Cramps. We have all be there, can I get an Amem?

Debilitating, mind numbing, gut wrenching cramps.

One fascinating story my teacher shared with us one day when talking about women’s moon cycles, was that she once had a teenage student from Japan move to the United States, and she could not understand how almost all the teenage girls around her had PMS symptoms. Growing up in Japan, she had never had any menstraul problems, nor had any of her friends problems. She ate a diet rich in fruits veggies, rice, and free of processed food. But more importantly, she didn’t drink caffeine, consume spicy foods, and stayed clear of sodas/ processed sugars.

This is one of the observations my teacher has made with women living in different cultures that dont have overly heating, drying, and processed foods. Nor are they getting on birth controls at a young age which also will have a hormonal effect.

There is no doubt about it now- fertility problems and period problems are a modern day phenomenon due to many factors effecting the modern woman.

What Ayurveda has to say about PMS

Although the dreaded symptoms of PMS have come to be known as a “natural” part of the female cycle, it is actually a sign of imbalance in the system.  One of the most common symptoms of PMS reported include the infamous cramps that often precede and accompany menstruation.

According to Ayurveda, you cannot have pain without stagnation.  Therefore, menstrual cramps are often a sign of stagnant and blocked energy in the female reproductive system (artava).  This tea recipe will help to move the energy through this area, while also providing anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and pain-relieving benefits. 

A powerful remedy found in your kitchen cabinet.

My spice selection is large, but dont feel overwhelmed when growing your spice farmacy. Take you time, and little by little it can grow. But keep the spices fresh (meaning throw ones out that are over two years old.)

Cumin: Cumin has the pungent taste, meaning it will helps stimulate our digestion and supports our elimination! It also helps prevent gas, relieves congestion, and helps flush out ama (toxins).

Coriander: Coriander also improves digestion and controls gas, but it also reduces inflammation, calms muscle spasms, and increases absorption and assimilation of nutrients. 

Fennel: Due to its cooling quality, fennel is the best spice for Pitta types to support digestion. Fennel also relaxes the digestive tract, making it helpful for treating IBS. Fennel also helps to move lymph, promotes breast milk, increases mental alertness, and fat burning. 

When I did my Pancha Karma Treatment training in Santa Barbara, my teacher had a big pot of this tea for us every morning; AND she added rose petals and peppermint to it! Then I started playing around with variations and noticed I was not the only Ayurvedic Practitioner doing so.

Chamomile flowers can be added if you need a sleeping aid, and want to make it at the end of your day!

My personal favorite variation is adding rose petals and loose leaf peppermint, but thats because I have a lot of pitta in my system- even in winter. So their cooling properties are a powerful remedy for me.

When its the heart of winter and really cold, I enjoy adding some fresh ginger root, half of a cinnamon stick, and a couple whole cloves.