Ward Off The Period Cramps With This Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
- Ria Baidya
Red Raspberry leaf tea can be your ultimate answer for the agony of period cramps.
The female body has to go through lots of changes in every passing stage of womanhood. Menstruation is a crucial phase in every woman’s life. Though it is a steppingstone for girls, it also comes with its share of agony. Many women have to go through excruciating cramps during these days of the month. These pains are generally referred to as period cramps. Most of us resort to painkillers like Tylenol and Ibuprofen or other non-medicinal methods like hot waterbags and light exercises to somehow quell the pain. But there are times when nothing works. To begin with an effective remedy, we need to understand why our body reacts to such discomfort during our menstrual cycle.
Why Are Cramps So Painful?
Mild period cramps are a natural phenomenon that happens to almost every woman. It usually occurs during the initial days of the cycle and lasts for a day or two. This happens when the uterus contracts to help shed the blood lining which elevates the pain. Mainly a hormone-like gland, named prostaglandins, is associated with the trigger of this inflammation. The higher the levels of this gland the more severe the pain will be.
How Raspberry Leaf Can Be Effective?
How To Make Red Raspberry Tea?
Ingredients:
Raspberry Leaf Tea Reduces Labor:
In ancient times, midwives used to offer leaf tea to the women during delivery as it helps in reducing the labor pain.
It offers women with strength to bear the pain and conceive easily.
Many studies repeatedly suggest that women should drink raspberry leaves tea before delivery for ease. It is again because of the pelvic muscles of the uterus that get stronger with good blood flow.
Raspberry is one of the herbs for pregnancy and childbirth.
The tea lessens the pre and post complications of childbirth.
What Is Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is exactly what it sounds like: tea made from the leaves of red raspberries. It can be found anywhere from health stores to your local Target. Raspberry leaf can also come in a pill or supplement format, but the tea is easily the most affordable way to ingest it.
When I read more about the tea, I discovered that raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries by midwives to help women at various points during their fertility cycle. Dr. Diana Ramos, an OB/GYN and co-chair of the National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, says that many herbalists have dubbed raspberry leaf tea the womens herb.
So, what are the alleged benefits? The combination of fragarine, an alkaloid in raspberries, and tannins, a naturally occurring polyphenol often found in wine, are known for treating PMS symptoms, particularly cramping, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Fragarine is known to help tone and tighten muscles in the pelvic region, thereby assisting with the cramps caused by spasms of these muscles, Dr. Ramos says. Meanwhile, tannins are believed to strengthen the uterus, mitigating heavy and irregular bleeding during the menstrual cycle.
Two additional ingredients that come into play are calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are also a factor in preventing muscle spasms and therefore preventing PMS cramping, Dr. Ramos explains.
Also Check: Does Snapple Diet Peach Tea Have Caffeine
The Benefits Of Raspberry Leaf Tea And Why I Drink It Twice A Day
It is no secret that I am a longtime lover of coffee but I have recently had a sparked love for herbal teas. I love drinking hot tea in the mornings before breakfast and at night before I wind down for bed. There is just something about herbal teas that are so relaxing to me.
Recently, I have been drinking Raspberry Leaf tea and I am loving it! My naturopath suggested I include this tea into my routine on a daily basis for its many wonderful benefits and once I started seeing results, I was hooked.
When To Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf can help support your body at any time of life, but we’d recommend drinking it at certain times in particular.
Raspberry leaf to help PMS symptoms
If you suffer from cramps during your period, raspberry leaf can really help reduce this. Drink our Over the Moon tea in the week leading up to your period, to help strengthen your muscles and reduce cramping. Also have a cup when cramping hits as it can help soothe this.
Raspberry leaf to support fertility
Raspberry leaf has also been linked to supporting fertility, whether you’re undergoing IVF or TTC, raspberry leaf tea can be drunk as part of a low caffeine diet, to help strengthen your uterine muscles. A great example of how one lady used it before IVF is here. We’d recommend our Over the Moon tea as the best blend to support anyone TTC.
Raspberry leaf to prepare for labour in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy
From 32 weeks of pregnancy, you can drink raspberry leaf to help prepare for labour. The fragerine will help strengthen your uterine muscles and studies have shown that this can lead to a shorter second stage of labour and also statistically lead to fewer interventions in birth. Our The Final Push tea is the perfect optionto drink from 32 weeks.
Raspberry leaf to help with heavy flow and irregular periods during perimenopause
Don’t Miss: Iced Vanilla Oat Milk Latte
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Side Effects
Raspberry leaf tea has few side effects and everyone can take it, including children. That said, you might experience the following problems when you drink raspberry leaf tea:
- Loose stools
- Higher concentration of Braxton Hicks
If you experience these effects, stop drinking this tea or reduce your intake. Although raspberry leaf tea is popular during pregnancy.
Especially when the due date approaches, there is evidence that it may cause problems in some pregnant women.
In a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes developed hypoglycemia after drinking tea at 32 weeks gestation.
For safety reasons, whenever you drink the tea, consult with a doctor, especially if you are pregnant, as its effects could cause discomfort.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission for any purchases made using them. For more info
Thanks a million!!!!!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. MYTEASHACK.COM does not claim responsibility for this information.
Drinks To Help Period Cramps
Checked and approved by: Dr Anne Henderson, Consultant Gynaecologist, British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist, Medico-legal expert MA MB BChir MRCOG
Period cramps can be hard to put up with every month but, good news, you dont have to! Read my blog and watch my video below to find out 6 great drinks that can help your painful period cramps.
Read Also: Can You Still Get Period Cramps While Pregnant
Read Also: Where To Buy Organic Green Tea Leaves
Yogi Tea Herbal Womans Raspberry Leaf
This tea blend was specifically formulated to support the womans system. Containing pure raspberry leaf, the tea works effectively to tighten the abdomen and reinforce it against the pangs of menstrual cramps.
When it comes to taste and fragrance, the tea emphasizes the natural flavor of raspberry which can be readily enjoyed through both the taste and scent of the steeped tea. Each individual tea bag can be used for up to two cups of tea, which makes it an economical choice on top of being an effective remedy against menstrual cramps.
Coming with its own natural sweetness, the Yogi Herbal Tea Womens Raspberry Leaf is one of the most palatable teas on the list. The only concern some consumers have is that the heightened sweetness could be indicative of added ingredients.
When To Contact A Doctor
A person may wish to speak with a doctor if home remedies do not help reduce cramps or if they are experiencing very severe cramping.
A doctor can suggest other home remedies to try or prescribe medications, such as birth control pills or some types of pain reliever, to manage the symptoms.
Other symptoms that may warrant contacting a doctor include:
- cramps that get worse over time or with age
- severe pain or discomfort
- cramps that interfere with daily life
These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, for which a doctor will be able to suggest an effective treatment.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home remedies for menstrual cramps.
You May Like: What Is The Teas Test Consist Of
What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea
The lack of research on raspberry leaf tea means that experts dont know everything about its possible side effects. So what is known? Red raspberry leaf tea is thought to:
-
Have a diuretic effect. As if you arent running to the bathroom enough already, raspberry leaf tea could make you have to pee even more.
-
Affect your bowels. Anecdotally, many users say that drinking raspberry leaf tea has a laxative effect. But research seems to suggest that it could help treat diarrhea.
-
Possibly increase the chance of miscarriage in the first trimester. Since it might have the potential to trigger contractions if you drink it in large quantities , its prudent to avoid drinking red raspberry leaf tea early in your pregnancy.
Side Effects And Risks Of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is generally considered safe. But as with any herbal supplement, its a good idea to let your doctor know youre using it and consider potential risks.
Some animal studies have shown red raspberry leaf is toxic at high doses. But in human research, red raspberry leaf tea has not been shown to cause either harm or benefit.
Red raspberry leaf tea may also have a laxative and diuretic effect and lead to a lot of bathroom visits.
Since research is lacking, your healthcare professional may also caution you against using red raspberry leaf tea while pregnant especially if you have complications.
You may be asked to avoid the tea if you:
- have a history or premature labor
- have placenta previa
- have gestational diabetes
- are pregnant with twins
If you decide to drink the tea while pregnant, research suggests drinking 1 to 3 cups a day is safe. Some claim the tea can cause contractions. So if youre concerned about preterm labor, it might be safer to drink it in the third trimester. When in doubt ask your midwife or doctor for advice about timing with pregnancy and labor.
If youre pregnant and drinking red raspberry leaf tea before youre full-term, stop drinking the tea if you start having strong Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Read Also: Is Green Tea Good For Burning Fat
Fennel Tea For Cramps
Known for its anti-carminative properties, fennel tea is one of the effective teas that can reduce periods cramps. It is made from the seeds of the fennel plant. People have been using fennel seeds and fennel tea as an ingredient in traditional medicines to treat digestive issues like gas and bloating. Fennel tea reduces menstrual cramps by decreasing the inflammation.
I Drank Raspberry Leaf Tea Everyday For Three Months And Here’s What Happened
If you are someone who suffers from intense period cramps, you are going to want to read this one.
For as long as I could remember I have always dreaded my period because of the intense pain it always came with. As someone who suffers from a hormonal imbalance and intense period cramps, I have always searched for something that would help subside the pain I endured. It was not just cramps I was trying to rid, it was the sharp, excruciating ache that stole a week of my life every month. It felt impossible to get out of bed even for a minute let alone go to work or school.
First I turned to Tylenol and Midol to try to help help relieve the pain I was feeling. However, after discovering I had elevated liver enzymes and discovering pain killers of any kind can contribute to disruption in the liver, I decided to turn to natural alternatives. To name a few, hot packs, gentle yoga, essential oils. Nothing helped.
After what felt like an eternity, a holistic nutritionist @angwholisticliving recommended me to try Raspberry Leaf Tea. With little expectations I tried and was astonished at what I found.
Don’t Miss: Can Ice Tea Give You Heartburn
Is Green Tea Good For Menstrual Cramps
Because green tea is full of antioxidants, it can be very helpful for fighting off the inflammation that contributes to period pain. Furthermore, green teas anti-inflammatory properties help to support overall hormone balance .
To get the most out of green tea you can do a standard tea infusion, or you can use matcha powder .
To learn more about matcha be sure to read this post on the benefits of matcha for hormone balance.
Does Red Raspberry Work For Menstrual Cramps And Pms Symptoms
Women who are struggling every month with the symptoms and pains of pms are looking for alternatives to the usual medical remedies. Some of the issues that woman have to deal with every month include menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain.
The Mayo Clinic estimates that 75 percent of women experience some degree of PMS in the days before their menstrual periods. livestrong.com/raspberry-leaf-tea-and-pms
The usual medical remedies for these maladies come in two forms physician prescribed pharmaceuticals and over the counter medical remedies. The two best known over the counter medical remedies for all sorts of menstrual cycle issues are Pamprin and Midol. Midol has been around since the early 1900s. Midol actually started life as a headache remedy, then a hiccup remedy then a menstrual cycle remedy competing with a drug by Kotex called Kotex Kurbs. Midol was initially advertised to fight cramps, headaches, and the blues. Todays Midol comes in a variety of types. There is Midol Complete, Midol Extended Relief, Midol Teen, Midol PM and Midol Liquid Gels. Most Midal compounds contain caffeine which can have a negative effect on some women.
Also Check: Is There Caffeine In Twisted Tea
Raspberry Leaf Tea For Cramps
Raspberry leaves are derived from the red raspberry plant. For centuries, women have been using this tea to treat various health conditions. Just like a raspberry fruit, this tea also gives a similar aroma. Raspberry is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber.
A paper published on the medicinal uses of raspberry leaf says that raspberry leaf tea significantly reduced the menstrual cramps. The tea is filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties that help you in relaxing your muscles that cause painful cramps. Another research also supports the medicinal uses of raspberry leaf in strengthing the womb and preventing over-bleeding in pregnant women.
What To Know Before You Try Raspberry Leaf Tea
As of yet, there havent been enough studies on raspberry leaf tea to determine if its benefits are scientific or old-wives-tale material. And whenever youre using herbal remedies, its important to consult your healthcare provider.
The first and most important piece of information to keep in mind when giving recommendations for herbal medication is the fact that herbs and supplements are not overseen by the FDA. Many consumers incorrectly believe that herbal remedies are safe because they are natural that they pose no risk and do not cause effects, Dr. Ramos says.
There are also some conditions that can be made worse by consuming the tea. Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancers, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, and raspberry leaf tea might act like estrogen. So if you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, dont use raspberry leaf tea, Dr. Ramos warns.
All of that said, raspberry leaf tea has been a life-changer for me not to mention its sweet flavor is also just plain delicious.
Recommended Reading: Is Green Tea Good For Tinnitus
Some Health Benefits Of Drinking Tea
Weve always known that tea has many hidden and not-so-hidden health benefits. They can help:
- increase energy
- reduce anxiety
When it becomes a habit, drinking tea can even help with skin concerns. So, for your period pains, bet you can rely on drinking a few tea bags to ease the aches away!
Before we find out the best herbal tea for period cramps, lets first figure out if theyre actually good for you on your red days.
How Much Should You Drink
Theres no universal recommendation on how much to drink. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before consuming the tea. Dr. Sharma, for one, does not recommend her patients use herbal supplements, including red raspberry tea during pregnancy, as supplements are not regulated.
Otherwise, you can include it in your diet, as long as you enjoy it and it doesnt cause bothersome side effects.
Read Also: What Is Red Clover Tea Good For
Does Chocolate Help Cramps
Its possible that chocolate might assist ease period cramps, but the variety of chocolate you choose to buy makes a difference. One 2019 study revealed that milk chocolate had no effect on muscle cramps, but that eating dark chocolate helped lower their severity. Because it contains a good amount of magnesium, eating dark chocolate might be beneficial.
Caffeine & Your Menstrual Cycle
Caffeine doesnt just have the ability to affect you when you have your period, but it can also affect the length of your actual cycle.
A study from 1999 studied the affects of caffeine on menstrual cycle and found that those with a higher caffeine consumption had shorter cycles . Black tea doesnt have anywhere near as much caffeine as coffee, but if you drink a lot of black tea its possible that it can affect the length as well.
Read more about the study here.
Reduce your caffeine intake by trying these coffee alternatives
Recommended Reading: Will Drinking Tea Help You Lose Weight