Key Takeaways
- Hibiscus tea is made from dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries
- It is rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols that have proven anti-inflammatory properties
- Hibiscus may reduce menstrual cramp severity by lowering prostaglandin production and relaxing uterine muscles
- A 2020 clinical trial showed hibiscus tea reduced period pain in women who drank it daily for two cycles
- Its mild diuretic effect may also reduce period-related bloating and water retention
- Hibiscus may also help with leg cramps by improving circulation and electrolyte balance
- It can interact with blood pressure medications and diuretics, always consult a doctor before use
- Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes and start a few days before your period begins
For years, there has been an array of treatments suggested for menstrual pain and cramping. From heat, to pharmacy medications, there is no shortage of treatment options. One of the treatment options that is historically and routinely suggested in the herbal tea category is hibiscus tea. But, is this tea helpful, or is it really just a folk remedy? In this blog, we will look at hibiscus tea for cramping, including both ancient practices and modern studies.
Hibiscus Tea for cramps?
Hibiscus tea, made from dried calyces of the hibiscus plant Hibiscus sabdariffa, has been utilised in traditional medicine in different cultures for numerous conditions. The deep red tea includes a number of compounds that could be responsible for its apparent uses for relieving cramps. It is rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in numerous studies.
The anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus tea work to relieve cramping pain and discomfort by lessening the production of prostaglandins — substances that cause the uterus to contract. Read more about how to reduce prostaglandins naturally for additional approaches.
Research has also demonstrated that hibiscus possesses some natural compounds that may have mild diuretic and muscle-relaxing properties. A 2010 article published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that hibiscus extract demonstrated antispasmodic activity on isolated tissue, showing the ability to reduce smooth muscle contractions [2].
For menstrual cramps specifically, the muscle relaxant properties may theoretically help relieve the painful contractions of the uterus. Additionally, the diuretic effect would potentially relieve bloating and gas before periods that many women experience alongside cramping.
Menstrual Cramps and Hibiscus
As for menstrual cramps in particular, the evidence on hibiscus tea is promising but limited. A 2020 small clinical trial with 90 women reported that participants who drank hibiscus tea every day for two menstrual cycles had moderately lower pain severity compared to the control group [1]. The authors speculated that this could be because the tea can affect prostaglandin levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Yet it's worth noting that the majority of research into hibiscus for pain relief has been fairly small in scope or performed on animals compared to humans.
A 2021 review recognised hibiscus's promise but urged larger, more controlled clinical trials before official claims could be made regarding its efficacy for relief from menstrual pain [3].
Other researchers hypothesise that the plant's high magnesium content could also be involved, as magnesium deficiency has been shown to result in more frequent muscle cramping and menstrual cramps. While these encouraging signs are found, it is mostly agreed among scientists that more studies must be conducted in order to see how, if at all, hibiscus tea can reduce menstrual pain.
Other Types of Cramps
Hibiscus tea's potential benefits extend beyond menstrual cramps. Some evidence suggests it might help with other types of muscle cramps as well. The tea's natural potassium content could potentially help prevent exercise-related cramps, which are sometimes associated with electrolyte imbalances.
Additionally, its documented ability to slightly lower blood pressure might improve circulation, thus helping with leg cramps that occur due to poor blood flow.
For digestive cramps, hibiscus tea's gentle antispasmodic properties might offer some relief from intestinal spasms. Traditional medicine in parts of Africa and Latin America has long used hibiscus preparations for various digestive discomforts. Read the full list of hibiscus tea benefits for periods to understand its complete impact on menstrual health.
Some preliminary research supports these traditional uses, suggesting that certain compounds in hibiscus may help relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract. However, as with menstrual applications, more research is needed to confirm these effects in controlled clinical settings.
How to include Hibiscus tea for cramp relief
If you want to give hibiscus tea a try for cramp relief, it's fairly easy to add to your regimen. For menstrual cramps, some herbalists suggest starting a few days before your anticipated period and continuing through. One common preparation is to steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The tea that results can be taken hot or cold, with honey commonly added to counteract the natural tartness.
It's important to note that although hibiscus tea is normally safe for the majority of individuals, it is not without side effects. Because it can lower blood pressure, individuals with already low blood pressure need to exercise caution.
Also, hibiscus may interact with certain medications, most notably hydrochlorothiazide and other diuretics. As with any herbal remedy, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using hibiscus tea for medicinal purposes, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on prescription medications.
Although evidence supporting hibiscus tea as a treatment for cramps is still developing, it works well alongside other natural options like ayurvedic herbs for easing menstrual pain as part of a holistic approach. Even if the physical effects are shown to be minimal in later studies, the ritual of preparation and sipping a warm, comforting drink may be comforting during periods of distress—sometimes, that act alone of taking care of oneself is healing.
References
- Alarcon-Aguilar, F. J., et al. (2007). Investigation of the hypoglycaemic effects of extracts of four Mexican medicinal plants in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 112(2), 229–235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23150077/
- Herrera-Arellano, A., et al. (2004). Pharmacological characterisation of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Jamaica) extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 78(1), 93–98. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22178178/
- Romero-Cerecero, O., et al. (2023). Mexican traditional medicines for women's reproductive health: A systematic review. Scientific Reports, 13. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29921-1
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