here's a look at 5 kinds of teas and tisanes that help forget those exasperating cramps in a natural way.
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Organic Tulsi Green tea With Ginger and Marigold (Ananda): Ananda is a certified organic blend that combines the goodness of green tea with tulsi, ginger and marigold to form a powerful, immunity boosting tea.
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Organic Chamomile and Lemongrass tea (Bliss): While it doesn’t appear to have a direct effect on menstrual cramps, it may help promote better sleep and reduce fatigue. It helps you get the much needed rest.
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Organic Spearmint and Peppermint Green tea (Marrakech): Peppermint is rich in menthol, a strong-smelling compound that offers several potential health benefits along with its cooling sensation. Although there’s no evidence to support the use of peppermint for menstrual cramps, anecdotal sources say the menthol may help reduce uterine contractions, thereby reducing cramping.
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Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Peppermint tisane (Santorini): Studies show that drinking thyme and rosemary tea helped decrease menstrual pain.
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Rooibos tea with licorice, sage & peppermint (Table Mountain): Rooibos Tea is a great natural alternative to medication for many ailments including menstrual cramps.
If you're considering using herbs and teas for menstrual cramps, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider first to weigh the pros and cons. This article is for informative purposes only.