Chamomile Tea For PMS

Plants contain most of the nutrients we need to survive.  In fact, an argument can be made for plants having ALL the nutrients we need to survive.  And even though this can be up for debate, the fact that plants offer up medicine for us is not.  And one of the ways to ingest this medicine is through infusions or teas.  Tea for PMS is, for this reason one of the remedies we advocate and rely on most here at The Pampered Period Box.

Drinking tea is a perfect first response to PMS because it’s gentle on the body and it’s soothing to ingest.  Even the ritual of preparing a cup of tea for yourself is a ritual of self care and one that is relaxing.

Just by making the tea you have begun to shift your state of being.  It’s medicinal before you even ingest it!

Chamomile Tea For Cramps

Chamomile is a beautiful tea that delivers a lot of support to our nervous system.  Typically used to sooth nerves and help you sleep, it’s also really good or soothing cramps and taking the edge of. Though it’s possible that Chamomile might not alleviate cramps completely, it will definitely help to mitigate pain and also lessen the amount of OTC drugs you might have to take to stop the pain.  That in and of itself is incredibly helpful and healthful since too much Ibuprofen use can hurt your stomach and over time cause reactionary inflammation once it’s worn off.

Benefits Of Chamomile Tea

A study from the Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice Journal cites:

In the study 90 female students aged 18-35 were used in the study and were divided into two groups. One group received 100mg of chamomile extract and the other group received 250mg of mefenamic acid (ingredient in anti inflammatory meds such as Ibuprofen), three times daily on day 21 of their cycle until the next menstruation period (roughly 7 days).

The researchers then evaluated both their physical and psychological symptoms and found that those on the Chamomile extract had a significant reduction in emotional symptoms and pain.

The women were instructed to continue taking their prescribed pills for two cycles and by the end of the study the researches concluded that chamomile extract was more effective than mefenamic acid for regulating emotions and was just as effective as the mefenamic acid in treating pain.

“Consumption of chamomile seems to be more effective than mefenamic acid in relieving the intensity of PMS associated symptomatic psychological pains,” said the study. “Chamomile acts similar to MA in relieving physical symptoms.”

While the reason for chamomiles effectiveness are not fully understood, researchers suggest that the anti-anxiety effect of the herb could help to calm the nervous system and therefore reduce pain and discomfort.

Chamomile tea can help alleviate menstrual cramps, migraines and insomnia related to hormonal imbalances throughout the menstrual cycle.  Beyond the menstrual cycle, drinking a hot cup of Chamomile can help with mild anxiety and upset stomach.

As with anything it’s important to check in with your health care professional to see if this would work best with your unique health profile.  And it’s also important to note that chamomile is contraindicated for pregnant women and for those allergic toasters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed.