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Introduction: Why choose teas for menstrual cycle relief?
Most women have been experiencing PMS since their early teens, and many spend years searching for solutions to common PMS-related side effects. Symptoms can vary widely, including mood swings, bloating, cramps, and fatigue.
While over-the-counter medications are available, some women prefer a natural approach to managing PMS, and herbal teas can be a soothing and effective option.
Myrtle & Maude's tea range can also help your support menstrual cycle wellness, that offer different benefits, the best thing to do is find one that is individually suited to your needs.
Brief history of herbal teas being used for their medicinal properties:
Herbal teas derive from Herbal medicine, also known as phytotherapy, botanotherapy, or botanical medicine, is the oldest known form of medicine and involves the use of plants for their therapeutic properties. It has a long and reputable history.
A herb is a plant that is prized for its flavour, scent, or therapeutic properties. Herbalists employ a wide range of plant parts, including leaves, stems, flowers, roots, bark, and berries, to both prevent and treat disease. The properties of the plants is something we can lean on for healing properties to help with everyday issues such as sleep, bloating, indigestion and anxiety.
We have chosen a few tea blends that can help your PMS that behold health and medicinal properties to help with those monthly problematic issues:
Green tea: benefits and precautions
Known for its unique and distinctive flavour, green tea also boasts many health benefits, as well as working as a potent remedy and one of the most popular natural remedies for menstrual pain. Green tea poses many more benefits for overall menstrual health too:
1. Reduced cramps
Some women find that the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Those pesky monthly menstrual cramps are often caused by the release of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins in the uterine muscles. Green tea's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce the intensity of cramps by minimising the inflammation and pain associated with menstruation.
2. Improved Mood
As well as the mind-numbing cramps, many women experience a negative impact on their mood during their menstrual cycle. The caffeine in green tea can provide a mild energy boost and potentially help with mood swings or fatigue during menstruation.
3. Hormone Balance
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea might have a role in hormone regulation, which can indirectly impact menstrual health, making it one of the most effective teas for hormonal balance.
4. Iron Absorption
Green tea contains compounds called tannins that can hinder the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods), which might be a concern for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. If you have an iron deficiency, you may want to be cautious about consuming green tea with meals.
Raspberry leaf tea: how it helps menstrual cycle
Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for various women's health purposes, including potentially providing relief from menstrual symptoms.
1. Uterine Tonic
Raspberry leaf tea is often referred to as a uterine tonic, meaning it may help tone and strengthen the uterine muscles, which is believed to reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps, making the pain associated with periods more manageable.
Myrtle & Maude's Raspberry Leaf Tea is certified Organic and vegan and is a natural solution to menstruation pain, top tip is to add a dash of honey or maple syrup!
2. Regulation of Menstrual Cycle
During your period, your body is awash with hormones including Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Oestrogen and Progesterone, all of which help to support the menstruation cycle. Raspberry leaf tea is believed by some to help regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormones, which can be especially beneficial for those with irregular periods or other cycle-related issues.
3. Iron Absorption
Raspberry leaf tea does not contain caffeine and, unlike black or green tea, does not interfere with iron absorption. This can be particularly important for individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding or iron deficiencies.
4. Overall Well-Being
Raspberry leaf tea is also considered a general health tonic and help promote overall well-being.
Chamomile Tea: a go-to for relaxation and pain relief
A popular herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, chamomile tea has been long hailed not only for its medicinal purposes, but also for its properties that are known to induce relaxation, which is certainly helpful when the symptoms of PMS strike:
1. Relaxation and Sleep
Chamomile tea is often consumed to promote relaxation and improve sleep. It contains compounds that have mild sedative effects, which can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Many women experience anxiety in the weeks leading up to their period, withresearch revealing that a high proportion of women are specifically anxious about periods at work.
Luckily, chamomile tea can help ease the anxiety associated with periods. Chamomile tea's calming effect is attributed to its key bioactive compound, apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
This soothing brew not only helps to ease the mind but also relaxes the muscles, contributing to an overall sense of tranquillity, making it one of the most perfect herbal teas for menstruation. When your mind is racing and your anxiety feels hard to manage, sleep can feel impossible. Luckily chamomile tea can reduce sleep-disturbing factors like anxiety and insomnia, helping to initiate and maintain a more peaceful slumber.
Its gentle nature makes it a suitable choice for those who may be sensitive to stronger sedatives or for individuals seeking a natural remedy to combat sleeplessness. Many people also find the ritual of brewing and sipping a warm cup of chamomile tea itself can be therapeutic, offering a moment of mindfulness and self-care, which can further enhance its relaxation and sleep-promoting benefits.
Peppermint Tea: easing digestive symptoms
Many women experience digestive symptoms or discomfort during their menstrual cycle. These symptoms can be attributed to hormonal changes and other factors associated with menstruation, and peppermint tea can provide gentle, comforting relief to such digestive issues:
1. Relief from Menstrual Cramps
Peppermint tea has muscle relaxant properties, which can help ease the uterine muscles and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Drinking peppermint tea during your period may provide relief from the discomfort and pain associated with menstruation, and studies have revealed that it can be just as effective as using anti-inflammatory drugs for some women.
2. Digestive Aid
Peppermint is known for its ability to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can help alleviate various digestive issues. It may provide relief from bloating, gas, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The relaxation of the gastrointestinal muscles can help reduce spasms and improve the flow of bile, which aids digestion.
3. Reduction of Nausea
Peppermint tea can help reduce feelings of nausea, which can be especially beneficial during menstruation when some women experience nausea or digestive discomfort as part of their premenstrual or menstrual symptoms.
At Myrtle & Maude we offer an 'Organic Peppermint & Ginger Herbal Tea'
Ginger Tea: anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation during the menstrual cycle is a common experience for many women. It can manifest in various ways and can be associated with both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the factors contributing to inflammation during the menstrual period include hormonal changes, the release of prostaglandins, and the body's immune response.
Ginger tea is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural remedy to alleviate inflammation in the body. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and other bioactive molecules, are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Expert Opinions: What healthcare providers say
Herbal teas are a wholly natural solution for period relief, but that’s not to say that they are always 100% safe. Depending on dosage and your own health profile, you need to manage and observe the way that herbal tea makes you feel and perhaps adjust your dosage accordingly. The NHS has cited individuals who should be cautious when using herbal solutions, as well as potential side effects of using any herbal medications.
Risks and precautions
Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to specific herbs used in herbal teas. It's crucial to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities you may have and carefully read the ingredients on herbal tea labels to avoid potential allergens.
Herbal teas can interact with medications you may be taking. For example, some herbal teas can interact with blood-thinning medications, hormone therapies, or other drugs. Consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure there are no interactions with your medications.
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile and ginger, are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, not all herbal teas are safe for expectant or nursing mothers. Always seek guidance from a healthcare provider before using herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The quality and purity of herbal teas can vary widely. Ensure you purchase herbal teas from reputable sources to minimise the risk of contaminants or adulterants.
Conclusion: Final thoughts on teas for menstrual cycle
It’s clear that herbal teas offer a myriad of benefits, and choosing one that is well-suited to your specific PMS symptoms is the best way to alleviate them, ensuring that the pain of periods doesn’t prevent you from getting on with your life.
Just remember, natural solutions need to be taken with care too, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider if you make any drastic changes to your lifestyle involving herbal medications.
