Nurturing Teas for Endometriosis Relief

Teas for endometriosis can be very effective – if they are the right teas!

Utilizing natural remedies such as herbal teas can significantly alleviate discomfort and complement other measures like special nutrition for endometriosis. The notion that herbal teas are more than just flavorful warm water is widely acknowledged. But which teas are genuinely effective for endometriosis?

The Therapeutic Brew

Phytotherapy, also known as herbal medicine, is a facet of naturopathy. It encompasses not only the healing properties of medicinal herbs but also the positive effects of various plant components, including those found in our diets. These components often wield effects akin to modern medications.

It is intriguing to note that many contemporary medicines trace their roots to simple medicinal herbs. Examples include “aspirin” (acetylsalicylic acid) derived from willow bark, heart medications featuring compounds from foxglove, antimalarials utilizing quinine from the cinchona tree, and opiates initially sourced from opium poppy. These instances underscore how plants evolved into potent pharmaceuticals.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Not every tea is really effective for endometriosis

Numerous naturopathic recommendations rely solely on tradition and folklore, making it challenging for the layperson to discern whether the effects have been substantiated through studies or rest solely on historical experience. Fortunately, certain ingredients have indeed undergone small or comprehensive studies. The following teas for endometriosis are backed by scientific exploration, although more extensive research is still required. Rest assured, we will continue to provide updates!

It is important to note that while these teas complement ongoing therapy, they do not serve as a replacement for treatment. However, they can significantly bolster your well-being in conjunction with your existing therapy!

How do Teas Act Against Endometriosis?

Primarily, the objective is to alleviate the discomfort stemming from endometriosis. Thus, teas recommended for managing endometriosis should possess at least one of the following scientifically substantiated properties:

Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Inhibiting the growth of endometriosis lesions

Upon brewing and steeping plant components in water, active constituents are released, rendering the brew increasingly effective as its concentration rises. However, certain active elements like essential oils may also dissipate over time. This circumstance occasionally warrants the consumption of raw parts without the tea preparation process.

Which Teas are Recommended?

These teas have earned the label “useful for endometriosis” based on our experience and scientific research. So, if you are a tea enthusiast, incorporating these teas into your regular consumption is likely to be beneficial!

Green Tea

In a compelling animal study involving mice, a specific component found in green tea demonstrated remarkable capabilities in decelerating the expansion of endometriosis lesions and curbing their overall size [1] – all within a mere two-week span! Indeed, green tea stands as a potential aid. Imagine indulging in revitalizing iced tea crafted from its essence, substituting morning coffee with invigorating green tea, or perhaps savoring the velvety allure of frothy matcha.

Ginger Tea

Ginger emerges as a potent combatant against inflammation, curbing cell-damaging oxidative stress. Within ginger resides an integral component, gingerol, known for its zesty taste, which also thwarts an enzyme that activates in the body during pain. Remarkably, a study underpins this by likening its effectiveness to that of ibuprofen.

Crucially, ginger should be freshly prepared rather than employed as a powdered variant. Only in fresh ginger do the influential oils remain fully intact! Whether consumed as grated raw or steeped as tea, its efficacy remains unaffected. The more, the better. As a juice (accessible from drugstores or health food outlets) mixed with cold water, it crafts a revitalizing ginger-infused lemonade.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric, an unconventional spice in Germany, harbors essential wound-healing, cell-preserving (antioxidant), and anti-inflammatory attributes, primarily attributed to its key constituent, curcumin. In laboratory assessments, it has demonstrated its prowess in reducing inflammatory markers and pro-inflammatory agents in the peritoneal fluid that lines the abdominal cavity in endometriosis cases.

Furthermore, curcumin counteracts undesired cell proliferation and tissue invasion. Interestingly, an ongoing Austrian study is dedicated to exploring turmeric’s specific impact on endometriosis.

A noteworthy detail: the body’s absorption of turmeric is remarkably enhanced when accompanied by piperine from black pepper, amplifying its effectiveness by up to 2000%. Consequently, both spices should ideally be consumed together. Turmeric tea, often blended with complementary spices like cinnamon or vanilla, is available in tea bags, Alternatively, you can effortlessly infuse the spice with hot water or milk. A teaspoon per cup is the recommended dosage. Ensure a thorough stir before sipping, and do not hesitate to consume the “sediment” as well. For further insights into turmeric, explore our article on Anti-inflammatory Foods for Endometriosis.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a cherished element in many spiced teas, particularly during winter, not only delights the palate but it has also boasts anti-inflammatory and cell-protective (antioxidant) attributes. Moreover, its potential to counteract the formation of new blood vessels has been investigated, albeit primarily in the context of cancer cells. [7]

It is worth noting that not all types of cinnamon are equally healthful. Cassia cinnamon, laden with a liver-harming compound called coumarin, is abundant in cheaper variants, potentially leading to adverse effects even from a small quantity [9]. Ceylon cinnamon, though pricier and less commonly employed in mass food production, contains minimal coumarin and is considered safe even in larger amounts. Distinguished by their delicate and fragile appearance, Ceylon cinnamon sticks stand in contrast to the robust and coarse sticks of Cassia cinnamon.

Beware that many budget spice teas rely on artificial cinnamon flavoring, which lacks the desired effects. Crafting your own tea blend or meticulously inspecting ingredient lists is thus recommended. A spiced tea enriched with a hearty dose of cinnamon, perhaps harmonized with turmeric and ginger, not only warms the soul in winter, but also pairs splendidly with summer essences like cherry, plum, or fig fruit teas.

Lady’s Mantle

Teas and treatments infused with lady’s mantle (Alchemilla) have long been hailed as remedies for “women’s ailments”. An intriguing animal experiment [3] involving rats delved into the alignment between tradition and science in this context. Remarkably, the study observed, a reduction in endometriosis lesions, cysts, and inflammation levels following the administration of diverse extracts derived from lady’s mantle plant.

Lady’s mantle is a staple in many specialized tea blends catering to women’s health, and it can also be procured as dried leaves from pharmacies or health food outlets. Flourishing widely across Europe, especially in well-nurtured meadows, lady’s mantle can even be harvested firsthand.

Dog Camomile

In a study on the efficacy of Austrian dog chamomile (Anthemis austriaca) in endometriosis [2], it was clearly established in animal experiments with mice that an extract from this chamomile was effective. The growth of endometriosis lesions and tissue attachment were measurably slowed. Abdominal fluid inflammation levels also decreased. Exactly which secondary plant compounds are responsible for this is still being researched.

Chamomile tea is not exactly a favorite tea, but it does not have its good reputation as an “allergy remedy” without good reason. In addition to its specific results with regard to endometriosis, it also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects on flatulence and menstrual cramps. Despite its reputation as a “hospital tea”, it should therefore be brewed more often.

Nettle tea

Another, rather unpopular tea with a positive effect on endometriosis is nettle tea. Extracts from nettles were able to reduce the size and new formation of endometriosis lesions in animal studies [4]. The somewhat “musty green” taste of nettle tea is easily dispelled with grated lemon peel in hot tea and lemon or orange juice in cold tea. Citrus, by the way, is also recommended for endometriosis. Read more here: Fruits and vegetables for endometriosis.

Seabuckthorn and St. John’s wort

Sea buckthorn grows in Europe, especially on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and especially there the dried berries are used in various tea blends. In health food stores, organic food stores and drugstores sea buckthorn pulp is sold, which is used because of its extremely high content of vitamin C, especially to strengthen the immune system. The berries (also dried) and the seeds contain sea buckthorn oil, which is rather used in cosmetics, but can do more than you might think at first.

St. John’s wort is known for its traditional use as a herbal antidepressant, but in higher doses it requires a prescription because it affects the action of many drugs. This also affects the action of some antibiotics and hormonal preparations such as the pill. This means – be careful with hormonal contraception and St. John’s wort consumption! It is said to have given many a child the name John… And also the hormone therapy for endometriosis can be influenced – so discuss a St. John’s wort therapy with your gynecologist!

A Turkish study [5] investigated the efficacy of a combination of both oils in endometriosis and found that the endometriosis lesions of rats fed a combination of sea buckthorn oil and St. John’s wort oil for 28 days were significantly shrunk in contrast to the endometriosis lesions of rats not fed such a mixture. Inflammatory markers had also decreased and tissue attachment was inhibited.

So a fruit tea with sea buckthorn is not a bad idea. Even better is to eat the berries after drinking the tea and chew them well to make the oil from the seeds available as well. However, preparations based on St. John’s wort should be used only with caution and consultation with a doctor.

In Mongolia, in summer the fresh berries are infused with water and ice to make a refreshing drink, and in winter sea buckthorn pulp is served with hot water like tea. And hot sea buckthorn juice is also a traditional drink on the German coast! It doesn’t always have to be tea to enjoy the benefits.

Snowball bark tea

The snowball (Viburnum opulus) is grown more as an ornamental shrub because of its snow-white, ball-shaped inflorescences in summer and its bright red berries in winter, but it is also a traditional medicinal plant. Depending on the region, the bark, leaves or berries are used. In Central Europe, the bark is used in homeopathic medicines and teas for menstrual cramps and as an antispasmodic, sedative.

One study [8] investigated the efficacy of the berries with regard to endometriosis and found that they can slow the growth of endometriosis lesions. To what extent a tea infusion of the bark leads to the same result is not yet known. However, since the berries are weakly toxic if harvested too early or prepared incorrectly, it is better to resort to bark tea!

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) grows in the tropics and is known mainly there as a traditional remedy. In health food stores, tea made from cat’s claw is also offered in Europe. That secondary plant compounds from the plant with the animal name stimulate the immune system has been known for some time. One study [6] was entirely devoted to the effect of cat’s claw on endometriosis.

12 rats with endometriosis were given an extract of cat’s claw to drink for two weeks, but 12 other rats with endometriosis were not. An examination after this period found that the endometriosis lesions of the animals that had not received cat’s claw had grown significantly and those rats that had drunk cat’s claw extract had significantly reduced endometriosis lesions.

Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed is particularly rich in the secondary plant compound resveratrol. Resveratrol has fundamental antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and also has antioxidant properties and inhibits the formation of new tissue. The substance could thus play a role in the prevention of cancer and prevention as well as therapy of endometriosis. In addition, resveratrol is one of the phytoestrogens and also has positive effects on endometriosis and the female hormone balance in this respect.

Japanese knotweed is known as “Itadori tea”, but is increasingly found as a weed in domestic gardens, so you can harvest leaves, stems, roots and shoots yourself to dry into tea or eat fresh straight away. However, the resveratrol content of tea is significantly lower than in “fresh vegetables”. More about resveratrol here: How resveratrol works for endometriosis.

Ginseng

Ginseng also comes from Asia and the roots are infused for tea or offered as a tonic. Traditionally, ginseng tea is used to enhance memory, but a study with rats [3] showed that ginseng roots are effective in endometriosis. Basically, ginseng has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune system boosting effects, but it can also curb the growth of endometriosis lesions and prevent new tissues from attaching.

An active ingredient from the ginseng root also has a blood-thinning effect, which is why ginseng tea is better not used during menstruation or directly after surgery!

Summary

With the right ingredients, teas can be a helpful supplement for endometriosis.

Many domestic tea ingredients have been shown in studies to be effective for endometriosis. Some of these have been used traditionally for generations in their countries of origin in special tea blends for menstrual cramps and other women’s ailments, while others are more traditionally used for other purposes, such as sea buckthorn to prevent colds.

In the future, more and more plants will prove effective for endometriosis, so ingredient lists for teas for endometriosis will continue to grow. Not every tea preparation tastes good, but sometimes the combination among themselves then leads to a tasty drink, for example, nettles with citrus.

The mentioned plants can of course not only be used in teas for endometriosis, but also in smoothies, salads and as spices make their effective contribution against endometriosis symptoms.

Just try a few of them!

References

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Silke Neumann (zertifizierte Ernährungsberaterin)

My name is Silke Neumann. After my studies and training as a nutritionist BfD e.V., I first worked in a nutritional medical practice in Mannheim, before I took over the management of this practice and its branch in Heidelberg. In addition, I cared for gastric band patients as a nutritionist at the Ludwigshafen Clinic.
After a move to France, I opened my own practice for nutritional counseling and was part of the permanent team of a rehabilitation center to support people on their way back to everyday life after accidents or serious operations with the right, healthy nutrition for them.
13 years later, a change of location back to Germany provided a new occupation: since 2014, I have been writing full-time about nutritional medical topics in health magazines, on online blogs and websites, among other things.

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