Can Matcha Green Tea Ease Menstrual Symptoms?

Exploring the Effects of Matcha Green Tea for Menstrual Health

An increasing number of women are turning to matcha green tea to help provide relief during menstruation. The potent powdered green tea contains certain compounds and properties that show promise in alleviating common period discomforts like bloating, cramps, and migraine headaches.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from the leaves of shade-grown Camellia sinensis tea plants. It provides higher concentrations of certain beneficial compounds compared to regular brewed green tea.

The tea bushes are covered for weeks before harvest, increasing production of amino acids like L-theanine and antioxidants called catechins. These compounds provide anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and pain-relieving effects that can benefit menstrual health.

Potential Benefits of Matcha for Periods

Here are some of the evidence-based ways drinking matcha may help provide relief during your monthly cycle:

Reduces Menstrual Cramping

The catechins and L-theanine in matcha are thought to help relax smooth muscle tissue, potentially easing painful cramping of the uterus during your flow. The anti-inflammatory action also blocks compounds that increase cramping severity.

Lessens Fatigue

Many women struggle with tiredness and low energy leading up to and during their periods. Matcha’s natural caffeine content perks you up, while the amino acid L-theanine balances the effects of caffeine jitters. This one-two punch helps you avoid an energy crash.

Improves Mood

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can trigger mood swings and irritation. The phytochemicals and amino acids in matcha elevate dopamine, serotonin and GABA levels in the brain. This stabilizing effect helps you better cope with mood and stress changes.

Aids With Bloating

Bloating is another uncomfortable PMS and menstrual complaint. Matcha’s cache of anti-inflammatory and diuretic compounds may help reduce swollen, puffy feelings by flushing out excess fluids and relaxing strained muscles and joints.

Using Matcha to Relieve Menstrual Migraines

Many women also swear by matcha as a natural remedy for painful menstrual migraines and tension headaches. Migraines occur more frequently in women, often in relation to hormonal shifts in the menstrual cycle. Here’s how matcha can help:

Boosts Blood Flow

The catechins in matcha green tea enlarge constricted blood vessels that commonly contribute to migraine attacks. Improved blood circulation also increases oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain.

Eases Hormone Changes

Research shows matcha’s antioxidant and phytochemical content helps stabilize hormones like estrogen that fluctuate right before and during periods. Limiting peaks and plunges in hormones prevents triggers for many women prone to menstrual migraines.

Reduces Stress Triggers

Stress often goes hand-in-hand with migraine episodes. The L-theanine in matcha produces alpha brain waves that induce relaxation without drowsiness. By easing both mental and physical stress before it sparks a headache, matcha allows the body to chill out.

Provides Gentle Caffeine Lift

A common remedy for general headaches is taking a pain reliever with caffeine, which constricts blood vessels. Matcha offers caffeine along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to gently lift pain.

How to Prepare Matcha for Menstrual Relief

It’s easy to start using matcha to help minimize period problems. Follow these tips:

Choose Quality Matcha

Opt for ceremonial grade for maximum purity and nutrient density. A vibrant green color and smooth, non-bitter flavor indicate freshness.

Traditional Preparation

Sift 1-2 teaspoons into a cup or bowl. Add 2 ounces hot (not boiling) water. Whisk vigorously with a bamboo brush until frothy with fine foam. Drink straight up or flavor simply with lemon.

Latte Style

For a cozier, creamier cup, whisk sifted matcha with hot milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat. Sweeten mildly with honey or maple syrup if desired. Dust with spice like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Blended Drinks

Add a teaspoon of matcha to smoothies, frappes or shakes. Combining with frozen fruit, protein powder, yogurt and milk creates a cooling, nutritious blend ideal for easing cramps on heavy days.

Iced Variations

Matcha can also be prepared chilled over ice. Shake with lemon juice and honey for lemonade-like refreshment, or use as the base for an antioxidant-packed Arnold Palmer.

Lifestyle Measures to Lessen Period Problems

While matcha can help provide symptom relief, certain daily health habits also impact menstrual discomforts. Here are tips:

Light Exercise

Low-impact movement increases circulation, which helps ease migraines and cramps. Try walking, stretching, yoga or Pilates for 30 minutes daily.

Healthy Diet

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Limit salt, sugar, alcohol and processed foods that promote bloating and inflammation.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress exacerbates menstrual issues by throwing hormones off balance. Make time for relaxing self-care like long baths, meditation, enjoyable hobbies and quality social connection.

Supplement Wisely

Talk to your doctor about supplements that may support menstrual health. Magnesium, vitamin B-6, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric and evening primrose oil can help ease various symptoms.

Other Soothing Beverages for Period Discomfort

While matcha is a great option, other anti-inflammatory drinks can also alleviate common menstrual complaints. Consider blending up a batch of one of these healing teas or elixirs:

Ginger Tea

Fresh ginger root made into a strong herbal tea is a traditional remedy to relieve menstrual cramps and flatulence. Boil crushed ginger until fragrant and deeply golden, then strain into a cup with lemon and honey.

Chamomile Lavender Tea

These gentle herbs soothe cramping by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Steep chamomile and dried lavender flowers together for a floral, comforting hot tea to drink when cramps strike.

Tart Cherry Juice

Montmorency tart cherries are packed with inflammation-reducing compounds. Drink pure tart cherry juice or mix with sparkling water for a refreshing, headache-busting drink.

Golden Milk

This vibrant yellow spice latte is made by simmering turmeric paste in milk with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and black pepper. Soothing for cramps, bloating and migraines.

Remember your period doesn’t have to stop you from living comfortably. Sipping healing matcha green tea along with other lifestyle measures can help you take control of menstrual symptoms so you can pursue all that the month has to offer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.