8 Drinks that Help Relieve Period Cramps

Many women suffer from period cramps every month and know how debilitating they can be. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to relieve menstrual pains, among them are reducing tension (by doing Yoga for instance), curling up with a warm water bottle, taking a warm bath, regular exercise, over-the-counter pain relief medication (such as Aspirin, Advil and Naproxen sodium), taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and much more.

It is well known that there are beverages that can do a world of good for any woman suffering from PMS symptoms, menstrual pains, or period cramps. Such drinks keep the body hydrated, restore electrolyte balance, and supply nutrients, they act as natural painkillers, reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and more. In fact, most drinks that relieve period cramps also contribute to maintaining overall good health.
We've gathered for you some interesting facts about the following seven menstrual pain relief drinks:

• Black Tea
• Lemon water
• Coconut water
• Herbal tea
• Hot chocolate
• Smoothies
• Tamarind Turmeric Drink

Water is a universal solution to the pain

The importance of hydration has already been explained by thousands of studies. Well, we won’t add anything entirely new. Drinking still water will make digestion easier and prevent bloating – the main cause of cramps.

 As an alternative, try detox water – based on fruits or vegetables. Add a few slices of lemon, a few mint leaves, or even berries to make your day brighter. You deserve it during periods.

Black Tea, Relaxes and Dulls Pain

Tea contains tannins that naturally act as pain relievers, the warm liquid also relaxes muscles and can reduce abdominal discomfort. It is easy to add ingredients, such as lemon, peppermint, and ginger, that will make the tea you prepare a more potent menstrual pain relief drink. If you like your tea sweet, use honey and not sugar which is known to elevate blood pressure and increase cramping.

Lemon Water 

Lemon adds flavor to plain water and so it is likely that you will drink more of it. Keeping your body well hydrated is important for relieving period cramps. Lemons are also packed with nutrients and vitamin C. Squeeze a fresh lemon into warm water, don't drink the seeds (they are hard to digest) but allow lots of pulp into your drink. If you find that lemon water is too sour, add a teaspoon of honey, not sugar.

Coconut water

Coconut water is rich in potassium, which helps to maintain electrolyte balance and ease period cramps. If you live in an area where coconuts are abundant it's best to drink the coconut water straight out of fresh, green coconuts. In areas where coconuts do not grow, you can buy soft drinks based on coconut water.

 Herbal Teas

Several herbal teas are considered menstrual pain relief drinks, among these, are chamomile tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea.
Herbal teas contain natural compounds that can reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Many teas, such as chamomile and ginger, contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help relieve period cramps. In addition, herbal teas offer a soothing effect, making them a great choice for aiding in relaxation.

Tea is a great alternative to OTC medicines. However, some of them contain as much caffeine as coffee. While you may need to put aside your jar with Earl Grey for better days, you can still enjoy some healthy infusions.

The list of herbal teas that are proven to be effective against menstrual pain is enormous. Here are 7 herbs so you can change them every day of the week:

1. Chamomile;
2. Ginger;
3. Cinnamon;
4. Peppermint;
5. Raspberry leaf;
6. Hibiscus;
7. Thyme.

You can add lemon and honey to herbal teas and gain further benefits. Honey, for instance, has natural antibacterial properties which can help combat infections. Drinking herbal teas with lemon and honey regularly will not only help reduce period cramps but also improve overall health.

Hot Chocolate

Some may tell you that drinks containing caffeine cannot be considered menstrual pain relief drinks, but the right amount of caffeine will help relax tense muscles.
Hot chocolate is a very comforting drink, it's relaxing, warms the belly, and helps you sleep well. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant (and do not drink cow's milk) you can use oat, hazelnut, cashew, or even rice milk to prepare your hot chocolate. 

Smoothies

A fresh smoothie packed with nutrients can help relieve period cramps. It's important to choose the right ingredients such as bananas, pineapple, spinach, blueberries, kiwi, ginger, mango, dates, figs, and turmeric. You can try various mixes at a place that sells good smoothies and then keep the right ingredients frozen at home and make your own smoothies when you feel that you need them. 

Tamarind Turmeric Drink

In countries such as Indonesia, India, Madagascar, and Thailand (where tamarind is cultivated) a tamarind turmeric drink has for generations been considered a potent menstrual pain relief drink. If you can buy fresh tamarind you can easily make the drink yourself, peel and slice the tamarind, grate or blend it, boil it in water, add the turmeric, and mix until it dissolves. 

The drinks we chose to describe are only a few out of a large number of beverages considered menstrual pain relief drinks. However, some of these drinks work only if you drink them regularly and not only when actually suffering from period cramps.

How to Choose the Right Drink for You

When assessing menstrual pain relief drinks start by understanding your taste preferences and dietary needs. Different beverages may assist in combating menstrual symptoms, ranging from soothing herbal teas to hot water-based drinks that can be supplemented with minerals like magnesium and calcium. A popular menstrual remedy involves adding turmeric and ginger to hot water, as these ingredients help reduce cramping and inflammation. Consider adding honey for sweetness or peppermint extract for a cooling effect. If you prefer, ready-made menstrual relief drinks are also available in most health-food stores. With the right beverage, period cramps can be significantly reduced.

Consider the calories, sugar, and ingredients in each drink option. With ready-made drinks make sure to read the nutrition facts label, it's easy to understand what's in a drink, how much sugar is added, and what its caloric value is.
Take into account the health benefits associated with certain drinks, such as antioxidants or electrolytes. 

What else can ease the menstrual pain?

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