Have I mentioned how much I love tea? 5 PCOS- Friendly Teas & Tonics

I made it my 2015 resolution to live as natural and healthy of a lifestyle as possible, and soon fell in love with all the health benefits that a simple cup of tea can offer, especially for a woman battling PCOS. I regularly sip on herbal teas throughout the day to keep me hydrated and warm in the office during the cold fall and winter months. Here are some of my favorites and why I love them!

1. Green Tea: After reading here about how caffeine disrupts your endocrine system, my first resolution was lowering my caffeine intake. Realistically, I know that I can never give up caffeine entirely, I envy those that can, but it's important to set attainable goals, right? So I have substituted my beloved cup of coffee each morning (95 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz. cup) for Green Tea (21 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz. cup). I surprising didn't have trouble lowering my caffeine intake, and within only a few months of switching, I saw a noticeable difference in my skin and no longer had any acid reflux symptoms. (Bonus: no more coffee stained teeth and green tea is PACKED with healthy antioxidants that can do everything from help stabilize blood sugar to lower cholesterol). Enjoy it alone, with a touch of honey, or a slice of lemon. I suggest Yogi Super Antioxidant Green Tea and a packet of True Lemon.

2. Raspberry Leaf Tea: This tea was suggested to me by my naturopathic physician, who I have been seeing in conjunction with my OBGYN. I love to sip this tea, particularly around that time of the month, to ease my PMS symptoms because Raspberry Leaf contains ferulic acid, which helps to relieve menstruation cramping. It has also been recommended that I drink this daily while we try to conceive, since PCOSers have an increased risk of miscarriage and  Raspberry Leaf may strengthen and tone the uterus. (Bonus for vegetarians: This tea is also high in iron). I suggest Traditional Medicinals Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea or Yogi Woman's Raspberry Leaf Tea.

3. Ginger Tea: Many of you, like me, are being prescribed Metformin and going through some of the terrible stomach-related side effects of this drug. Last week I started on my highest dose and I was having trouble keeping anything down! Ginger has been a lifesaver for me, it soothes my stomach and reduces my nausea. Ginger is an herb which contains properties that help to reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. I like to keep candied ginger on hand when I want to clear my palate, but the most enjoyable form of ginger for me is in a tonic or tea. Tea can be easily made yourself at home (soak grated ginger in boiling water for 10 minutes and strain) but I suggest buying the tea bags for easy use while at the office or on the go.  I suggest Yogi or Traditional Medicinals Ginger Tea, Yogi Ginger Tea, and Trader Joe's Crystallized Candied Ginger.

4. Nettle Leaf Tea:  Nettle Leaf Tea is another tea recommended to me by my naturopathic physician. Another nasty side effect I've experienced with Metformin is a stuffy nose, which occurs when congested  tissues lining the nose become swollen. I truly thought I was coming down with a sinus infection when I first started on Metformin, and my only relief has been Nettle Tea. Nettles are known to reduce inflammation and combat symptoms of allergies. (Bonus: no terrible OTC sinus medications side effects such as grogginess or dry mouth). I suggest Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Leaf Tea and if you're REALLY suffering Metagenics Sinuplex.

5. Turmeric Tonic: My fave, fave, fave drink to make when I've overindulged and feel like my skin and body needs a detox, when I'm not feeling well or can't seem to warm up on a cold night. There are just so many benefits to this drink, with ingredients that combat everything from acne to bloating. You can read all about the wonderful benefits to Turmeric here and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar here. I suggest Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Honey.  Here is my favorite recipe:

Turmeric Tonic

• 1 Tablespoon Raw Honey
• 1 tablespoon Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
• Pinch of turmeric
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1-2 slices of lemon
• 8 ounces of hot (almost boiling water)

Pour all ingredients into large mug stir carefully. Let cool slightly. Enjoy!

So what are your favorite teas? Is there anything you love for your symptoms that I've missed? Let me know in the comments!

I try my best to use only organic products and I get them all delivered right to the house through Amazon Prime (we jokingly call our UPS driver my second husband, he's at my house almost daily) You just can't beat online deals, and buying in bulk saves so much money. The products I use are listed throughout for easy shopping. Happy drinking friends!

Note: Please consult with your physician before starting any of these herbal teas, I am not a doctor, just someone who has simply seen fabulous results with these teas.