From Tea Skeptic to Tea Queen: How Endo Turned Me into a Devoted Sipper

When I drink tea I am conscious of peace. The cool breath of heaven rises in my sleeves, and blows my cares away. — Lo Tung

Image generated using AI.

If you told younger me that I’d one day be writing an entire blog post about tea—with feelings no less—I would've laughed while sipping on a fizzy drink with zero nutritional value. Back then, tea seemed like something only old people drank in tiny floral cups with pinky fingers raised. Boring, bland, and definitely not "cool."

Today? Not only do I drink tea almost every day, but I have an entire shelf dedicated to my tea collection, complete with a cute kettle, strainer, and even a few mugs with inspirational quotes. It’s safe to say: I’ve become a tea lover. A tea queen, even.

Why Tea?

If you live with endometriosis, you know the struggle: chronic pain, bloating, fatigue, inflammation, and a list of symptoms that change depending on the day (or the hour). After years of experimenting with various natural ways to manage my symptoms, I found myself reaching for something simple, soothing, and powerful: tea.

Tea has become quite the ritual for me, a comfort, and often, a form of gentle healing. I have different teas for different moods, symptoms, and even seasons. And let’s be honest, the comfort of holding a warm cup on a bad day? Unmatched.

International Tea Day, observed every year on May 21, was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of tea in promoting sustainable development, women’s empowerment and poverty reduction, especially in developing countries where tea production supports millions of livelihoods.

Did you know that tea dates back to 2737 BC in ancient China? According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong accidentally discovered tea when leaves from a nearby tree blew into his pot of boiling water (Source: Tea Association of the USA). From there, tea spread across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. And Africa? We're not just sipping—we're producing some of the world’s best blends.

Here are Africa's top 3 tea champions:

1. Kenya – Known globally for its bold black tea, especially in chai blends. Kenya is one of the largest tea exporters in the world.

2. South Africa – Home to the beloved rooibos tea, a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a rich, earthy flavour.

3. Malawi – One of the oldest tea producers in Africa, Malawi offers smooth, aromatic teas that are gaining international recognition.

Whether it’s been a long, draining day or I just need a moment to breathe, I often find myself reaching for a warm cup of tea. As someone who doesn't drink coffee, tea is always my go-to—whether it's a gentle pick-me-up in the morning or a source of comfort when I need to unwind. It helps me ease into my day without the caffeine jitters, soothe some of my endometriosis symptoms like bloating, nausea and inflammation, and warm my body from the inside out. And sometimes? I just want to enjoy a burst of flavour that makes me feel happy. Whatever the reason, tea always shows up for me.

And for each of these moments, I’ve got my trusty go-to teas. Here are my top 5 teas that have become staples in my wellness toolkit:

1. Chamomile Tea

Best For: Calming nerves, easing cramps, and helping with sleep.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can be especially helpful during your period. It also acts as a mild sedative, which is great for when pain disrupts sleep.

2. Ginger Tea

Best For: Reducing inflammation and nausea.

Ginger is an absolute powerhouse. It helps reduce period pain and has been shown to ease nausea and digestive discomfort—which, if you have endo, you probably know all too well.

3. Peppermint Tea

Best For: Bloating and digestive relief.

Peppermint relaxes the muscles in your GI tract, helping with the trapped gas and cramping that often come with endo. Bonus: it tastes super refreshing.

4. Rooibos Tea

Best For: Hormonal balance and antioxidant support.

Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. It’s great for people who are caffeine-sensitive (hello, hormonal imbalances), and it's known to support liver health—which plays a key role in estrogen regulation.

5. Hibiscus Tea

Best For: Lowering blood pressure and supporting detox.

Hibiscus has a tart, cranberry-like flavour and is rich in antioxidants. It supports heart health and has diuretic properties, which can help reduce water retention and bloating.

There are literally thousands of tea blends around the world—far more than I could ever hope to drink in one lifetime. While these five favourites have become trusted companions on my wellness journey, they’re not the be-all and end-all. I’ve tried a few other blends along the way, and I’m always open to exploring new ones, both locally and beyond my borders. Next on my tea adventure list? These five are on my radar and could be worth adding to your stash:

1. Turmeric Tea

   Benefits: Powerful anti-inflammatory, great for joint and pelvic pain.

2. Green Tea

   Benefits: Metabolism booster and antioxidant-rich; may help with weight management.

3. Nettle Tea

   Benefits: Known for reducing inflammation and heavy menstrual bleeding.

4. Fennel Tea

   Benefits: Aids in digestion and may help reduce menstrual cramps.

5. Lemon Balm Tea

   Benefits: Calming, mood-lifting, and helpful for anxiety.

All these teas offer gentle, holistic ways to support the body—especially when it's navigating the unpredictable terrain of chronic illness.

So, Do I Still Think Tea Is Boring? Absolutely not! I’m officially one of the cool kids on the tea train. Tea has become a daily act of love, wellness, and connection to myself. As we say where I’m from: "Gugothandayo" (aging is for those who like to age or allow aging).

So go on, steep yourself a cup of healing. Try a new tea, start a ritual, or just sip and sit in stillness. Here’s to healing, to hope, and to every warm, flavourful cup that makes this journey just a little easier.

Happy International Tea Day!

Love and light,

Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior

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