Bye bye period woes – my 7 natural pms and cramp remedies
Written By Jenny Wu on
Ah yes, that lovely time of the month with many as names – Aunt Flo, shark week, the Red Wedding (high five GoT fans!) – as symptoms, which range from mildly annoying to downright agonizing.
While a quick solution is to pop pain killers around the clock to get through the misery, today I’d like to share my alternative remedies that have helped me overcome my period pains.
The thing is that my cycles weren’t always this painful. In fact they were symptom-free up until college, then came the cramps, and by the time I started working it had evolved into a full-blown nightmare.
But with these products/supplements, my cycle has actually been quite tolerable these past 2 months!
Yogi Tea Women’s Moon Cycle
This contain herbs like dong quai (used frequently in traditional Chinese medicine to replenish and increase blood flow) to help promote a healthier cycle. A week before my cycle I’ll drink 2 cups of this a day (using 1 tea bag), then I’ll drink this for a week after my cycle ends. I’ve found it helps reduce bloating and that feeling of heaviness in the abdomen area. It has a very herbal taste and not pleasant by any means, so I’ll sometimes add honey or black sugar to it.
← $4/16 at iHerb
Yogi Tea Women’s Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf helps relieve menstrual cramps, which I get really bad cases of, so this tea is God-sent. I’ll start drinking this a day or 2 before my period and throughout the first 2 days, and literally zero to very minimal cramping. This has a mild grassy taste to it, which I’ve grown to enjoy.
$4/16 at iHerb →
Yogi Tea Honey Lavender Stress Relief
I’m already a bit high-strung normally, and I get extra neurotic during my period so this tea is crucial for balancing my mood and calming me down. Again, it doesn’t instant mellow me out but it does help me take the edge off. This has a nice soothing taste to it, and my husband will occasionally drink this whenever he feels stressed.
← $15/64 at Amazon
Yogi Tea Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy
So I’ve only started drinking this this month, but I’ve noticed that my mood is a lot more stable and I’m less prone to feeling depressed on days I drink this. Doesn’t quite help with my laziness or creativity slump (suggestions anyone?), but at least I’m not hating life and telling everyone they can go jump off a cliff. Baby steps here. Plus this tastes absolutely yummy, definitely my favorite of all the teas here.
$15/64 at Amazon →
Ginger Tea
Ginger is considered a “warming” food in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and can help improve circulation to all parts of the body, including you know where. I personally love the taste of ginger and find its warming effects very soothing during this uncomfortable time.
When I’m not feeling lazy I’ll actually boil sliced ginger roots in water and drink that with some black sugar. But when I’m lazy these tea bags will do the trick, and I’ll still throw in some black sugar which contains beneficial minerals like iron and calcium which can also help ease period-related discomforts.
← $7/20 at Amazon
Adhesive body warmers
Quite popular in Asia, each warmer come individually wrapped and require a few rubs to get it warmed up. Once warm, these can last anywhere from 6-12 hours. The adhesive ones are perfect because you can stick it to your shirt (not on bare skin or else you might burn yourself!) and it’ll keep your abdomen nice and warm, which helps with the cramps. I love wearing one to sleep because it’ll keep the cramps away all night! A less travel friendly but more eco-conscious alternative is to use a rechargeable hand warmer, which provides relief faster but doesn’t stay warm as long.
$21.94/30 warmers on Amazon →
No eating or drinking anything cold
This is rooted in the TCM belief that excessive “coldness” in the body can lead to poor blood flow, which then leads to bloating, cramps, soreness, and all sorts of fun stuff ???? I used to get by fine drinking ice water during my period when I was younger, but now it either worsens my symptoms or causes my cycle to end early, so I’ve cut it out all together.
← Free!
Also not to state the obvious, but if you’re suffering from period cramps, also make sure that you’re wearing something comfortable to easy your pangs of pain — that could be your favorite sweatpants, the baggiest t-shirt, or even some really comfy underwear that will protect you from period leaks. Nothing more embarrassing than leaving a stain on your own (or worse…someone else’s!) furniture! ????
Traditional Chinese Medicine and PMS
Usually I like to cite scientific journals and research to back my claims, but when it comes to periods I’m a big believer in the traditional Chinese medicine philosophies of adjusting your diet and lifestyle to balance the “chi” or energy and blood flow of your body.
Furthermore, TCM proposes that a healthy cycle can have positive impacts on our overall well-being and our appearances (ie. our skin), which if you think about it, kind of makes sense. Our skin is not only a reflection of what we put on, but also our dietary and lifestyle choices, whatever they may be. And here you thought this post wasn’t beauty related ????
Many people claim TCM to be pseudoscience, but if what you’re practicing isn’t actually harmful or illegal, then I don’t see anything wrong with it, especially if it actually works.
For me TCM and alternative medicine have made a positive impact in my monthly cycles, whereas painkillers only addressed the symptoms and birth control gave me all sorts of side effects.
Even though these supplements and teas worked for me, I’d still encourage you to speak to your doctor or health practitioner first before trying them out, especially if you have any allergies or are on any medications.
Hope you found this post helpful and here’s to more happy periods and less Red Weddings for all of us. Dilly dilly!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Amy-Anne Williams
Oh my god I suffer with cramps so badly. I find that warm compresses and warming up the whole body can be great, and avoiding coldness is so important! It restricts the blood vessels which can really be uncomfortable on a period. Also, I find that avoiding sugar and salt for the days leading up to and during a period can really help also.
Amy;
Wandering Everywhere
Jenny
Great tip about avoiding sugar and salt! I'll have to keep that in mind next time, thank you for the advice!
Lindsey @ sustainablysavvy
I've been pretty lucky throughout my life with having pretty minimal cramping (and to be honest I can't even remember my last period LOL.) But I discovered the benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea while I was pregnant and it's my go-to now. Definitely going to be using this once I finally start getting my period again!
www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Jenny
Ooh I didn't know raspberry leaf helps during pregnancy as well! I know Yogi Tea has a blend specifically for expecting mothers, but good to know I can keep drinking the raspberry leaf one too!
Sam Hodgett
Like you, I've never really had an issue with cramps until college but then as I get older it gets worse and unpredictable (especially my mood swings which I don't necessarily see but my partner is the main victim of 🤦 🤦) I've always just sucked it up and went through the pain; My body doesn't handle cold food or drinks well, regardless of what time of the month it is, but will try a few others mentioned!
Sam Hodgett || Beauty & Lifestyle Bits
Jenny
Haha, my husband is definitely the victim of my PMS too ???? He's so used to it now that it became his main predictor of when my period is coming ????
Olga Olis
When I saw your post I made a little happy dance! This information is so needed! Thank you so much for sharing all of these and I can't wait to try one of the teas and the rest of your tips! Such a useful post!
Love,
Olga from Myme
Jenny
Aw so glad you liked this post! ???? hope you'll find the teas just as helpful!
Sam
My cramps are actually the opposite, they used to be pretty bad and while they're still relatively painful now, I don't think it was as bad as when I was younger. I mainly notice my mood just going down the draaaain. I usually just try to chug water the whole week and that helps a lot, but will have to try teas!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
Jenny
I feel like drinking more water always helps in most situations, I know I definitely wasn't drinking enough before ????
Sonia / Chanel
Thanks for sharing Jenny! I love the gif from Parks. Jean Ralphio needs a spin-off. My cramps are on and off but I will definitely try some of this tea.
x,
S | Je M'appelle Chanel
Jenny
Haha, glad you appreciate the gif, and I agree, Jean Ralphio is incredible! ????
Linda Libra Loca
While I don´t practice TCM (too far off from my cultural background I assume) I agree with you on using alternative medicine for certain areas of life. Adjusting your diet and Lifestyle is always a great thing to do to accompany possibly necessary medication and can lessen a lot of symptoms, making pills no longer needed.
And I am sure you have looked into that as well, but did you talk to your gyn about possibly having endometriosis? Period cramps getting worse over time are a common symptom in women that develop that condition. I don´t want to be indiscrete here, just wanted to add that for people experiencing the same symptoms. I hope that was okay.
I don´t usually go for cute, but look at that bag! And the clean and white design to make up for the panda eyes. I am tempted!
MAC x Nicopanda Collection https://www.temptalia.com/mac-x-nicopanda-collection/
Jenny
That's actually a great suggestion Anne, thank you! I haven't talked to my gyn about it, though I have read about that being a cause of worsening cramps. I've always assumed mine was more hormonal/lifestyle related since the pain still fluctuates, but I guess it never hurts to check!
Linda Libra Loca
Many women are undiagnosed, so it never hurts to be checked for it.
Sal UmmBaby
This was very interesting. I have never heard of TCM but I agree - as long as something isn't harmful or illegal or anything, and someone feels they benefit from it, its perfectly fine. I didn't know eating cold things could be so bad. I'll have to skip the ice cream in my next cycle...as if the crippling winter hasn't stopped me already xxx
Jenny
I'm not sure if there is any scientific explanation of the eating cold stuff, it's just something that's worked for me, but I know people who get by perfectly fine eating all the ice cream during their periods, and boy I'm jealous! ???? But yes, the cold weather is kinda ruining the ice cream mood for everyone ????
Becky
Funnily enough I'm on my period right now! You sound just like my mom, haha. Unfortunately I'm not a big believer in TCM at all - bring me all the ice cream and milk tea during my period!!! I always argue with my mom on it heh, I just always say that my stomach will warm up the cold food/drink :p I've heard raspberry leaf tea works wonders for cramps though!
Jenny
Haha, a lot of this is advice my mom used to give me, and I ignored her for the most part, but now I'm starting to believe there may be some truth in there! ???? Honestly there's really no scientific evidence on the drinking cold stuff (at least none that I could find), and I'm definitely jealous that you're able to handle them just fine!
Frankly Flawless
I do love a a nice fluffy hot water bottle - it really help and no doubt is so comforting. I never thought of herbal teas though - i must try that x
franklyflawless.com
Jenny
A fluffy hot water bottle is a staple for me all winter long! ????
Shireen
I am thankful that I never have period cramps except one time during my teens. It was so severe that my mum had to take me to the hospital for a jab. It never happened again though which I am so thankful for.
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Jenny
Lucky you that you don't get period cramps, but yikes that one you had sounds painful! ???? Glad it's never happened again!
Alyssa
I've seen this tea in our local supermarket, but I just pass by it! Now I think I need that moon cyle and raspberry tea. I'm irregular, I just skipped this month of February and I suffer from cramps too. I like that they all natural and easy to drink, I'll definitely try this :)
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Jenny
Hopefully these teas will help, fingers crossed for you!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Rowena @ rolala loves
It's good that these remedies have worked for you. Big believer in TCM here since I grew up with it and it got me through a really severe illness. I actually gave up cold drinks for good a few years ago and it's made such a difference in my overall wellbeing. I used to get really bad cramps but I found that doing yoga regularly helps and I haven't really had issues since switching to a mostly plant based diet. My acupuncture doctor told me that eating "hot" foods or herbs like "dong gwai" too close to your cycle could lead to heavier periods and cramping.
Megan
Those teas and stuff sound interesting. In particular the stress relief one. I'm a sucker for stress relief stuff! Sadly, not much of a tea person.
Hannah
I haven't had my period in months (not pregnant, it was due to going back on prednisone!) but I hate the bloating and how it feels like my uterus is twisting. Getting my period on my wedding was the worst, but luckily I had a ballgown and a lot of slips under so it didn't soak through. Warming a heating pad makes it feel so much better.
Hannah the Mad Dog
Bear Cary
what a stupid nick name.
Jenny
This was rude and uncalled for. Please take your nastiness elsewhere as this is a trolls-free blog.
Gabrielle
Love your straight-up honesty in this post babe! Periods are the absolute worrrrst haha. I have to admit I rely pretty heavily on strong painkillers for that time of the month, although it's lovely to know what helps other people cope with the pain - especially as they're natural alternatives! :)
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Kathryn
Well that Parks and Rec GIF is just too accurate LOL! I really appreciated this post, too. I am a big fan of tea in general but have yet to try out some of these Yogi teas. They sound like really great options! As someone who has been trying lately when I can to address things at the source rather than the symptom (like you talk about with painkillers), I'm interested in looking up more about TCM!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
Yara Mel Rozaay
Thanks a lot for this post, Jenny !! Those teas deserve a try :)
http://www.desiringsme.com/choosing-right-opportunities/
Womanengineer
Thank you Jenny! Ever since I went off oral contraceptive (it was a cause to my thinning hair/hair loss), I have been suffering from TERRIBLE cramps. I was prescribed strong pain medications for it but the risk of addiction and blood clots is kinda high...I'll definitely have to look into raspberry leaves.
Katherine| womanengineer.com
Naya // partyparrotblog.com
This is such an interesting topic! The Red Wedding - my God, or better said my Lord Of Light - this is so hilarious, I didn't know people were calling it that haha! Anyhow, I typically take painkillers, but natural remedies are definitely better and healthier for the body. I now need to find a place where they sell Yogi tea here. Thank you so much sharing xx
Bernadette
I definitely need to check out some of these teas. I definitely agree that cold food items lead to excess cramps, nothing soothes the body like a nice cup of tea.
www.themakeupaficionado.com
Mica
Oh it's a shame that I don't drink tea as these sound lovely! I found the raspberry leaf tea one interesting. I've heard of it before, but as something to help prepare your body for labour as it helps bring on contractions and cramps so I was surprised to see it on your list. maybe ti's different concentrations or timings or something - not a tea drinker so I never did more than read or hear the recommendation a few times!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend :) Going to be a little rainy here again but it should be a bit cooler too so I'm not complaining!
Away From The Blue Blog
Bambi | www.kherblog.com
This post is all that I need, I feel like I'm going to buy lots of tea tomorrow since my period is coming and I already changed my schedule because I can't stand the pain and work at the same time during period. I know that Vitamin D can also help with period - usually if you have Vitamin D deficiency you can feel more pain during the period. Also - alternate methods are better, they are usually safer than eating lots of paracetamol which is actually bad if you use it too often.
The Glossychic
ginger tea works great. I've been using that for like 3 years now. it helps with period pains a lot.
The Glossychic
A Very Sweet Blog
hey jen! tea's really help me. i'm definitely taking note of these and will try to incorporate some into my life. i can't wait until i have no more periods. LOL
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Cat L
I adore YOGI teas and have used them for years. I love the Skin Detox one but now I want to try the tea that helps with PMS. Such a great review Jenny, thank you for sharing.
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Ivana Mihalić
I loved this post because I have never read a blogpost on this topic! Thank you so much for sharing this great and very useful post, dear!
I just found out you blog and I love it, so I am your new follower on Google + ! :)
I would appreciate if you visit me at: What's up, Ivy? and follow back if you like it, so we can stay in touch. Kisses from Croatia!
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Katya Bychkova | StyleSprinter
I love teas! It also has great benefits for our body.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
April Rose Pengilly
Thanks so much for these tips! I'm excited to try them. :-)
April xx
| APRIL ROSE PENGILLY |
Ladyofashion
Great post. Funny, I have been working on a similar post, I may still post it but it's from a different angle. I love drinking herbal teas and my mum has boxes of this Chinese tea that she sends me.
FASHION TALES
Caitlyn Thaxton
I adore tea but never knew those that could effectively help relieve pms pain and cramps. Thanks for the product review and for the tips for relief.
http://www.bestreviewofproduct.com
Jessica K
LOVEd reading this post...after our brief exchange on IG about TCM I am not surprised to find your beliefs in this post. We need more oriental-oriented (lol)remedies for our everyday/every month ailments!
Jessica || Cubicle Chic