Good morning, girls!
Today’s post is for all my wellness geeks and anti-pill friends.
If you’ve been struggling with menstrual cramps but don’t feel like taking pills to deal with them, keep reading because I might have a solution for you.
Why do we have Menstrual Cramps?
Menstrual cramps are a normal part of the menstrual cycle, caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. However, in some cases, these cramps may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
So, it is essential to check with your doctor if you struggle with menstrual pain. Because maybe there is something else that you don’t know about, and that’s why you are experiencing this pain.
The thing is that taking painkillers to relieve the pain is not treating the cause. It’s just barely masking the pain to keep going through our days. But this can become an addictive habit that wreaks havoc on our health because this medication comes with tons of side effects.
Read: Obnoxious ways Painkillers for Menstrual Cramps are Screwing You.
So, I stopped taking these pills a long time ago. Nowadays, I prepare this fresh, earthy tea that works amazingly to calm menstrual cramps.
Here, you can read more about Ginger’s Incredible Benefits, Contraindications & Uses.
Why does this Ginger and Cinnamon tea work so well for menstrual cramps
This Ginger and cinnamon tea is soothing and stimulating at the same time.
It is a delicious, sweet, and slightly spiced drink to pamper yourself during your Red Days. It soothes an upset stomach and relieves indigestion which we commonly also experience during the menstrual period.
The main ingredients of this tea are potent anti-inflammatories.
Just keep in mind that consuming ginger and cinnamon in high doses can interfere with some medications.
Jump to RecipeGinger properties
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols- substances that help reduce pain and inflammation.
Both gingerols and shogaols show several benefits, ranging from anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic to various central nervous system activities.
In a 2009 study, 150 women were advised to take either ginger or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the first three days of their menstrual period.
The three groups received four daily doses of either ginger powder (250 mg), mefenamic acid (250 mg), or ibuprofen (400 mg). Finally, ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the two NSAIDs.
Cinnamon properties
I have been using cinnamon for a long time because I enjoy the lovely sweet taste and warm smell, but it has more than just the flavor and aroma.
Cinnamon, my favorite household spice, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, it helps control sugar cravings since it lowers blood sugar levels. And it is antimicrobial, antifungal, supports gut health, and helps manage blood pressure.
Just remember that most of the cinnamon you buy in supermarkets is a variety called Cassia cinnamon: it has a spicier flavor and is cheaper to buy. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which in large doses can cause toxicity.
Ceylon cinnamon, or ‘true’ cinnamon, has relatively low levels of coumarins and may be better tolerated.
This fresh Ginger and Cinnamon tea recipe is a great drink to have in your repertoire for pain relief. Ready to make some?
How to Make Ginger and Cinnamon Tea
I have tried different methods to make this tea, and I love the fast way, especially when I want to alleviate my cramps quickly. So here’s how I do it:
- Thinly slice your fresh ginger. You don’t need to peel it off first, but rinse it and rub off thoroughly any visible dirt. Plan to use a one-inch piece of ginger per cup of tea.
- Bring a kettle of freshwater to a boil.
- When the water is boiling, add the ginger and a pinch of Ceylon Cinnamon or Cinnamon Sticks.
- Let it sit for five minutes.
- Pour the tea through a fine strainer to collect all the ginger. If you like, serve your tea with a thin round of lemon or orange to add a bit of acidity.
- I love the flavor that cinnamon gives to this drink. But if you want a little more sweetness, you can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, which will mellow the intense ginger flavor.
Ginger & Cinnamon Tea
Equipment
- Kettle
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 4-inch chunk of fresh ginger (no need to peel), sliced into pieces no wider than ¼-inch
- 1 Ceylan Cinnamon Stick or a pinch of ground Cinnamon
- 1 Liter fresh water
- Optional add-ins: 1 thin round of fresh lemon or orange, and/or 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice your fresh ginger. You don't need to peel it off first, but rinse it and rub off thoroughly any visible dirt. Plan to use a one-inch piece of ginger per cup of tea.
- Bring a kettle of freshwater to a boil.
- When the water is boiling, add the ginger and a pinch of Ceylon Cinnamon or Cinnamon Sticks.
- Let it sit for five minutes.
- Pour the tea through a fine strainer to collect all the ginger.
- Serve your tea with a thin round of lemon or orange to add a bit of acidity.
- Add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup, for some extra sweetness.
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #wifenewlife2020
🩺MEDICAL DISCLAIMER🧬💊
All information and resources found on www.wifenewlife.com are based on the author’s opinions as a Health Coach. My advice is intended to encourage readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their healthcare provider.
The information on this website, including medical matters, health issues, treatments, and products, serves only informational purposes. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician or specialist. Neither is intended to diagnose health problems or prescribe medications.
