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Period and PMS symptoms can vary widely in intensity, with some experiencing only minor discomfort, while others contend with severe disruptions to their daily routines. Mild discomfort, such as occasional cramps or bloating, can often be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and is considered normal. However, when symptoms consistently veer toward the severe end of the spectrum, it’s a potential warning sign indicating an underlying issue, often associated with excessive inflammation.
Either way, these teas may help reduce your discomfort. Do not underestimate the healing potential of herbs. Throughout history, herbs have served as valuable remedies, offering relief from symptoms and sometimes even aiding in the cure of various ailments.
They are not a cure-all, but can certainly be a part of a plan to help bring your cycles back into balance. Besides each tea, I have listed the main symptoms they may help with.
7 Teas for Your Period Symptoms
1. Lemon Balm (anxiety, mood, PMS and bloating)
Lemon balm is a herb from the mint family. It naturally helps support the digestive system with its carminative properties — which means it can help with bloating and gas. Lemon balm can help reduce tightness in your tummy and increase circulation.
Its star qualities are its nervine, sedative, and thymoleptic features. This means it can help reduce feelings of nervousness, tension, stress, anxiety, and low mood helping you shift into a more relaxed parasympathetic state, without inducing sleepiness. Especially if you experience a nervous stomach where butterflies are present.
In the week or two before your period, anxiety, nervousness, digestive disturbances, and feeling more down appear more frequently. This would be a great time for this tea or tincture as it can counteract low spirits and raise mood!
NOTE: Lemon balm is a great cooling remedy to help lower body temperature if you feel hot and irritated ( refrigerant property). It can also help with symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but I would avoid it if you are hypothyroid, as it may decrease serum and pituitary levels of TSH.
2. Passion Flower (anxiety and insomnia)
Passion Flower tea’s calming and anxiety-reducing properties can be particularly beneficial in the days leading up to your period and during menstruation. Many of you experience heightened stress, mood swings, and sleepless nights during this time. Like lemon balm, passion flower tea can help stabilize moods and alleviate premenstrual tension, providing a sense of emotional balance and promoting better sleep.
Using a tincture of this herb, which uses alcohol or glycerine to extract the medicinal properties of passionflower, likely will be stronger and act faster. I’ve read many women like to rely on this herb for social anxiety and stressful situations. Be cautious, as this herb may cause drowsiness.
3. Dandelion Root (water retention, acne and constipation)
YES, this weed offers a trifecta of benefits for those navigating the challenges of PMS, menstruation, and acne.
Dandelion leaf is one of the top diuretics, it can help reduce bloating and water retention commonly experienced during PMS and menstruation. This can provide a sense of relief and help manage the discomfort associated with abdominal bloating.
Secondly, dandelion root and leaf tea are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support overall skin health. Its detoxifying properties may aid in clearing toxins from the body, potentially reducing the severity of acne breakouts often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
Lastly, dandelion root is an effective cleanser for all organs of elimination, like the colon, kidneys, and liver. This tea can assist in liver function, which plays a crucial role in hormonal balance. A well-functioning liver can help regulate hormones more effectively, potentially reducing the severity of PMS symptoms and acne.
4. Ginger (digestion and bloating)
Ginger tea is a classic for soothing stomachs, better digestion, and nausea. It can help stimulate digestive enzymes to help break down food properly, leading to less bloat. This root also acts as an antispasmodic to help relieve cramping.
It has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe menstrual cramps and reduce prostaglandins. High inflammatory prostaglandins are associated with an increase in menstrual pain. This is my favorite tea to drink daily.
5. Spearmint (acne and PCOS)
Spearmint tea has a superpower for PCOS and those with higher androgens (the male hormone). This can be a factor in acne, irregular cycles, PCOS, and hirsutism (an increase in body hair in unwanted places).
Spearmint tea can help to naturally reduce androgens by reducing free testosterone. High androgen levels can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum (skin oil), which can clog pores and contribute to acne. Spearmint tea’s anti-androgenic properties may help reduce sebum production, leading to clearer skin.
Inflammation is a common factor in both acne and PCOS. Spearmint tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation. Some studies also suggest that spearmint tea may help improve insulin sensitivity, which can be very beneficial for women with PCOS.
6. Red Raspberry (uterine tonic)
Red raspberry leaf tea has gained popularity in the realm of women’s health, and for good reason. It has actually been used for centuries, as early as the 1500s to help prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy and labor. While it may not directly alter the menstrual cycle or symptoms, it offers a range of potential advantages for overall reproductive well-being.
One noteworthy benefit is its ability to tone and strengthen the uterine muscles, which can be particularly valuable for individuals dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding or painful cramps. Additionally, some natural health proponents suggest that red raspberry leaf tea may aid in hormonal balance, potentially leading to more regular and less discomforting periods for some women.
Packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins C and E, calcium, and iron, this herbal infusion provides valuable support during menstruation. Drinking throughout the luteal phase and period can help naturally support your cycle.
7. Nettle (nutrient tonic period)
Derived from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant, this herbal infusion boasts an array of potential benefits that can make your period a more manageable experience.
Nettle tea is a fantastic source of iron, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy blood levels, especially if you deal with heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, it provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium.
One of the standout features of nettle tea is its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease the discomfort of period cramps and reduce bloating. Furthermore, as a mild diuretic, it aids in alleviating water retention, a common woe during menstruation.
Conclusion
There you have it, seven teas you can choose to incorporate into your daily routine to help you rid of annoying menstrual symptoms — from acne to PCOS, cramps, digestion, to heavy bleeding.
You can even experiment with crafting herbal fusions to address multiple symptoms at once, creating a delicious and effective blend.
To maximize the medicinal benefits of your tea, consider using a teapot with a lid while your brew steeps; this helps retain the valuable volatile oils that enhance its healing properties.
