Experiencing cramps may be a sudden stab-like pain or a slow throbbing one, sometimes it just naturally goes away but when it lasts a little bit longer a pain-reliever medicine will be there to the rescue. One of the superpowers of tea is that it’s a natural muscle relaxant while other types work as an organic pain-reliever. May it be the time-of-the-month or the result of an energetic workout, a cup of tea can help prevent cramps in the body.
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Most Common Types of Cramps
Muscle contractions are normal but muscle cramps are caused by an involuntary contraction of a muscle without immediate relaxation. There are about 600 muscles in the human body that falls under three muscle type division: skeletal muscles are voluntarily controlled, these are the ones under the layers of skin and fat, they are in charge for allowing movements; cardiac contracts and relaxes pumping blood around your body; and the smooth muscles are responsible for expanding and contracting allowing blood and fluids to pass through the vessels and organs. Skeletal muscle cramps are the most common type of cramps, it is caused by overuse and muscle fatigue, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities. It is often abrupt and is relieved by stretching or waiting it out.
Another common type is the abdominal cramps, commonly caused by a woman’s menstrual cycle or a worse situation in the digestive organs like a stomach ulcer. Another possible cause of abdominal cramps are diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Ginger Tea
Rich in vitamins and minerals, ginger is an ancient herbal remedy for different ailments of the body. It is also well-known to provide relief for premenstrual syndrome cramps due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
The production of prostaglandins plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle. Before the time-of-the-month, prostaglandins form a lining in the uterus and are broken down and released during the menstruation. However, they constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and make their muscle layer contract, causing painful cramps. Ginger reduces the production of prostaglandins and drinking ginger tea a week before the expected first day, will help reduce and even relieve one from menstrual cramps, mood swings, and headaches.
This garlic ginger tea may sound funky but garlic has natural anti-inflammatory properties and researchers suggest that acute inflammation is often triggered by cramps, at the same time garlic decreases the tendency of menstrual blood clotting. But if one can’t stand the thought of adding garlic in the tea, sticking with the ginger tea is also fine.
Ingredients
5-7 thin slices of raw, peeled ginger (add more to make a stronger tea), 1 clove of crushed garlic, 2 cups of water, ¼ cup lemon juice, honey
Steps
- Step 1: Fill a medium pot with water and add ginger and ginger. Boil for 10 minutes (go longer for stronger and spicier taste).
- Step 2: After steeping remove from heat and add the lemon juice and honey. Serve in a cup and enjoy.
Consuming ginger tea is generally safe, one can drink up to 3-4 cups a day without any side effects.
Chamomile Tea
Hailed for improving sleep quality, the light floral taste of chamomile will help soothe an overused muscle. The ancient herb was used to treat cramps caused by muscle spasms. Topical oil or creams with chamomile will provide relief and relax sore muscles, but drinking chamomile tea will allow the body to absorb all health benefits of the flower while it relaxes the whole body.
The natural calming effect of chamomile tea helps relieve one from the symptoms of anxiety, mood swings, and irritability caused by hormonal shifts.
Achieve a power nap while in pain after a cup of Numi’s Organic Chamomile Lemon Tea during the day. It also makes for a wonderful nighttime brew with its sweet and citrusy combination of fine Egyptian chamomile blossoms and Australian lemon myrtle leaves. It comes in convenient individually wrapped tea bags ensuring a fresh tea experience.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a natural painkiller and muscle relaxant, it is a popular choice for herbal tea thanks to its refreshing taste and soothing aroma. The menthol present in peppermint can lessen the severity of muscle cramps due to its strong antispasmodic property. It also helps relieve menstrual cramps, and prevent stomach, intestine and urinary spasm.
While peppermint tea bags are widely available in stores, it is also possible to make fresh peppermint tea at home by simply steeping a handful of peppermint leaves with boiling water. It also keeps the breath fresh after a heavy meal.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon, contrary to how it is commonly used, can reduce blood sugar level and bad cholesterol, it is also beneficial to heart and brain health. It has antispasmodic properties that help with abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea for both dysmenorrhea and morning sickness for pregnant women. In addition, cinnamon has an anti-inflammatory compound that is the same ingredient found in ibuprofen and aspirin referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Next time you find yourself experiencing dysmenorrhea or muscle cramps, treat yourself with a sweet cup of cinnamon tea instead of reaching for a bottle of Advil.
Ingredients
1 cinnamon stick, 1 cup of water, 1/5 cup of milk of your choice, 2-3 pieces of star anise
Tools
Pot
Steps
- Step 1: Add water, cinnamon stick, milk, and star anise in a pot and let it boil for 10 minutes. Break the cinnamon stick into several pieces to achieve a stronger flavor.
- Step 2: Strain into a mug and enjoy.
Star anise improves digestion and helps relieve bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation that causes abdominal cramps. It also helps treat cough and flu, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Dandelion Tea
Bloating and constipation can cause discomfort and trigger abdominal cramps, dandelion tea assists the digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile that also detoxifies the liver. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is highly uncomfortable and causes cramps in the lower abdomen, dandelion tea helps kill the bacteria and prevent from having recurring UTI, bladder disorders, kidney problems, and cysts on reproductive organs.
Drink a cup of Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Herbal Tea for a happier and healthier body. Its delightful, roasted flavor and bitter notes are a suitable palate cleanser after a hearty meal that also promotes liver health. If you’re experiencing UTI, this dandelion tea is also a great alternative to coconut water.
Fenugreek Tea
Hormones rage during a woman’s menstrual cycle, giving them several unpleasant symptoms. Fenugreek, a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, contains phytoestrogens which balances the female hormones during the cycle, menopausal phase, and pregnancy. It is therefore effective in preventing menstrual cramps, headaches, and tender breasts. Fenugreek can also relieve muscle and joint pains due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fenugreek seeds are commonly used in many Indian dishes for their high nutritional value, and its sweet and nutty flavor. A cup of spicy, earthy flavored Buddha Teas Organic Fenugreek Seed Tea is all you need for a healthy hormonal balance, fenugreek seeds are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. Buddha Tea claims that this tea has a sweet maple syrup aroma that would help curb those sugar cravings.
Hibiscus Tea
One of the common causes of muscle cramps is dehydration, hibiscus tea is said to be one of the best alternatives for rehydrating in line with coconut water and aloe vera juice. It could, therefore, reduce the possibility of experiencing cramps during a regular activity or exercise.
Consuming this tarty hibiscus tea also aids digestion, this would help eliminate bloating and constipation that could cause lower abdominal spasms. Finally, a cup of hibiscus tea also helps in restoring hormonal balance and controls other dysmenorrhea symptoms such as mood swings and menstrual cramps.
Making hibiscus tea during summer when the flowers are in full bloom will make a great lemonade and iced tea alternative. Simply steep a handful of fresh flowers and chopped lemongrass, let it cool down then sweeten with honey or stevia and ice. Lemongrass helps relieve one from hot flashes and menstrual pain due to its soothing effect.
Cramp Bark Tea
Cramp bark is a flowering plant native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Central Asia. This flowering shrub also goes by guelder rose, highbush cranberry, and snowball tree.
As the name suggests, cramp bark is used to relieve cramps, including muscle spasms, dysmenorrhea, and cramps during pregnancy. Cramp bark alleviates other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as mood swings, erratic sleep changes, and anxiety. It is also a kidney stimulant for urinary conditions.
Be Prepared Period’s Cramp Tea is a rich blend of quality ingredients that are specially catered to balancing the hormones of a female body, this tea effectively reduces dysmenorrhea and other body pain.
Black Cohosh Tea (Baneberry)
Black cohosh is an herb that was primarily used as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, and menopause symptoms like hot flashes. It imitates estrogen and therefore helps balance out the hormones.
Since it is quite a potent tea, it is best to consume within the recommended amounts. Taking too much of this herbal supplement may cause a variety of side effects such as headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. The advised dosage of black cohosh is nothing more than 4 cups a day, for menopausal symptoms a cup a day is said to have significant effects
Buddha Tea’s Black Cohosh Root Tea treats and eases PMS, menstrual pains, hot flashes, sore throat, mood swings, and many more. It helps one relax and have better sleep quality.
Tea to Avoid for Cramps
The worst tea a woman could drink after their fertile period is black tea. It is said that caffeine has been shown to cause worsen breast tenderness and make one more irritable during the PMS period.
It is also best to avoid green and white tea along with black tea despite the significantly less caffeine content found in those tea types. Caffeinated tea is mildly diuretic and can cause excessive fluid loss resulting in dehydration. Drinking these teas may result in muscle cramps during extreme physical activities.
Those with an active lifestyle are at risk of dehydration that often leads to painful cramps.
Help the body recover by rehydrating with the right kind of tea, that will help balance the body’s pH level and relax an overworked muscle. While for women who experience monthly cramps, a cup of tea will also help reduce those menstrual symptoms. Often, herbal teas can be more powerful than essential oils and pain reliever medication. Avoid any discomfort caused by cramps by drinking these recommended tea.
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