By Leen Randell

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

10 Best Herbal Teas For Period Cramps

Herbal teas for period cramps are a natural and effective way to alleviate menstrual cramps, which are caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation.

These teas help to relax the uterine muscles, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. The best herbal teas for period cramps include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Paeonia lactiflora, Ginkgo biloba, Crataegus monogyna, Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Angelica archangelica, Lavandula angustifolia, and Foeniculum vulgare.

If left untreated, period cramps can severely impact daily life, causing missed work or school, mood swings, and disrupted relationships.

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with period cramps because its active compound, glycyrrhizin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

This helps to relax the uterine muscles, reducing the severity of cramps and discomfort associated with menstrual periods. Additionally, glycyrrhizin has a natural ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances responsible for inducing cramps and pain.

By addressing the root causes of period cramps, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can provide a natural and effective relief for women experiencing menstrual discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with period cramps.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate period cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing smooth muscle in the uterus, thereby providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Terpenoids: Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract and lead to cramping during menstruation.
• Phenolic acids: Isoflavones in Glycyrrhiza glabra have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help ease menstrual cramps by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for period cramps.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for period cramps because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and alleviate cramp symptoms.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for period cramps because they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for period cramps because they contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and alleviate cramp symptoms.

2. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas helps with period cramps because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relax the uterine muscles.

The active compound, gingerol, in ginger tea has been shown to reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract and lead to cramping. Additionally, ginger tea's warming effect can help increase blood flow and soothe the digestive system, which can become sensitive during menstruation, further alleviating period cramps and discomfort.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to provide relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with period cramps.

• Gingerols: These compounds help alleviate period cramps by reducing inflammation and blocking pain pathways in the body.
• Shogaols: Shogaols have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to ease menstrual cramp pain and discomfort.
• Zingerone: Zingerone's ability to reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions and pain, helps alleviate period cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for period cramps.

• Roots: The roots are used due to their rich content of gingerols and shogaols, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce menstrual pain.
• Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain volatile oils, including gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help ease period cramps.

3. Paeonia lactiflora

Paeonia lactiflora teas helps with period cramps because it contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that ease menstrual discomfort.

The tea's active ingredients, such as paeonol and paeoniflorin, have been shown to reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause muscle contractions and pain during menstruation. By relaxing the uterine muscles and reducing inflammation, Paeonia lactiflora teas provide natural relief from period cramps, allowing women to manage their symptoms and feel more comfortable during their menstrual cycle.

This traditional remedy has been used for centuries to soothe menstrual pain.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paeonia lactiflora teas that help with period cramps.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate period cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing smooth muscles in the uterus.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Paeonia lactiflora teas may help ease period cramps by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that stimulate uterine contractions.
• Saponins: Saponins in Paeonia lactiflora teas may help alleviate period cramps by modulating the body's response to prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced uterine contractions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Paeonia lactiflora used to make teas for period cramps.

• Roots: They are the most commonly used part due to their rich content of glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Leaves: Paeonia lactiflora leaves are used for their flavonoid and alkaloid content, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with period cramps.
• Flowers: Paeonia lactiflora flowers are used in teas to take advantage of their high content of glycosides, which have been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual pain and other symptoms.

4. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas helps with period cramps because its unique blend of flavonoids and terpenoids may help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the uterus, reducing inflammation and pain associated with menstrual cramps.

The tea's antioxidant properties also help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to period pain.

Additionally, ginkgo biloba's ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that stimulate uterine contractions, may also provide relief from period cramps.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with period cramps.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with period cramps.
• Terpenoids: These compounds have a mild analgesic effect, which can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by menstrual cramps.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with period cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for period cramps.

• Leaves: The most commonly used part for period cramp teas, as they are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Seeds: Used in some teas, the seeds of Ginkgo biloba are thought to have a relaxing effect on the uterus, helping to ease menstrual cramp pain.
• Barks: In traditional Chinese medicine, the bark of Ginkgo biloba is sometimes used to make teas, as it's believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help alleviate period cramps.

5. Crataegus monogyna

Crataegus monogyna teas helps with period cramps because it is rich in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

The tea's high antioxidant content also helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle spasms. Additionally, the tea's ability to balance hormonal fluctuations may help to regulate menstrual cycles, further reducing the severity of period cramps and promoting overall menstrual well-being.

This makes it a popular natural remedy for menstrual relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna teas that help with period cramps.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Crataegus monogyna tea may help alleviate period cramps by acting as anti-inflammatory agents and reducing prostaglandin production, which contributes to pain and inflammation.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, in Crataegus monogyna tea may help with period cramps by exhibiting antioxidant properties and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as ursolic acid, in Crataegus monogyna tea may help alleviate period cramps by reducing prostaglandin production and modulating the body's inflammatory response.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Crataegus monogyna used to make teas for period cramps.

• Leaves: Used to make teas for period cramps due to their antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce muscle cramps and spasms associated with menstrual pain.
• Fruits: Used to make teas for period cramps due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Buds: Used to make teas for period cramps due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce muscle cramps and inflammation associated with menstrual pain.

6. Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus teas helps with period cramps because it contains a unique blend of phytoestrogens and flavonoids that work in harmony to regulate hormonal imbalances.

This herbal remedy helps to stabilize the body's natural estrogen levels, which can become disrupted leading to painful menstruation. By normalizing hormone production, Vitex agnus-castus teas can alleviate cramping, reduce inflammation, and promote a sense of calm and well-being, making it a popular natural remedy for menstrual relief.

Regular consumption can lead to noticeable improvements in menstrual health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus-castus teas that help with period cramps.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help alleviate period cramps by reducing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation in the uterus.
• Phenylethanoid glycosides: These flavonoid derivatives have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which help to ease the discomfort and pain associated with menstrual cramps.
• Acneoside: This iridoid glycoside has been shown to have a positive effect on hormone regulation, particularly in reducing prolactin levels, which can contribute to menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Vitex agnus-castus used to make teas for period cramps.

• Flowers: The flowers are the most used part of Vitex agnus-castus for teas due to their high concentration of flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used to make teas for period cramps, as they contain similar compounds to the flowers, including flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which help to regulate hormonal imbalances.
• Seeds: The seeds of Vitex agnus-castus are used in traditional medicine, including teas, to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate period cramps due to their content of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.

7. Cimicifuga racemosa

Cimicifuga racemosa teas helps with period cramps because it contains compounds like actein and isofrazidin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help to ease muscle spasms and reduce prostaglandin production, the hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract and lead to cramping. The tea's antispasmodic and analgesic properties also help to relax the uterine muscles and alleviate pain, providing relief from menstrual cramps and discomfort.

It has been traditionally used for centuries to alleviate period-related symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cimicifuga racemosa teas that help with period cramps.

• Isopimpinellin: This constituent has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce prostaglandins that cause painful contractions during menstruation.
• Rotundifuran: It acts as an estrogenic compound, helping to balance hormonal levels and alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, including cramps.
• Cimicifugoside: This compound has anti-spasmodic effects, which help relax uterine muscles and reduce cramp severity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Cimicifuga racemosa used to make teas for period cramps.

• Roots: They are the most commonly used part in teas for period cramps due to their high concentration of actinide and cimicifugic acids, which are believed to alleviate menstrual pain.
• Rhyzomes: Like roots, rhyzomes are also used due to their high concentration of active compounds that help reduce menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS.
• Stems: Stems are sometimes used in teas for period cramps, but they are less potent than roots or rhyzomes; they still contain some active compounds that may provide relief.

8. Angelica archangelica

Angelica archangelica teas helps with period cramps because it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

The active ingredients in the tea, such as ferulic acid and polysaccharides, help to relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping. Additionally, the tea's diuretic properties may also help to reduce bloating and discomfort associated with PMS.

By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, Angelica archangelica teas may provide relief from menstrual cramps, allowing women to manage their symptoms and feel more comfortable during their periods.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica archangelica teas that help with period cramps.

• Phenolic glycosides: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and relax uterine muscles, which can contribute to period cramps relief.
• Coumarins: Coumarins in Angelica archangelica have antispasmodic properties, which can help ease muscle spasms and cramps associated with menstrual periods.
• Ligustilide: This sesquiterpene lactone may help relax smooth muscle, including uterine muscles, and reduce the frequency and severity of period cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Angelica archangelica used to make teas for period cramps.

• Roots: They contain a compound called angelica root extract which has been traditionally used to ease menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids which may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps.
• Stems: The stems of the plant also contain angelica root extract, making them another option for teas aimed at alleviating period cramps.

9. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with period cramps because it contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

These compounds work by relaxing the uterine muscles and reducing prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and cramping. As a result, Lavandula angustifolia teas can provide relief from menstrual cramps, bloating, and other symptoms associated with PMS.

Its calming effects also promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it a popular natural remedy for menstrual discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with period cramps.

• Linalool: A terpene that helps to relax muscles and reduce inflammation, providing relief from menstrual cramp pain.
• Linalyl acetate: A terpene that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ease menstrual cramp discomfort and reduce prostaglandin levels.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, reducing prostaglandin levels and alleviating menstrual cramp pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for period cramps.

• Leaves: Used in teas for period cramps because they contain compounds that help relax the uterine muscles and reduce spasms.
• Flowers: Used in teas for period cramps because they have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help alleviate cramp symptoms.
• Stems: Used in teas for period cramps because they contain flavonoids that have a sedative effect and help reduce cramp intensity.

10. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare teas helps with period cramps because it contains a compound called anethole, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea has been traditionally used to ease menstrual discomfort and alleviate symptoms of PMS. Anethole works by relaxing the uterine muscles, reducing cramping and spasms. Additionally, Foeniculum vulgare tea has a calming effect on the body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can contribute to period cramps.

This natural remedy can provide relief for women experiencing menstrual pain.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with period cramps.

• Anethole: Acts as a natural antispasmodic, helping to relax the uterine muscles and alleviate cramp pain.
• Ferulic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with menstrual cramps.
• Apiol: Displays anesthetic and antispasmodic properties, providing relief from pain and cramping by blocking the transmission of pain signals.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Foeniculum vulgare used to make teas for period cramps.

• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used due to their high content of essential oils, particularly anethole, which helps in relaxing the uterine muscles and reducing pain.
• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used to make teas that help alleviate period cramps and other menstrual issues due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Stems: The stems of Foeniculum vulgare are used to make teas that help in soothing menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS due to their ability to relax the uterine muscles.