Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been traditionally consumed in various cultures for its general health benefits, including relief from menstrual discomfort such as cramps. Historical and anecdotal reports, particularly from East Asian countries, suggest that women often drink green tea during menstruation to help alleviate pain and discomfort. The proposed mechanism is largely attributed to green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may help relax smooth muscle tissue and reduce prostaglandin production—compounds involved in uterine contractions and menstrual pain.

However, direct scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of green tea for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) is limited. A few observational and small-scale studies have explored the relationship between green tea intake and menstrual symptoms. For example, some research suggests that regular consumption of green tea may be associated with a lower prevalence of severe menstrual pain, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Still, most of these studies are preliminary, not large-scale randomized controlled trials, and the results are not definitive.

In summary, while the use of green tea for menstrual cramps is rooted in tradition and supported by some plausible biological mechanisms, robust clinical evidence is lacking. Its use is best viewed as a traditional remedy with potential, but not yet fully validated, scientific support.

More about green tea
More about Cramps (menstrual)

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Glaucoma
Hemochromatosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Body Odor
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Fatigue
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles