Menstrual pain is a common part of every woman’s monthly cycle. From painful stomach cramps to intense spasms, periods take their toll on the body physically.

In fact, 80% of women will experience menstrual pain at some stage. Team this with other premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, tender breasts, low mood, and fatigue, and it can be a very uncomfortable time of the month. If you suffer from often unbearable menstrual pain, remember you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

While painkillers, like ibuprofen and aspirin, offer short term relief, making changes to your diet, and more specifically altering what you drink, can make all the difference to combating those monthly bouts of menstrual pain. Here we reveal the best drinks for menstrual pain relief…

Water

Let’s start our rundown with the best and most effective drink for relieving menstrual pain. Water unlocks a number of great benefits for your body, particularly when you’re feeling uncomfortable and bloated before and during your period. It can also combat painful cramps to leave you feeling more relaxed and energised – even in the midst of your monthly cycle.

Hot water has been found to be more effective in relieving period pain than cold water. Discover more advantages of drinking hot water.

Peppermint tea

Of all the herbal teas, peppermint tea is the best option for reducing painful cramps. Studies have shown that the menthol in the tea relaxes the uterine muscles that tighten and spasm during a period causing the painful cramps. Peppermint tea is also naturally caffeine-free, meaning you can enjoy a tasty and healthy beverage without it messing with your system.

Cinnamon tea has similar antispasmodic properties if you prefer herbal tea with added sweetness.

Red raspberry leaf tea

Combat symptoms of PMS with just one drink courtesy of red raspberry leaf tea as The Ladies Room explains:

“Thankfully, red raspberry leaf cleanses the blood of the excess hormone and minimises any hormonal imbalance (Read: PMS will no longer be a pain in the arse). Containing both fragarine and tannins, this tea will aid you in your combat against PMS symptoms such as cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.

For heavy bleeders, this tea also helps to tighten the muscles in your pelvic region which also helps to reduce the cramps that are caused by spasms.”

To feel the full benefits of red raspberry leaf tea, it’s recommended that you start drinking it around one to two weeks before your period begins.

Pineapple juice

Pineapple contains a helpful little enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is well known for relieving muscle tension, a fact that makes it a great pick-me-up after exercise. It also helps to ease menstrual pain and cramps.

A healthy smoothie

A smoothie with the right ingredients can help reduce menstrual cramps as well as provide an energising health kick. Just some of the smoothie recipes to try for easing menstrual pain include inflammation-reducing parsley and ginger, vitamin B rich apple and banana, and calcium-enriched spinach and kale.

Add a sprinkle of cashew nuts to your chosen smoothie recipe to keep magnesium levels high and reduce cramping further. Those with a sweeter tooth will want to try a flaxseed, blueberry, and dark chocolate combination, which provides an antioxidant fuelled drink to boost mood and combat menstrual pain.