Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly prevalent condition, often manifesting itself through irregular periods, fertility problems, hair growth issues, acne outbreaks and weight issues. But herbal tea can provide some natural solutions to combat PCOS.
Studies have demonstrated that green and marjoram teas can significantly lower androgens levels. Licorice root tea has also proven an effective remedy for PCOS.
Black Tea
Black tea can provide an enjoyable caffeine boost without overstimulation; it contains more caffeine than green or oolong tea but less than coffee, while also being packed with antioxidants to improve insulin resistance, blood sugar control and cardiovascular health. Plus it helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels – so for best results drink black tea first thing in the morning for maximum benefits!
Black tea comes in various forms and styles from bold and astringent to smooth and sweet, depending on its origin – Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea features full body with chocolate notes; China’s Keemun offers winelike fruitiness while Kenyan black tea contains tobacco and pine aromas.
Green, black and oolong regular tea varieties all hail from Camellia sinensis plants, but what sets each apart is how its leaves are processed post harvest – either fully oxidized (black tea), partially oxidized (oolong tea) or unoxidized (green tea). Deciding which variety best meets your needs and goals comes down to personal taste as much as anything else.
Studies indicate that black tea can assist with weight loss by decreasing abdominal fat and triglycerides, neutralizing harmful free radicals linked to inflammation and other conditions, increasing beneficial bacteria diversity in your gut and increasing good bacteria numbers; it may even aid in iron absorption; however if you are anemic it’s wise to consult your physician first about whether adding tea as part of your diet might decrease iron absorption.
Green Tea
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly prevalent condition among women of reproductive age. It can cause various symptoms ranging from follicular cysts on ovaries and irregular periods to skin acne, excess hair growth and infertility; yet this condition can often be managed and even reversed through lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise and quality sleep.
Tea consumption has been proven to help lower insulin resistance and androgens in the blood, and green tea is particularly effective as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that helps block 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme that regulates testosterone production.
Green tea can help balance your hormonal levels when combined with healthy diet and regular exercise, as it contains L-theanine which helps alleviate hunger. Furthermore, L-theanine provides stress relief which is another common PCOS symptom.
If caffeine consumption is an issue for you, opt for decaffeinated green tea. Furthermore, loose leaf tea tends to offer higher quality with fewer additives like dust or pesticides present than its pre-packaged counterparts.
Green tea comes in various varieties, from kukicha (steamed and with sweet vegetal notes) and matcha (powdered Japanese tea with an intense flavor and slightly bitter aftertaste), to matcha, which contains high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to help with PCOS symptoms. They may also help increase HDL while decreasing triglycerides for greater cholesterol regulation.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea can be an effective remedy for PCOS due to its anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, helping with digestive issues and menstrual cycle regulation as well as weight loss and heart disease risk reduction. Two to three cups per day is suggested; pregnant, breastfeeding or diabetic women should consult with their physician first as the caffeine present can alter how their blood sugar is controlled while increasing blood pressure or leading to dizziness in certain people; additionally it could flush calcium out from bones causing osteoporosis so its best avoided for this reason alone!
Oolong tea, grown in China and Taiwan, features low to moderate levels of caffeine with a flavor similar to black or green teas. Loose leaf and bag forms of Oolong are available.
Studies have demonstrated that Oolong tea may help lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease by providing polyphenols which activate an enzyme which breaks down triglycerides that contribute to thickening arteries and increase risk for cardiovascular disease. Oolong can also help lower LDL and triglyceride levels which may decrease coronary risk factors.
Studies showed that those who consumed daily oolong tea had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and higher HDL cholesterol than those who didn’t drink tea, possibly due to its ability to help improve metabolic processes and facilitate weight loss, prevent cancer, strengthen immunity, and address digestive disorders.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is a popular herbal remedy during pregnancy and may help stimulate and begin labor, however there is limited evidence supporting its use and it is generally advised that women avoid drinking this tea before the third trimester, since prolonged consumption could trigger contractions (including Braxton-Hicks contractions ).
One study concluded that this herb could help decrease symptoms of preeclampsia while decreasing premature labor risk in high-risk cases. Pregnant women wishing to use this remedy should start drinking one cup of tea daily near 32 weeks and gradually increase it as their due date approaches.
Red raspberry leaf is loaded with immune-enhancing nutrients such as vitamins C, E and A; calcium; magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, red raspberry leaves contain astringent alkaloids which have been known to soothe muscles in our organs and tissues including our uterus and antioxidants that reduce inflammation while improving digestion and supporting healthy hormone production.
Tea can be consumed at any time during pregnancy, but is especially recommended in the second and third trimesters as an anti-inflammatory measure, uterine toning benefits, and to promote a healthy pregnancy. According to some reports it also helps reduce low amniotic fluid, hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage complications as well.
Although it has not been scientifically verified, herbal tisane tea may also help induce lactation by acting as a galactagogue (an agent that promotes lactation). This claim may have nothing to do with breastfeeding women not regularly drinking this tea type or not having enough galactagogue properties available within its recipe; possibly this could be down to breastfeeding mothers not usually drinking it during gestation or not enough galactagogue properties being contained within it – either way this tea consists of the leaves from red raspberry plants that tastes similar to black tea without caffeine – add sugar or honey for enhanced sweetness!
Pure White Peony Tea
Contrary to its name, white peony tea does not consist solely of white peony flowers; rather it contains many herbs which have proven immensely helpful for women with PCOS. This blend has proven successful at balancing estrogen levels and improving fertility; additionally it helps alleviate many symptoms associated with PCOS such as painful menstruation, endometriosis and fibroids as well as reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production within the uterus and improve uterine function when taken along with other herbs such as licorice root among others to optimize uterine function and improve uterine function.
A 2019 study on rats revealed that paeoniflorin could stop aromatase, an enzyme responsible for turning testosterone into estrogen, from binding with its receptor sites, thereby leading to lower testosterone levels and lessened symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Furthermore, this compound increased production of gut bacteria which help balance hormones.
Combining this herb with licorice root has proven particularly successful at relieving painful menstruation and alleviating symptoms associated with PCOS. This is due to its ability to relax uterine muscles while simultaneously blocking prostaglandin production; an essential hormone responsible for menstrual cramps. Furthermore, its anti-fibroid and cyst-forming effects help decrease growth of fibroids or cysts within the uterus.
Though all tea is produced from Camellia Sinensis plants, its health benefits vary depending on how the leaves are processed. Although any type of tea may provide health benefits, for maximum effect consider selecting one made with high-quality ingredients and using proper brewing techniques.