Five teas that help relieve menstrual cramps
1. Burdock tea
Burdock tea is a good remedy for severe menstrual cramps. The arginine content in burdock tea helps regulate female hormones. Drinking burdock tea regularly can be effective in alleviating irregular menstruation and menstrual pain through hormone regulation. However, burdock has a cooling property, so excessive consumption may cause stomach upset or diarrhea, so caution is advised. Additionally, burdock tea is known to cause uterine contractions, so it is not recommended for pregnant women to drink.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea helps alleviate menstrual pain and promotes relaxation for better sleep, making it a good choice during severe menstrual discomfort. Since ancient times, the Romans used chamomile tea as an herbal remedy due to its numerous health benefits. The apigenin in chamomile has been shown to relieve sleep disorders and menstrual pain symptoms. A study conducted in Iran on chamomile and menstrual pain found that women who drank two cups of chamomile tea daily before and during their menstrual period experienced reduced menstrual pain. However, since chamomile contains anti-inflammatory compounds, pregnant women are advised not to consume it.
3. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus is a tea that has been used as a herbal remedy in Asia and the Middle East for a long time, and it offers many health benefits. The rich plant-based estrogen diadzein in hibiscus tea helps women alleviate menstrual pain and irregularities. Additionally, when stress becomes severe, women tend to experience more intense menstrual pain and irregularities. Hibiscus tea can help relieve such stress and promote smooth hormone metabolism, thereby improving menstrual-related symptoms in women. However, hibiscus tea can affect estrogen levels, so pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid drinking it. Furthermore, since hibiscus tea has a blood pressure-lowering effect, sensitive individuals or those preparing for surgery should avoid it.
4. Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon is one of the most famous spices worldwide. Cinnamon tea can be made directly from cinnamon itself or added to other favorite teas. Cinnamon tea warms the body when cold and is effective in relieving menstrual pain. In particular, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that activate gastrointestinal movement and help alleviate menstrual pain, reducing uncomfortable bloating caused by menstruation. Cinnamon tea is especially effective against inflammation and helps with pain. Additionally, cinnamon tea warms the uterus and promotes smooth blood circulation, making it particularly beneficial for women who feel cold or have irregular periods.
5. Ginger tea
Ginger tea is highly effective due to the benefits of ginger's gingerol and shogaol components, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, helping to reduce menstrual pain. Ginger tea, with its warm nature, boosts immunity and is widely loved as a tea to prevent colds during seasonal changes. A research team from Asan Hoseo University studied 600 women and found that the group consuming ginger powder experienced greater pain relief compared to the group that did not. Additionally, the group taking ginger showed similar reductions in menstrual pain as those taking medication for menstrual pain relief. It was discovered that ginger tea is as effective as painkillers in reducing menstrual pain. However, since ginger tea has the property of expelling cold from the body, people with a lot of internal heat or high blood pressure should be cautious when drinking it.