Drinking tea is not only a delicious worldwide phenomenon but it may also play an important role in the management of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In fact, different types of tea and herbs have been studied in relation to PCOS and many of them appear to have very positive effects.
If you’d like to learn more about the most effective natural strategies to manage PCOS, make sure you check out my previous article ‘How To Treat PCOS Naturally (Science-Based Guidlines)‘.
In this article, I’ll give you a list of the most beneficial types of tea for PCOS and explain how they may help you manage this condition based on the current evidence. I’ll also share with you some practical tips on how to best choose and use your tea to gain the most benefits.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea | leaves (unoxidized) | 30-50 mg | hyperandrogenism weight loss stress management |
| Spearmint tea | leaves | 0 mg | hyperandrogenism fertility digestive health |
| Licorice tea | roots | 0 mg | hyperandrogenism adrenal support weight loss |
| Cinnamon tea | barks | 0 mg | blood sugar management inflammation hyperandrogenism |
| Chamomile tea | flowers | 0 mg | sleep stress management hyperandrogenism |
| Turmeric tea | roots | 0 mg | inflammation insulin resistance cardiovascular health |
| Ginger tea | roots | 0 mg | blood sugar management weight loss digestive health |
| Black tea | leaves (oxidized) | 47-90 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
| Raspberry leaf tea | leaves | 0 mg | fertility menstrual cycle pregnancy |
| Stinging nettle tea | leaves | 0 mg | hair loss blood sugar management hyperandrogenism |
| Hibiscus tea | flowers | 0 mg | cardiovascular health menstrual pain weight management |
| White peony tea | leaves and buds | 6-18 mg | hyperandrogenism ovulation fertility |
| Tulsi tea | leaves | 0 mg | stress management inflammation hormone regulation |
| Oolong tea | leaves (semi-oxidized) | 37-60 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
| Rooibos tea | leaves | 0 mg | insulin resistance inflammation cardiovascular health |
| Fennel tea | seeds | 0 mg | menstrual cycle fertility weight management |
| Lavender tea | flowers | 0 mg | stress management sleep menstrual pain |
| Jasmine tea | green tea + jasmine flowers | 20-60 mg | hyperandrogenism weight loss stress management |
| Butterfly pea tea | flowers | 0 mg | inflammation blood sugar management weight management |
| Moringa tea | leaves | 0 mg | malnutrition inflammation blood sugar management |
| Sage tea | leaves | 0 mg | insulin resistance inflammation cardiovascular health |
| Chai tea | black tea + Indian spices | 30-50 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
| Dandelion tea | roots | 0 mg | digestive health inflammation liver support |
| Chaga tea | mushrooms | 0 mg | blood sugar management inflammation hormone regulation |
Best teas for PCOS:
- Green Tea
- Spearmint Tea
- Licorice Tea
- Cinnamon Tea
- Chamomile Tea
- Turmeric Tea
- Ginger Tea
1. Green tea
Green tea is generally considered to be one of the healthiest drinks on the planet and there are certainly many reasons to think that. It is very nutrient-dense and it’s extremely rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (such as EGCG – epigallocatechin gallate) that appear to be responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea.
The great thing is that there are many studies that have explored the effects of green tea on different aspects of health and while there are many benefits you can get from drinking green tea, some of them are particularly important for the management of PCOS.
According to multiple studies (including studies involving women with PCOS) the consumption of green has been shown to:
- Improve insulin resistance
- Decrease androgen levels
- Reduce ovarian cysts
- Aid weight loss
- Support liver health
- Reduce inflammation
If you’d like to know more about those effects and why they are important for the management of PCOS I’ve written a whole article ‘Green Tea For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’ where I explain everything in more detail.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea | leaves (unoxidized) | 30-50 mg | hyperandrogenism weight loss stress management |
I like:
- FGO Organic Loose Leaf Tea (loose/best quality)
- Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea (powder/best quality)
2. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is one of the most recommended herbal remedies for women with PCOS and that’s because there is very strong evidence supporting its positive effects on this condition. In fact, spearmint is probably the most studied herb in relation to PCOS and a large number of studies have repeatedly shown its beneficial properties.
Since the effects are quite impressive and there are no significant risks associated with drinking spearmint tea, it is one of the most effective natural strategies for reducing PCOS symptoms.
Multiple studies have shown that spearmint tea may help:
- Decrease androgen levels
- Improve fertility
- Support digestive health
- Reduce stress
You can find out more information in my detailed article ‘Spearmint Tea For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’ if you want to know how to best use this herb in the management of PCOS.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearmint tea | leaves | 0 mg | hyperandrogenism fertility digestive health |
I like:
- Frontier Organic Spearmint Tea Leaves (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Spearmint Tea Bags (bags/most practical)
3. Licorice tea
Licorice root has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries and its strong effects on several body functions may also be highly beneficial for women with PCOS. Licorice tea can be easily made by brewing the roots of licorice and the great thing about this beverage is that it’s naturally sweet and it has a very pleasant flavor (although not for all).
Because many of the effects of licorice root are associated with hormone regulation, the consumption of licorice tea for PCOS may be another effective strategy in the management of this condition.
The evidence (including studies with PCOS women) suggests that licorice root may help:
- Decrease androgens
- Support adrenal glands
- Aid weight loss
- Reduce inflammation
I discuss the effects of licorice root on PCOS in more depth in my other article ‘Licorice Root For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’ if you’d like to learn more.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licorice tea | roots | 0 mg | hyperandrogenism adrenal support weight loss |
I like:
- U.S. Wellness Natural Licorice Root Cut & Sifted (loose/best quality)
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root Tea (bags/most practical)
4. Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon is not only a very popular, accessible and delicious type of spice but there are also numerous health benefits you can gain from the consumption of cinnamon tea. If you like the typical sweet and warm taste of cinnamon, you can easily (and quite cheaply) prepare a cinnamon tea at home. Just combine cinnamon sticks with hot water and brew.
Since cinnamon appears to be particularly beneficial for blood sugar and insulin regulation, it is oftentimes recommended for people with metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and PCOS.
More information about this condition can be found at ‘PCOS Insulin Resistance Explained & How To Reverse It‘. However, there are other important benefits that cinnamon has to offer for women with PCOS.
According to strong evidence (including studies involving women with PCOS) the consumption of cinnamon may help:
- Manage blood sugar
- Regulate menstrual cycle
- Support cardiovascular health
- Reduce inflammation
- Manage weight
If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of cinnamon on PCOS make sure you check out my other article ‘Cinnamon For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’ where you can find more details.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon tea | barks | 0 mg | blood sugar management inflammation hyperandrogenism |
I like:
- Ceylon Flavors Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks (loose/best quality)
- Anthony’s Ceylon Cinnamon Powder (powder/most practical)
5. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is another type of herb with a long history that is believed to be strongly beneficial to health. It is consumed predominantly in a form of tea as it has a nice mild herbal taste that so many people like.
While camomile tea is traditionally known as a calming and stress-relieving remedy that is good for your sleep (which it is), it is not the only positive effect this herb might have on your health. When chamomile was studied in relation to PCOS and other metabolic disorders, there were found other outcomes that are particularly important for the management of those diseases.
The research has shown that the consumption of chamomile may help:
- Improve sleep & manage stress
- Decrease androgens
- Improve fertility
- Support cardiovascular health
- Manage blood sugar
I share more information and tips on how to best use chamomile tea for PCOS in my other article ‘Chamomile Tea For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’ if you’d like more details.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamomile tea | flowers | 0 mg | sleep stress management hyperandrogenism |
I like:
- U.S. Wellness Naturals Organic Chamomile Flowers (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Chamomile Teabags (bags/most practical)
6. Turmeric tea
Turmeric appears to be one of the most powerful spices in the world when it comes to its beneficial effects on health and antioxidant content. It can be consumed in many different forms, but if you really like the taste of turmeric you can also make a great turmeric tea. Try adding some milk if you’re not a big fan of pure turmeric.
The good news is that the medicinal properties of turmeric are now also supported by an increasing amount of evidence and some of them may be particularly important for women with PCOS.
Multiple studies (several involving women with PCOS) have shown that the consumption of turmeric may help:
- Improve insulin resistance
- Reduce inflammation
- Support heart health
- Decrease depression
- Support liver health
More details about the benefits and use of turmeric for PCOS can be found at ‘Turmeric For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips’.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turmeric tea | roots | 0 mg | inflammation insulin resistance cardiovascular health |
I like:
- FGO Organic Turmeric Root Powder (powder/best quality)
- FGO Organic Turmeric Ginger Teabags (bags/most practical)
7. Ginger tea
Ginger root is a common cooking ingredient that is widely used not only for its intense flavor but also for its multiple health benefits. Similarly to turmeric, it can be found in many different forms including fresh, dried, powdered or liquid forms. Ginger tea is one of the most popular ways to consume this type of spice since the taste of a ginger-induced hot beverage is very soothing.
More importantly, there is also lots of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of ginger on health and many of those benefits also seem to play an important role in the management of PCOS.
According to evidence (including some PCOS-focused studies), the consumption of ginger may help:
- Manage blood sugar
- Aid weight loss
- Improve fertility
- Support digestive health
- Reduce inflammation
- Support heart health
You can find more information about the effects of ginger on PCOS as well as some tips on how to best use it in my other article ‘Ginger For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips‘.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger tea | roots | 0 mg | blood sugar management weight loss digestive health |
I like:
- Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Ginger Powder (powder/best quality)
- FGO Organic Ginger Teabags (bags/most practical)
Other types of tea for PCOS:
There are so many other types of tea that can help you control PCOS and reduce its symptoms, however, most of them require further research to confirm its beneficial effects on this condition. While most herbs and herbal teas haven’t been studied in relation to PCOS, they may still be a great addition to your diet as they can help you improve your overall health. Here are some of the most popular ones.
- Black tea
- Raspberry leaf tea
- Stinging nettle tea
- Hibiscus tea
- White peony tea
- Tulsi tea
- Oolong tea
- Rooibos tea
- Fennel tea
- Lavender tea
- Jasmine tea
- Butterfly pea tea (Blue tea)
- Moringa tea
- Sage tea
- Chai tea
- Dandelion tea
- Chaga tea
Black tea
Is black tea good for PCOS?
In general, black tea can be considered good for women with PCOS as it’s rich in antioxidants and it may help manage weight, regulate blood sugar and support cardiovascular health. However, those effects appear to be even greater in green tea due to its raw form and much higher antioxidant content.
Even though black tea and green tea both come from the same plant (Camellia Sinensis) they differ in the way they are processed. While green tea is made from unoxidized leaves, black tea requires the process of oxidation during which many of the beneficial compounds are usually lost. It is the main reason why green tea is associated with greater health benefits.
On the other hand, black tea has a much stronger and coffee-like flavor which is probably why it’s generally more popular. Since black tea is quite high in caffeine (in comparison to other types of tea) its consumption may not be for everyone.
If you’re trying to limit your caffeine intake for any personal or health reasons, you may want to look for other types of tea that are caffeine-free. Other than that, black tea can be a great and accessible addition to your diet if you suffer from PCOS.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black tea | leaves (oxidized) | 47-90 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
I like:
- Positively Tea Organic Black English Breakfast Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Black Teabags (bags/most practical)
Raspberry leaf tea
Is raspberry leaf tea good for PCOS?
Raspberry leaf tea can be generally considered good for women with PCOS as it may help improve fertility, reduce menstrual pain and support a healthy pregnancy. However, there are currently no existing studies investigating the effects of raspberry leaf on PCOS specifically.
Despite the lack of evidence, drinking raspberry leaf tea can still provide lots of benefits to women with PCOS as it’s rich in many essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. It’s also associated with minimal risks which is what makes it a safe choice for most individuals.
If you’re looking for a tea with the main purpose to reduce your PCOS symptoms, there might be some better options with much stronger scientific evidence (look at the options listed above). However, if you’re looking for a herbal tea that is naturally caffeine-free, PCOS-friendly and has a nice mild taste then raspberry leaf tea is a great option.
This is especially true if you’re trying to conceive or support a healthy pregnancy since most benefits of raspberry leaf tea are associated with those aspects.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry leaf tea | leaves | 0 mg | fertility menstrual cycle pregnancy |
I like:
- FGO Organic Raspberry Leaves (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Raspberry Leaf Teabags (bags/most practical)
Stinging nettle tea
Is nettle tea good for PCOS?
In general, nettle tea can be considered good for PCOS due to its anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties. It may help balance blood sugar, support the liver and decrease androgen levels. However, women with PCOS who are pregnant are recommended to avoid the consumption of nettle tea.
The consumption of stinging nettle is associated with multiple health benefits and this herb has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. However, if you suffer from PCOS you may be interested in the fact that stinging nettle is particularly effective in balancing hormones and decreasing androgens such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Since stinging nettle is able to block the production of DHT, it is oftentimes recommended for people suffering from hair loss as both male and female baldness is predominantly caused by high DHT levels.
Excessive hair loss and thinning hair are some of the main symptoms of PCOS (due to hyperandrogenism) and so if that’s something you are trying to improve, drinking nettle tea may be a great way to do it. But as I already mentioned, it is not recommended to consume nettle tea in pregnancy due to the increased risk of miscarriage.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinging nettle tea | leaves | 0 mg | hair loss blood sugar management hyperandrogenism |
I like:
- FGO Organic Nettle Leaves (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Nettle Leaf Teabags (bags/most practical)
Hibiscus tea
Is hibiscus tea good for PCOS?
Hibiscus tea is generally considered a good beverage for women with PCOS as it’s been linked to multiple health benefits. It may help support heart health, reduce menstrual pain, protect the liver and aid weight loss. However, there is currently no evidence regarding the effects of hibiscus on PCOS.
While there are many other types of tea that appear to be far more beneficial for PCOS than hibiscus tea (check the list above), it may still bring lots of benefits to your health and help you manage this condition. Hibiscus tea is packed with powerful antioxidants that are crucial for reducing oxidative stress and protecting from diseases.
Hibiscus is also well known for its ability to significantly reduce blood pressure as well as blood LDL (the ‘bad’) cholesterol which makes it an especially great choice for individuals with increased risk of heart disease (such as women with PCOS).
Additionally, hibiscus tea just tastes really great and its sweet and fruity flavor can be a great replacement for some of the high-sugar drinks and sodas. For pregnant women, however, the consumption of hibiscus products is not recommended due to the increased risks of miscarriage.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus tea | flowers | 0 mg | cardiovascular health menstrual pain weight management |
I like:
- FGO Organic Hibiscus Flowers (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Hibiscus Teabags (bags/most practical)
White peony tea
Is white peony tea good for PCOS?
In general, white peony tea is considered good for PCOS as it’s been shown to have beneficial effects on this condition. The consumption of white peony tea may help decrease androgen and increase progesterone levels, regulate ovulation and therefore improve many of the PCOS-related symptoms.
According to studies, white peony appears to be especially effective in combination with licorice root which is another adaptogenic herb recommended for the management of PCOS. This herbal formula has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for hormone-balancing purposes and improving fertility.
For this reason, you might find popular tea blends that contain both white peony and licorice root and that might be particularly beneficial for PCOS. While it seems to be best to combine these two types of herbs for maximum effects, pure white peony tea can still be a great choice for you if you suffer from PCOS.
Especially if you don’t like the taste of licorice (which is very intense), pure white peony tea offers a much smoother flavor with a mild floral undertone.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| White peony tea | leaves and buds | 6-18 mg | hyperandrogenism ovulation fertility |
Tulsi tea
Is tulsi tea good for PCOS?
Tulsi tea can be generally considered good for women with PCOS due to its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. While there are currently no studies investigating the effects of tulsi on PCOS, the health benefits of tulsi may still be important for the management of this condition.
Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) is sometimes referred to as ‘The Queen of Herbs’ due to its high nutritional value and multiple health benefits. There is solid evidence supporting the fact that this herb has very strong adaptogenic effects on the body which means that it helps restore hormonal balance, reduce stress and improve mental health.
Other beneficial effects of tulsi include improved blood sugar management, reduced inflammation and decreased cholesterol. All of those benefits are crucial for the management of PCOS so, despite the lack of evidence focused on tulsi in relation to PCOS, this herb seems to be largely beneficial.
While all parts of the herb can be used for consumption, it is best to make tulsi tea from the leaves of holy basil. Tulsi tea is naturally caffeine-free and due to its calming and anti-anxiety effects, it may help you relax and destress.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsi tea | leaves | 0 mg | stress management inflammation hormone regulation |
I like:
- Organic India Organic Tulsi Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Tulsi Teabags (bags/most practical)
Oolong tea
Is oolong tea good for PCOS?
As a general rule, oolong tea can be considered good for PCOS as it may help regulate blood sugar, manage weight, support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress. However, those effects appear to be even greater in green tea due to its different processing method and antioxidant profile.
As I already mentioned all green, black and oolong tea come from the same plant (Camellia Sinensis) but the main difference between those types of tea is their processing technique. The leaves of this plant are either fully oxidized (black tea), partly oxidized (oolong tea) or unoxidized (green tea).
Since the process of oxidation may reduce some of the beneficial properties of the plant and decrease its antioxidant content, green tea is believed to have the greatest health benefits as it’s consumed in its raw form.
However, oolong tea (which is only partly oxidized) still contains high amounts of the beneficial nutrients and so if you’re not a fan of green tea and its intense ‘grassy’ taste, oolong tea may be a better option for you.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oolong tea | leaves (semi-oxidized) | 37-60 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
I like:
- Positively Tea Organic Oolong Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Oolong Teabags (bags/most practical)
Rooibos tea
Is rooibos tea good for PCOS?
Rooibos tea can be generally considered good for women with PCOS as it’s rich in antioxidants and it may help balance blood sugar, improve insulin resistance and support heart health. However, excessive amounts of rooibos tea may stimulate estrogen production and cause sex-hormone imbalances.
Even though the estrogenic activity of rooibos tea appears to be very mild and you would have to consume extremely large amounts of this beverage to see any effects, you still want to be aware of this risk especially if you’re estrogen-dominant.
For this reason, it’s important to get your hormone levels tested as each woman with PCOS will have a different hormonal profile and you should always consider your individual circumstances.
If you’re looking for a black tea alternative that is completely caffeine-free, rooibos tea could also be a great option for you as it’s similar in taste and color. In comparison to black tea, it’s also lower in tannins (responsible for decreased nutrient absorption) and oxalic acid (associated with kidney problems).
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooibos tea | leaves | 0 mg | insulin resistance inflammation cardiovascular health |
I like:
- Anthony’s Organic Red Rooibos Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Red Rooibos Teabags (bags/most practical)
Fennel tea
Is fennel tea good for PCOS?
In general, fennel tea can be considered a good beverage for PCOS due to its high nutritional value and hormone-balancing properties. It may help reduce appetite, regulate menstrual cycle and decrease ovarian cysts formation. However, it is not recommended for women with PCOS who are pregnant.
Most of the effects of fennel on PCOS appear to be beneficial and according to studies, it is especially effective in regulating the menstrual cycle and therefore improving the chances of fertility in women with PCOS. The taste of fennel tea is very similar to licorice root and it also acts as a natural appetite suppressant.
On the other hand, fennel seeds contain high amounts of estrogen-like compounds that may be potentially harmful to some individuals when taken in large amounts (especially highly concentrated fennel extracts, supplements and essential oils).
Estrogen-dominant, pregnant and breastfeeding women should therefore limit their fennel intake to reduce the risks of hormone imbalances and disrupted fetal growth and development.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fennel tea | seeds | 0 mg | menstrual cycle fertility weight management |
I like:
- Heather’s Tummy Organic Fennel Tea (loose/best quality)
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Fennel Tea (bags/most practical)
Lavender tea
Is lavender tea good for PCOS?
Lavender tea is generally considered good for women with PCOS due to its calming and sleep-promoting properties. It may also help reduce menstrual cramping and relieve abdominal pain. However, there are currently no existing studies investigating the effects of lavender on PCOS specifically.
Lavender is a type of herb that is predominantly used in the sector of aromatherapy which is why it can be commonly found in the form of essential oil or herbal extract. In fact, most of the lavender’s health benefits are based on studies involving lavender extract or essential oil.
While it is not completely clear how effective drinking lavender tea might be (in comparison to highly-concentrated extracts) this herbal beverage still appears to have calming and relaxing effects.
Therefore, women with PCOS who suffer from high levels of stress, poor mental health and disrupted sleep may particularly benefit from including lavender tea in their diet.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender tea | flowers | 0 mg | stress management sleep menstrual pain |
I like:
- FGO Organic Lavender Flowers (loose/best quality)
- Buddha Tea Organic Lavender Tea (bags/most practical)
Jasmine tea
Is jasmine tea good for PCOS?
In general, jasmine tea can be considered good for PCOS as it may provide multiple health benefits important for the management of this condition. Since it is a type of scented tea traditionally made by infusing the leaves of green tea with a jasmine aroma, its benefits are very similar to green tea.
There is solid evidence supporting the beneficial effects of green tea on PCOS (check the list above) but if you don’t like the taste, you might find the taste of jasmine tea much better. The main purpose of the jasmine infusion is to add a unique flavor and aroma to a regular tea.
Jasmine tea can be made from the leaves of both green or black tea and therefore its benefits may differ depending on the variation you choose. While both types of tea (black and green) seem to be a good choice for women with PCOS, choosing a jasmine tea that uses the leaves of green tea as a base may be a slightly better option.
By doing so, you can expect to gain all of the evidence-based benefits of green tea for PCOS but also enjoy the delicate flavor of sweet jasmine.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasmine tea | green tea + jasmine flowers | 20-60 mg | hyperandrogenism weight loss stress management |
I like:
- Positively Tea Organic Jasmine Green Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Jasmine Green Teabags (bags/most practical)
Butterfly pea tea (Blue tea)
Is butterfly pea tea (blue tea) good for PCOS?
Butterfly pea tea (blue tea) can be generally considered good for PCOS as its rich in antioxidants and it may help balance blood sugar levels, promote weight loss and reduce inflammation. However, there are currently no existing studies investigating the effects of butterfly pea on PCOS specifically.
Butterfly pea is a popular herb that is well known for its vibrant blue flowers. Those flowers are mainly used as a natural coloring agent in foods and drinks due to their high content of anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant) are responsible for the intense blue color of the flowers, however, they are also associated with multiple health benefits. Together with other types of antioxidant compounds found in butterfly pea flowers, they appear to have strong anti-inflammatory effects benefiting your skin and hair quality.
While the research on butterfly pea is still very limited, drinking blue tea for PCOS could be highly beneficial as it’s been shown to help manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly pea tea | flowers | 0 mg | inflammation blood sugar management weight management |
I like:
- Incas Organic Butterfly Pea Flowers (loose/best quality)
- Incas Organic Butterfly Pea Teabags (bags/most practical)
Moringa tea
Is moringa tea good for PCOS?
As a general rule, moringa tea can be considered good for PCOS due to its high nutritional value and multiple health benefits. According to research, moringa may help reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, increase folliculogenesis and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.
One of the reasons why moringa has been gaining lots of popularity in recent years is its high-quality nutritional profile. The leaves of this plant are particularly rich in lots of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidant compounds.
For this reason, moringa is particularly great for individuals suffering from malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies and it is now an important food staple in developing countries. Besides its great nutrient content, moringa is also associated with multiple health benefits and some of them are especially important for women with PCOS.
Several studies have shown moringa to reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar and lower cholesterol but there is also evidence on the beneficial effects of moringa on PCOS specifically. While more research on moringa in relation to PCOS is required, drinking moringa tea may be an effective method in reducing PCOS symptoms.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moringa tea | leaves | 0 mg | malnutrition inflammation blood sugar management |
I like:
- U.S. Wellness Natural Organic Moringa Powder (powder/best quality)
- Buddha Tea Organic Moringa Tea (bags/most practical)
Sage tea
Is sage tea good for PCOS?
Sage tea is a good beverage for PCOS as it’s been shown to have positive effects on this condition. According to several studies, the consumption of sage tea may help improve insulin resistance, reduce oxidative stress, balance blood sugar and support cardiovascular health in women with PCOS.
Sage is a popular type of herb commonly used as a spice in cooking but it can also be consumed as a beverage to gain its health benefits. Sage tea is a very aromatic hot drink and it can be easily made by steeping the fresh or dried leaves of this herb.
While drinking sage tea is generally considered safe and based on the evidence it might be greatly beneficial for women with PCOS, you should consume this beverage in moderation due to its high content of thujone.
Thujone can be toxic in large doses (3-7 g/day) and lead to some serious health issues. Since one liter (4 cups) of sage tea contain approx. 4-11 g of this compound, you may want to limit your intake to only several cups per day.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage tea | leaves | 0 mg | insulin resistance inflammation cardiovascular health |
I like:
- Ancient Foods Organic Sage Leaves (loose/best quality)
- Buddha Tea Organic Sage Tea Bags (bags/most practical)
Chai tea
Is chai tea good for PCOS?
In general, chai tea can be considered good for PCOS as it’s made from a combination of black tea with ginger and other spices. While there is no evidence supporting the benefits of chai tea for PCOS specifically, most ingredients of this beverage appear to have positive effects on this condition.
Masala chai is a type of very spicy Indian tea that is popular all around the world. It is traditionally made by combining regular black tea with a variety of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, black pepper, anise, cloves or others.
The consumption of black tea is already associated with multiple health benefits (discussed above) but many of the spices included in chai tea (especially cinnamon, ginger and fennel) are also backed by evidence regarding their positive impact on PCOS
Therefore, if you suffer from PCOS, drinking chai tea may be a great way to include multiple beneficial ingredients in your diet that may help you control this condition.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chai tea | black tea + Indian spices | 30-50 mg | blood sugar management cardiovascular health weight management |
I like:
- FGO Organic Chai Tea (loose/best quality)
- FGO Organic Chai Teabags (bags/most practical)
Dandelion tea
Is dandelion tea good for PCOS?
Dandelion tea is generally considered a good beverage for PCOS due to its high nutrient and antioxidant content. The consumption of dandelion tea may help promote digestive health, reduce inflammation and support liver function. Therefore, it may help balance hormones in women with PCOS.
Dandelion is a widely accessible type of herb that can be used to make a great tea. In fact, you can make dandelion tea from all parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, roots) and they all provide multiple health benefits.
However, since most benefits of dandelion are based on studies involving the roots of this plant, you may want to make dandelion tea from this part of the herb. Fortunately, dandelion roots (especially when roasted) make a delicious hot beverage with a coffee-like flavor which also makes it a great coffee alternative.
You can find other PCOS-friendly coffee alternatives in my other article ‘Best Coffee & Coffee Alternatives For PCOS‘.
The roots of dandelion are also a great source of prebiotic fiber inulin which is extremely important for the health of your gut microbiome. This is especially important for women with PCOS as their state of gut microbiome is closely linked to their blood sugar control and weight management.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dandelion tea | roots | 0 mg | digestive health inflammation liver support |
I like:
- FGO Organic Dandelion Root Tea (loose/best quality)
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Dandelion Leaf & Root (bags/most practical)
Chaga tea
Is chaga tea good for PCOS?
In general, chaga tea can be considered good for PCOS as it’s associated with multiple health benefits important for the management of this condition. It may help balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Since chaga is a type of adaptogen it may also help regulate hormones.
In herbal medicine, adaptogens and adaptogenic compounds are believed to help achieve hormonal balance and better adaptation to stress which is why they could be greatly beneficial for women with PCOS.
Chaga is a type of wild mushroom that is also considered an adaptogen and while the research is still very limited, this medicinal mushroom appears to have some powerful effects on different aspects of health (especially blood sugar management).
Grated chaga into a powder makes a great tea or it can also be used as a coffee alternative. It has a very unique flavor that is slightly bitter but with a sweetish vanilla undertone as it naturally contains the compound vanillin.
| 1 cup (250 ml) | Ingredients | Caffeine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaga tea | mushrooms | 0 mg | blood sugar management inflammation hormone regulation |
I like:
- Micro Ingredients Organic Chaga Powder (loose/best quality)
- Buddha Tea Organic Chaga Tea (bags/most practical)
Practical tips:
- Choose loose-leaf tea – if you want to buy a high-quality tea (which is important if you’re using it on a daily basis for its health benefits) it is usually best to choose loose-leaf tea as it tends to contain larger and more aromatic leaves in contrast to bagged tea – teabags usually contain lower-quality herbs and even some unwanted items (such as dust and sand) + some may release microplastics
- Buy organic – try to choose tea brands certified organic (when possible) as it will guarantee no use of harmful pesticides, herbicides and other industrial chemicals that may interact with your endocrine system and contribute to hormone imbalances (it also tastes better)
I love:
FGO
Buddha Teas
Positively Tea
Traditional Medicinals
Organic India - Get proper tea equipment – there are so many different ways and tools to make a good cup of tea, find what works best for you to suit your needs and lifestyle, I find having a good-quality kettle (I use it a lot) really important and for my loose-leaf tea I like using french-press the most (it’s very practical) but there are other methods and pieces of equipment that are also great
I use:
Mueller French press
KRUPS Smart Temp Digital Kettle - Drink tea hot & cold – tea tastes great not only as a hot beverage but it can also be enjoyed cold with ice, especially in the summertime when you can keep it in your fridge, add some lemon and make a delicious iced tea
- Make tea blends – try making your own tea blend by mixing different PCOS-friendly herbs of your choice to create unique flavors and get multiple health benefits, you can make your own tea blends at home or in your local herbal store or find some already pre-made tea products
- Add tea into smoothies – if you’re short on time or want to try something new, you can easily add brewed tea (in its liquid form) into your smoothies and smoothie bowls (instead of water or milk), it can be hardly tasted but some types of tea add a hint of unique flavor
- Re-infuse your tea leaves – if you have a high-quality and aromatic tea (loose-leaf), you can actually re-use the leaves to make more tea from one portion, it’s important not to brew the tea for too long (approx. 5 mins) so you can re-infuse the leaves with more hot water later
- Make tea lattes – try adding some milk (and other ingredients) into your tea if you want to try something new and delicious, it works especially great with black tea, chai, turmeric, dandelion or matcha but you can make great lattes from any type of tea
Read more:
‘What Type Of Milk Is Best For PCOS? (The Ultimate Guide)‘
‘The Best & Worst Sweeteners For PCOS (Complete List)‘ - Make drinking tea your evening routine – drinking a hot cup of tea is a great way to finish your day as it can help you relax, prevent late snacking and ‘unwind’ before bed if you make it your daily routine, for this purpose try to pick some tea that is caffeine-free to prevent any sleep disturbances (chamomile is my favorite)
References:
- Amelia, D., Santoso, B., Purwanto, B., Miftahussurur, M., Joewono, H. T., & Budiono (2018). Effects of Moringa oleifera on Insulin Levels and Folliculogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model with Insulin Resistance. Immunology, endocrine & metabolic agents in medicinal chemistry, 18(1), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.2174/1871522218666180426100754
- Arentz, S., Abbott, J. A., Smith, C. A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 14, 511. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-511
- Ashkar, F., Rezaei, S., Salahshoornezhad, S., Vahid, F., Gholamalizadeh, M., Dahka, S. M., & Doaei, S. (2020). The Role of medicinal herbs in treatment of insulin resistance in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A literature review. Biomolecular concepts, 11(1), 57–75. https://doi.org/10.1515/bmc-2020-0005
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- Farideh, Z. Z., Bagher, M., Ashraf, A., Akram, A., & Kazem, M. (2010). Effects of chamomile extract on biochemical and clinical parameters in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of reproduction & infertility, 11(3), 169–174. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23926485/
- Ghowsi, M., Yousofvand, N., & Moradi, S. (2020). Effects of Salvia officinalis L. (common sage) leaves tea on insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in rats with polycystic ovary: An experimental study. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 10(3), 263–272. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32523881/
- Grant P. (2010). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 24(2), 186–188. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2900
- Grant, P., & Ramasamy, S. (2012). An update on plant derived anti-androgens. International journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 10(2), 497–502. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem.3644
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