Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Periodic Tea Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Earth Mama Organics

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Periodic Tea is a dietary supplement by Earth Mama Organics with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy.Based on those ingredients, 1,591 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ginger, Alfalfa, Cinnamon. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (2.20 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Periodic Tea is made from 7 ingredients, including a proprietary blend and six named botanicals: ginger root, alfalfa leaf, stinging nettle, red raspberry leaf, cinnamon, and lemon balm. Each contributes traditional uses and active compounds—ginger for digestive support, alfalfa and nettle as nutrient-dense herbs, raspberry leaf for potential women's health support, cinnamon for flavor and potential metabolic effects, and lemon balm for its calming properties.

The product contains no inactive other ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: ease PMS and menstrual cramping symptoms.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Period pain.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ginger is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dysmenorrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Red Raspberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dysmenorrhea.
  • Also on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dysmenorrhea.

The evidence for effectiveness is mixed and incomplete. Ginger is possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and osteoarthritis, but possibly ineffective for exercise-induced muscle soreness and chemotherapy-related nausea.

For the other ingredients—alfalfa, stinging nettle, red raspberry, cinnamon, and lemon balm—the evidence we hold rates as insufficient to establish whether they work for their traditional uses in diabetes, hay fever, anemia, skin health, or stress. Lemon balm alone has some evidence for cold sores and depression, rated possibly effective.

If you're considering this tea for a specific health goal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports its use.

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 6 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ginger is generally well tolerated at typical food and supplement doses; however, doses above 5 grams per day increase side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. Common mild effects include burping and abdominal discomfort.

Alfalfa is generally well tolerated in small amounts but rarely may cause a lupus-like syndrome with chronic use, and it has estrogen-like effects that make it unsafe in supplement amounts during pregnancy. Stinging nettle is generally well tolerated but should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Red raspberry leaf is likely safe in pregnancy for traditional use but lacks complete safety evidence; the fruit is well tolerated. Cinnamon is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in food amounts but should be kept moderate at supplement doses due to its coumarin content, which can affect the liver at very high doses over time.

Lemon balm is generally well tolerated for short-term use but lacks long-term safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy. Lady's Mantle has very limited human safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Red Raspberry, Lemon Balm, Alchemilla, Stinging Nettle, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,592 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start Periodic Tea, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medication types: blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, thyroid hormone replacement, sedatives or CNS depressants, diuretic drugs, lithium, estrogen or contraceptive drugs, immunosuppressants, or drugs processed by your liver (cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates) or transported by P-glycoprotein. Ginger's effects on bleeding risk with warfarin and alfalfa's vitamin K content are the most serious concerns.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Periodic Tea is a multi-ingredient herbal blend suited for those exploring traditional women's health support, but it carries multiple documented interactions with blood thinners, diabetes medications, thyroid hormones, and other drugs. If you take any prescription medications—especially warfarin, diabetes drugs, or thyroid replacement—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Alfalfa and stinging nettle are unsafe in pregnancy, and lemon balm, cinnamon, and red raspberry leaf carry incomplete safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so discuss with your healthcare provider if you are or planning to become pregnant or are nursing.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Periodic Tea, straight from the product label.

Brand Earth Mama Organics
Net contents 16 Tea Bag(s); 1.23 Ounce(s); 35 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 306565
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Girls: (All), Organic, Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Servings per container
16
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories0 Calorie(s)--
Proprietary Blend2.2 Gram(s)--
Ginger0 NP--
Alfalfa0 NP--
Stinging Nettle0 NP--
Red Raspberry0 NP--
Cinnamon0 NP--
Lemon Balm0 NP--
Lady's Mantle0 NP--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Here. Drink this. It'll help. Earth Mama teas Formulated for pregnancy plus! Organic Elderberry Immune Tea Organic Ginger Nausea Tea Organic Heartburn Tea Organic Peaceful Tea Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea Organic Third Trimester Tea Organic Throat Smoothie Tea Not for use during pregnancy Organic Periodic Tea Organic Milkmaid Tea Organic No More Milk Tea

Team work makes the dream work

Brand IP Statement(s)

Earth Mama Organics Grounded in nature, powered by love.

Formula

Organic Periodic Tea gives back on all the P days: Periods, postpartum and even perimenopause, with a comforting blend of organic herbs traditionally used to help ease symptoms of PMS and cramping. We know what you're thinking: Cinnamon is more of a baking, spice-rack thing - but when this herb forms a beautiful union with organic lady's mantle, the two become your uterus' new best friend.

Revitalizing herb & cinnamon

Certified Kosher by EarthKosher

For everyone and their mother

Formulation

Periodic Tea is there for women throughout their lives, offering support while she powers through all the blood, sweat and tears. A teen new to the period scene - cramps included - can fire up one mug for herself, and one mug for her cranky, forever Periodic Tea right after birth, and until well into the inevitable change of life. These times in our lives are worthy of being honored - so brew a cup in celebration of each new phase.

Each herb in this tea was intentionally chosen because of how it works synergistically with the others in the formulation, amplifying their efficacy like a little symphony. It's like the colleagues who hang out together after work. They like each other - and that makes their job seamless.

100% Organic

For periods, postpartum & perimenopause

Caffeine free Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Certified organic by Oregon Tilth

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Herbal Tea How-To Pour boiling water over one tea bag. Steep 5-10 minutes. Sip 1-3 cups per day, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) EarthKosher

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Tea Supplement

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before using this product when breastfeeding, or if symptoms persist or worsen.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tea Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container16 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

2.2 Gram(s) per serving
Interaction report

Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Periodic Tea?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,591Drugs
2 Major 1,422 Moderate 167 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ginger 1,007
Alfalfa 583
Cinnamon 442

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Periodic Tea with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Ginger14 drug types · 1,007 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger inhibits thromboxane synthetase and decreases platelet aggregation. However, this has not been demonstrated unequivocally in humans, with mixed results from clinical trials. Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ginger with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and human research suggests that ginger might increase insulin levels and/or decrease blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Ginger might increase or decrease the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research and some case reports suggest that ginger inhibits CYP3A4 activity. Three case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates (imatinib, dabrafenib, and crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that ginger induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of losartan and the risk of hypotension.
In animal research, ginger increased the levels and hypotensive effects of a single dose of losartan. It is not clear if ginger alters the concentration or effects of losartan when taken continuously. Additionally, this interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding if used with nifedipine.
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with ginger 1 gram plus nifedipine 10 mg significantly inhibits platelet aggregation when compared to nifedipine or ginger alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Ginger might increase the absorption and blood levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
In vitro research and case reports suggest that ginger inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, potentially increasing absorption and serum levels of P-gp substrates. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are P-gp substrates (trametinib, crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar, Others)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with phenprocoumon.
Phenprocoumon, a warfarin-related anticoagulant, might increase the international normalized ratio (INR) when taken with ginger. There is one case report of a 76-year-old woman with a stable INR on phenprocoumon that increased to greater than 10 when she began consuming dried ginger and ginger tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger might inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation. In one case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with phenprocoumon, which has similar pharmacological effects as warfarin. In another case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with a combination of warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and acetaminophen. A longitudinal analysis suggests that taking ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin for at least 4 months. However, research in healthy people suggests that ginger has no effect on INR, or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Until more is known, monitor INRs closely in patients taking large amounts of ginger.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking ginger with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some animal and in vitro research suggests that ginger has hypotensive and calcium channel-blocking effects. Another animal study shows that concomitant administration of ginger and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine leads to greater reductions in blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, when taken prior to cyclosporine, ginger might decrease cyclosporine levels.
In an animal model, ginger juice taken 2 hours prior to cyclosporine administration reduced the maximum concentration and area under the curve of cyclosporine by 51% and 40%, respectively. This effect was not observed when ginger juice and cyclosporine were administered at the same time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP1A2 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2C9 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of metronidazole.
In an animal model, ginger increased the absorption and plasma half-life of metronidazole. In addition, the elimination rate and clearance of metronidazole was significantly reduced.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alfalfa6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cinnamon2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lemon Balm2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lady's Mantle1 drug type · 198 drugs

Topical Drugs

While no side effects have been reported from orally using Alchemilla, a clinical study titled "Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis with Topical Alchemilla vulgaris in Glycerine," published in Clinical Drug Investigation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17163290/), found that local mouth irritation occurred after applying a commercial product containing 3% alchemilla extract and glycerol (Aphtarine, Laboratoires Biosphere). Aphtarine was non-irritating in 68.2% of cases within 2-3 days, in 18.8% of cases within 4-7 days, and in 13.6% of cases with moderate irritation. Theoretically, combining Alchemilla with other potentially irritating topical products could increase the risk of local irritation and discomfort. The drug in this drug interaction monograph is available in a topical dosage form. There is no interaction expected from the oral dosage form of the drug.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Stinging Nettle4 drug types · 164 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that stinging nettle might decrease blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that the above ground parts and roots of stinging nettle may have a diuretic effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, stinging nettle might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stinging nettle has diuretic and natriuretic properties, which could alter the excretion of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is some concern that stinging nettle might decrease the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
Stinging nettle contains a significant amount of vitamin K. When taken in large quantities, this might interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Red Raspberry2 drug types · 135 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking red raspberry leaf with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that red raspberry leaf extract has antiplatelet activity and enhances the in vitro effects of the antiplatelet medication cangrelor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Red raspberry leaf might reduce glucose levels in patients being treated with insulin.
In one case report, a 38-year-old patient with gestational diabetes, whose blood glucose was being controlled with medical nutrition therapy and insulin, developed hypoglycemia after consuming two servings of raspberry leaf tea daily for 3 days beginning at 32 weeks' gestation. The patient required an insulin dose reduction. The hypoglycemia was considered to be probably related to use of red raspberry leaf tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Periodic Tea, from the product label.

Earth Mama Organics

See all Earth Mama Organics products
Name
Earth Mama Angel Baby LLC
Street Address
9866 SE Empire Ct.
City
Clackamas
State
OR
ZipCode
97015
Phone Number
503-607-0607
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics: Common Questions

Does Periodic Tea by Earth Mama Organics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Periodic Tea has a known interaction with 1,591 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Periodic Tea contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this tea safe during pregnancy?
Not entirely. Ginger is likely to possibly safe, and red raspberry leaf is often used late in pregnancy, but alfalfa and stinging nettle are not recommended during pregnancy due to safety concerns. Cinnamon, lemon balm, and lady's mantle lack sufficient safety data for pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before using this tea if you are pregnant.
Can I use this tea while breastfeeding?
Ginger is likely safe while breastfeeding, but alfalfa, stinging nettle, lemon balm, and lady's mantle do not have enough reliable safety information. Red raspberry leaf's safety during breastfeeding is unknown. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common are digestive: ginger may cause heartburn, diarrhea, burping, or mouth irritation, especially at higher doses. Alfalfa, stinging nettle, and red raspberry may cause diarrhea, gas, or abdominal discomfort. Rash or dermatitis is rare but has been reported with alfalfa and cinnamon.
Does this tea actually help with menstrual symptoms?
Ginger is possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) based on the evidence we hold. The other ingredients lack sufficient evidence in our data for menstrual health, though they have traditional uses. Results vary by person.
Can I take this tea every day?
There is not enough data on long-term daily use of this multi-ingredient blend. Short-term use is generally considered safer than extended use for most of the ingredients. Talk with your doctor about your planned frequency and duration before starting.
Does this tea interact with my diabetes medication?
Yes. Ginger, alfalfa, stinging nettle, and cinnamon may all lower blood sugar and could increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if taken with insulin or diabetes drugs. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this tea, as your dose may need adjustment.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Periodic Tea is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Periodic Tea label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Periodic Tea’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Ginger

Interacts with 1,007 drugs

Ginger is a widely used culinary spice with a long history in traditional medicine, and it has the strongest evidence for helping with nausea and vomiting, including from motion sickness, pr...

Read the full Ginger monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa

Interacts with 583 drugs

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoid...

Read the full Alfalfa monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Stinging Nettle

Interacts with 164 drugs

Stinging nettle is a common plant used as food and in traditional medicine, most often for prostate symptoms, allergies, and joint pain. The evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary, so it i...

Read the full Stinging Nettle monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Red Raspberry

Interacts with 135 drugs

Red raspberry leaf is a traditional herbal remedy most often used as a tea in late pregnancy and for menstrual discomfort, but solid scientific evidence for these uses is limited. It is gene...

Read the full Red Raspberry monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lemon Balm

Interacts with 264 drugs

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold sores. Early studies are promising but gen...

Read the full Lemon Balm monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alchemilla

Interacts with 198 drugs

Alchemilla (lady's mantle) is a European herb traditionally used for digestive complaints, women's health issues, and as an astringent for skin and wounds. Solid human research is very limit...

Read the full Alchemilla monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Periodic Tea's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 160 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Ginger 64 references
  1. Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;38:19-24. PubMed
  2. Jewell D, Young G. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000145. PubMed
  3. Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri R. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97:577-82. DOI
  4. Backon J. Ginger in preventing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy; a caveat due to its thromboxane synthetase activity and effect on testosterone binding. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;42:163-4. PubMed
  5. Srivastava KC. Effect of onion and ginger consumption on platelet thromboxane production in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1989;35:183-5. PubMed
  6. Stewart JJ, Wood MJ, Wood CD, Mims ME. Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function. Pharmacology 1991;42:111-20. PubMed
  7. Smith C, Crowther C, Willson K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:639-45. PubMed
  8. Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;189:1374-7.. PubMed
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  19. Bernaola J, Valverde-Monge M, Otal-Buesa M, Cullen D, Heras-Mendaza F. Cinnamon allergic contact cheilitis. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(5):418-419. PubMed
  20. Patel K, Howard M, Tate B. Cheilitis caused by allergic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in chai tea: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(3):239-240. PubMed

See these in context on the Cassia Cinnamon monograph →

Lemon Balm 12 references
  1. Wolbling RH, Leonhardt K. Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25-31.
  2. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:863-6. PubMed
  3. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002;72:953-64. PubMed
  4. Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, Schmidt U, et al. Psychopharmaka und Verkehrssicherheit. Der Einfluß von Euvegal® - Dragees forte auf die Fahrtüchtigkeit und Kombinationswirkungen mit Alkohol Z Allg Med 1995;71:1215-25.
  5. Herberg, KW. Nebenwirkungen pflanzlicher Beruhigungsmittel/ Leistung und Befinden nach Einnahme einer Baldrian-Hopfen-Kombination. Z.Allg Med 1996;72:234-240.
  6. Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, et al. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991 Apr;57:105-9.
  7. Sourgens H, Winterhoff H, Gumbinger HG, et al. Antihormonal effects of plant extracts. TSH- and prolactin-suppressing properties of Lithospermum officinale and other plants. Planta Med. 1982 Jun;45:78-86. DOI
  8. Auf'mkolk M, Ingbar JC, Amir SM, et al. Inhibition by certain plant extracts of the binding and adenylate cyclase stimulatory effect of bovine thyrotropin in human thyroid membranes. Endocrinology. 1984 Aug;115:527-34. PubMed
  9. Santini F, Vitti P, Ceccarini G, et al. In vitro assay of thyroid disruptors affecting TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. J Endocrinol Invest. 2003 Oct;26:950-5. PubMed
  10. Alijaniha F, et al. Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;164:378-384. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.007. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PubMed
  11. Araj-Khodaei M, Noorbala AA, Yarani R, et al. A double-blind, randomized pilot study for comparison of Melissa officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. with Fluoxetine for the treatment of depression. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):207. PubMed
  12. Kucuk U, Pham M, Raza Raja MH, Saad Shaukat MH, Clark R. Transient complete atrioventricular block associated with herbal supplement use. S D Med 2023;76(7):311-313.

See these in context on the Lemon Balm monograph →

Alchemilla 1 reference
  1. Herbs at a Glance — NIH NCCIH Source

See these in context on the Alchemilla monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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