You might have chanced upon this article because you’ve heard that drinking tea should be avoided when on your period as it makes it worse. You’re right! However, this only applies to teas that contain caffeine, which would aggravate your period pains and PMS when consumed.

If you’re a tea fanatic or suffer from painful cramps, here are 6 common teas that help with your period. Meanwhile, here are 4 teas that contain caffeine and should be avoided during that time of the month!

Black Tea (or Hong Cha) – highest amount of caffeine content

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Caffeine Content: Highest amount of caffeine content – 40-60mg per 8oz (237ml)

Colour: Reddish brown to dark brown colour

Origins: China, India and Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Commonly Known Black Teas: Masala Chai, Assam Black Tea, Ceylon Black Tea

When off your period, this tea is good for: 

• Diarrhoea and/or digestive problems – Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Poor oral health – Helps to rid tooth decay and plague formation
• Poor heart condition and/or high cholesterol – Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
• Low immune system – Destroys abnormal cells, improves immune system and prevents breast cancer

Oolong Tea

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Caffeine Content: 30-50 mg in first the cup of 8oz (will be lowered in subsequent cups)

Colour: Golden brown

Origins: China, Taiwan (Formosa)

Commonly Known Oolong Teas: Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess), Ali Shan Tea

When off your period, this tea is good for: 

• Low immune system – Boosts/Strengthens immune system
• Poor oral health – Helps to rid tooth decay and plague formation
• Dieting – Has properties to help lose weight
• Chronic health conditions (Cancer, Diabetes) – Contains polyphenolic to remove harmful cells
• Skin benefits – Improves skin conditions and slows down aging process

Green Tea

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Caffeine Content: 30-35 mg in first the cup of 8oz

Colour: Green (surprise surprise!)

Origins: China, Japan

Commonly Known Green Teas: Longjing (Dragon Well, China), Hojicha (Japan), Matcha (Japan)

When off your period, this tea is good for: 

• Dieting – Increases your metabolism
• Chronic health conditions (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cholesterol, Cancer, Alzheimer’s) – Has strong antibacterial and antiviral agents that prevent harmful cells
• Skin benefits – Improves skin conditions and slows down aging process

White Tea – lowest amount of caffeine content

Image credit: Sipping Streams Tea Company

Caffeine Content: 10-15 mg in first the cup of 8oz

Colour: Pale yellow

Origins: Fujian (China)

Commonly Known White Teas: Ceylon White, White Puerh Tea, Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle)

When off your period, this tea is good for: 

• Dieting – Increases your metabolism
• Chronic health conditions (Diabetes, Heart Disease) – Has strong antibacterial and antiviral agents that prevent harmful cells
• Skin benefits – Improves skin conditions and slows down aging process
• Poor oral health – Helps to rid tooth decay and plague formation
• Common cold

While these 4 teas are each packed with lots of health benefits, be sure to avoid them when you are on your period. Should you really be craving to drink them, one neat trick to lower the caffeine content is to steep your tea for a shorter period of time!

If you know a girlfriend who really loves drinking tea, be sure to share this article to save a life! Also, here are 5 teas you didn’t know that can help with your period.

[Team update] Hi readers, we’re so excited to share that we’ve created and recently launched a period tracking app! No, it does not automatically dispense steaming hot tea for your menstrual cramps (we wish!!), but it does help to prepare you for your periods in other ways! Pslove Period Tracker not only accurately predicts your upcoming menstrual cycles & fertile days, but also analyses trends in your body. Now available on App Store and Google Play Store – download it now! (Click on the image below!)