PMS and Menstruation Part 1: Information

This is part one! Part two will be next week! Bumping it forward in honor of my body being a twat.

I spent months on this you better read it all you tea-bags.

Okay uterus-owners, we all know how shitty having your period can be. Cramping, bloating, heartburn, moodswings, anemia...I say, start the New Year with some handy knowledge about how a tea and it's components can help you!

I'm going to start this post explaining (and sourcing.) the reasons why I'm using certain herbs for certain uses. Please check the provided sources, as some herbs and/or spices may have contraindications.
And yes, I have experimented. I'll let you know my favorite overall mix that helps with the majority of the symptoms.

Herbs and/or Spices (that I may use in a tea) that may help with cramping, and why:

• Basil - High in magnesium
• Fennel seed - High in magnesium
• Sage - High in magnesium
• Spearmint - High in magnesium
• Chamomile - Anti-spasmodic
• Valerian - Anti-spasmodic
• Nettle - High in vitamin D
• Ginger - Inflammation and pain

Although in many areas of research, black cohosh has been found to decrease menstrual cramps, it can cause other adverse side effects. I would not use it in a tea for those reasons.

The main reason magnesium helps with menstrual cramps is by helping with calcium absorption, aids in normal muscle and nerve functions, and boosts the immune system.
You can find more nutrition information on foods with magnesium here.

Anything that is an anti-spasmodic will help with muscle cramps (your uterus is a muscle).

The main reason vitamin D helps with menstrual cramps is by regulating prostaglandins, and to decrease the production of inflammation producing molecules [additional information]. Please note, very high doses of vitamin D may be harmful, and that not all scientists agree that it can help with muscle cramps.

Herbs and/or spices (that I may use in a tea) that may help with gas and bloating:

• Ginger
• Peppermint
• Chamomile
• Fennel

Ginger helps by helping promote the passing of gas. Yes. Farting helps with bloating. Bloating can hurt more than farting will embarrass; PASS THAT GAS. And by helping decrease spasm in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
Peppermint helps by helping to relax the muscles that allowing painful digestive gas to pass.

Chamomile is considered a more gentle approach to calming the stomach. It helps by calming the GI tract, and my being an anti-inflammatory. 

Fennel helps by minimizing GI tract spasms. I personally find fennel's licorice-y taste bearable, if not enjoyable. It is not overpowering, and to me, hardly licorice-y at all.

Herbs and/or spices (that I may use in a tea) that may help with anemia: 

• Thyme
• Marjoram

How thyme and marjoram help with anemia is because the are both high in iron. Please note, the link for marjoram's nutrition contents is set to 100 grams (dried and ground), and will need to be manually converted to anything smaller. Thyme is already set to 1 tsp dried and ground.

Herbs and/or spices (that I may use in a tea) that may help with moodiness: 

• Lavender
• Valerian
• Chamomile

Ginseng has been shown to help with mood swings, but those are mostly when associated with menopause.

Lavender helps by acting as a relaxant and helping with anxiety. Note: If you end up using PURE LAVENDER OIL instead of the edible straight plant, MAKE SURE IT IS FOOD GRADE. IF IT IS NOT FOOD GRADE, IT IS HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH. 

Valerian, as well as what was stated in the cramps section, is also a mild sedative, and can be used as a sleep aid, and a relaxant. Although if you have too much valerian (AKA start eating the full plant/root by itself like a salad) you may experience very strange dreams. So please refrain from doing so!

Chamomile can help with moodiness by acting as a relaxant.

When it comes to cravings I do recommend finding a tea that has the flavor you are craving, and adding that to any other mix.  Fulfill a craving as best as possible!


We DO NOT take responsibility for any possible consequences from any use of the information provided by this information, or information contained in this blog. The post of this information does NOT constitute the practice of medicine or replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider(s). Please seek the advice from your doctors.