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If you have ever searched for "flow tea" or "menstrual tea", you will have noticed how many different blends, claims and price points are out there. This guide explains what a flow tea is, which herbs commonly appear in them, how to brew one properly, and what to check before you buy, so you can choose with confidence.

What is flow tea?

Flow tea is a general name for herbal tea blends made for women, usually enjoyed around the time of the period. It is not a medicine and there is no single recipe. Most blends are built from herbs with a long history of traditional use in women's herbal teas, balanced with flowers and spices for flavour.

Herbs you will often see in a menstrual tea

When you compare blends, the ingredient list tells you far more than the label. Here are some of the herbs in our own Flow Tea, and why they are commonly chosen:

• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus): one of the best known traditional women's herbs, with a mild, earthy flavour similar to black tea but without the caffeine.
• Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris): another herb traditionally used in women's teas, with a gentle, slightly astringent taste.
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica): a leafy green herb often included in blends as a mineral-rich base.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): a soft, floral flower traditionally enjoyed as a calming drink. See our dried chamomile flowers if you would like to try it on its own.
• Elderberries (Sambucus nigra): dark, tangy berries that add colour and a fruity note.
• Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum): a slightly sweet, maple-like seed used in many traditional cuisines.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): warming spices that round out the flavour.
• Rose petals (Rosa damascena): a fragrant finishing touch.

How to brew flow tea

Good brewing makes a real difference to flavour. For loose leaf flow tea:

1. Add 1-2 teaspoons to a teapot or infuser for each cup.
2. Pour over freshly boiled water.
3. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. Covering the cup helps keep the aromatic oils from the ginger, cinnamon and rose in your tea.
4. Strain, then add honey or lemon if you like.

If you are serving it in a cafe, clinic or office, a tea bag is easier. We pack the same blend into biodegradable pyramid tea bags, and you can ask our team about bulk and contract tea bag packing at sales@herbalconnection.com.au.

Is flow tea caffeine free?

It depends on the blend. Some flow teas include green tea or black tea, which contain caffeine. Our Flow Tea is made only from herbs, flowers, berries, seed and spices, so it is naturally caffeine free and easy to enjoy in the evening.

Can flow tea replace pain relief?

No. A cup of herbal tea can be a comforting part of your routine, but it is a food, not a treatment, and research on herbal teas for period symptoms is limited. Strong pain, very heavy bleeding, irregular or prolonged periods are worth discussing with your doctor, whatever you choose to drink.

Are there side effects or people who should check first?

Herbal teas are not right for everyone. Please speak with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before drinking flow tea if you:

• are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding (raspberry leaf in particular is often discussed in pregnancy);
• take medication, including blood thinners, diabetes or blood pressure medicines (fenugreek and nettle can interact with some medicines);
• have a medical condition, or are sensitive to plants in the daisy family such as chamomile, ragweed or daisies.

Our blend also contains ginger, which may carry naturally occurring sulphites. If you are unsure about any ingredient, ask before you drink.

What to look for when you buy flow tea in Australia

• A full ingredient list. Every herb should be named, ideally with its botanical name.
• Honest claims. Be wary of any tea that promises to treat, cure or fix your period. Food-grade teas cannot make those claims.
• Clear organic labelling. "Contains organic ingredients" and "certified organic blend" are different claims, so check the wording.
• Where it is blended. Our Flow Tea is blended in Australia on the Gold Coast from imported ingredients, in a HACCP certified facility.
• Pack size and freshness. Loose leaf is available in 250g, 500g and 1kg packs and should be stored in a cool, dark, airtight container.

Try Flow Tea

Our Flow Tea was created by our in-house tea specialist, Renae, as a caffeine free loose leaf blend for women. You can shop it in 250g, 500g and 1kg packs. Wholesale customers, practitioners and cafes can also ask about bulk quantities, tea bags, contract blending and private label.

This article is general information about herbal teas sold as foods. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional.