Bumisuka.com – These 5 Teas Can Be Alternative Medicines To Reduce PMS Symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome or better known as PMS is a series of symptoms experienced by women before menstruation. Symptoms of the illness include experiencing flu-like symptoms or so-called menstrual flu, cramps, flatulence, and mood swings.
Not a few of the group of women who choose to use over the counter (OTC) or over-the-counter drugs to treat PMS symptoms. Instead of taking medication, there is a selection of teas you can try to help reduce bothersome PMS symptoms. Curious? Let’s see together, let’s go!
1. Ginger tea
Ginger has many benefits for the body, including overcoming PMS symptoms. The good news is, you don’t need to buy ginger tea because you can make it yourself at home.
Summarizing from Healthline and Verywell Health, ginger has compounds that can protect the body from inflammation and relieve pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can protect the body from the effects of prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are natural compounds in the body that have hormone-like qualities. Prostaglandins appear during the menstrual cycle and trigger the muscles in the uterus to contract. Reported by Everyday Health, the higher the levels of prostaglandins, the pain felt by women is higher.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea or chamomile tea must be in the cupboard because this is one type of tea that has many benefits. Known for its calming effect, this tea is a top choice for treating mood swings caused by PMS.
Chamomile can be processed in the form of tea or essential oil, but the most commonly found is in the form of tea. Reported by the journal Pharmacopuncture in 2019, this flower contains anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic properties (as a muscle relaxant), and antihistamine. Chamomile tea can overcome the psychological effects caused by PMS.
3. Green tea
Another type of tea that can be consumed to treat PMS symptoms is green tea. A study conducted in Shanghai, China for 2 years whose results were published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open in 2019 found that women who consumed green tea regularly experienced lighter symptoms of dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).
Quoting from the same source, people who regularly drink green tea and only experience mild menstrual pain consume 3 to 5 cups of green tea per day. However, consuming too much green tea every day is not recommended because it will interfere with the absorption of iron in the body.
4. Peppermint tea
Serving or making peppermint tea can be done yourself at home, especially if you have the plant. Peppermint tea has a minty taste and a cooling sensation that comes from the menthol.
Quoted from Mindbodygreen, peppermint has several benefits, namely reducing nausea, flatulence and headaches. However, those who have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are not recommended to take peppermint because peppermint has a muscle-relaxing effect. This can cause stomach acid to rise.
For your information, the content of peppermint in peppermint oil is higher than the content of peppermint in the form of tea. But the Medical News Today page says peppermint tea can be used as an alternative to medical drugs to treat menstrual pain.
5. Thyme tea
Thyme or Thymus vulgaris is a leaf herb that was commonly used for cooking and as medicine in Rome, Greece, and Egypt. Consuming thyme in tea form can help with the medical symptoms of PMS.
Citing the 2020 journal Adolescents Health, Medicine, and Therapeutics, a study conducted in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, found thyme tea can reduce the risk of experiencing dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) by 63 percent. This is due to the antioxidant and analgesic properties of thyme.
A person who is allergic to thyme, lavender, or basil is advised not to consume thyme tea. Launching WebMD, nausea, skin sensitivity, diarrhea and vomiting can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to thyme leaves and the like.
Keep in mind that people who have certain medical conditions such as GERD, kidney disorders, or allergies need to be careful when consuming tea. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor first before consuming one or more of this tea list.
The application of a healthy lifestyle such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake and exercising can help relieve PMS symptoms. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience PMS symptoms that are acute and worsen over time.