Hello, this is Beatrice. "How long will you endure the back-breaking pain and the squeezing cramps in your lower abdomen every month?" When menstrual pain hits, many of us habitually reach for painkillers, but there are times when they only cause heartburn and don't seem to work. In Traditional Eastern Medicine, the primary causes of menstrual cramps are identified as 'Cold Syndrome' (the body being too cold) and 'Stagnant Blood' (blood clots caused by poor circulation).
Today, I would like to introduce four "miracle teas" that act like a warm heater for your lower abdomen and help clear blocked circulation to erase the pain of "that day," simply by drinking them instead of taking medicine.
1. The Best Gift for the Uterus: Mugwort Tea (Medicinal Mugwort)
Nickname: "The Elixir for Women," "The Uterine Heater"
Why is it so good? There is an old saying, "Women should stay close to mugwort and garlic." The 'Cineole' component found in mugwort expels cold energy and promotes blood circulation around the uterus. For those with cold hands and feet, or an exceptionally cold lower abdomen, it is more beneficial than any herbal medicine.
Drinking Tip: Instead of common mugwort, it is better to use 'Medicinal Mugwort' (specifically Sajabal-ssuk), which has stronger medicinal properties. Drinking this tea 3 to 4 days before your period begins will significantly reduce the intensity of the pain.
2. Natural Pain Reliever and Digestive Aid: Ginger Tea
Nickname: "The Body's Internal Heater," "Natural Aspirin"
Why is it so good? The 'Gingerol' and 'Shogaol' components, which provide ginger's spicy flavor, dilate blood vessels and instantly raise body temperature. Additionally, it has a natural analgesic effect that inhibits the production of Prostaglandins (pain-inducing substances), simultaneously resolving menstrual cramps along with the nausea and indigestion that often accompany them.
Drinking Tip: Boiling it with Jujubes (Korean dates) reduces the spiciness and doubles the blood-building effects.
3. Relieving Tense Muscles and Nerves: Chamomile Tea
Nickname: "The Relax Tea," "Natural Nerve Soother"
Why is it so good? I highly recommend this to those who might find the scent of traditional herbal teas a bit overwhelming. Chamomile contains a component called 'Glycine,' which relaxes the tense muscles of the uterus and reduces cramping (the squeezing pain). It is also excellent for calming the irritability and insomnia that often precede your period.
Drinking Tip: On those restless nights caused by menstrual pain, try steeping a chamomile tea bag in warm milk to enjoy it like a "milk tea."
4. Clearing Blocked Circulation: Cinnamon Tea (Sujeonggwa)
Nickname: "The Blood Flow Booster," "Warmth in a Cup"
Why is it so good? The warm properties of cinnamon help dissolve "Stagnant Blood" (clotted or "bad" blood) accumulated in the uterus, preventing menstrual blood from coming out in large clumps. It is also effective for irregular periods because it increases the speed of blood circulation, helping the uterine lining to be shed smoothly.
- Drinking Tip: Adding a spoonful of honey can help you recover from fatigue as well. (Caution: Those with a constitution that naturally carries a lot of internal heat should consume it with care!)
[FAQ & Conclusion]
Q: Can I drink iced Americanos?
A: Absolutely not! Drinking cold beverages during your period is a shortcut to worsening the pain by constricting the blood vessels in the uterus. For this period at least, you must quit the "Iced Coffee Even If I Freeze to Death" club and stick to warm teas instead.
Small habits of caring for your body make the whole month comfortable. This cycle, instead of reaching for painkillers, please give your body a warm embrace with a cup of fragrant tea. 🌸
Sincerely,
Beatrice_JiEun
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