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    Home » Popular » Drinks & Smoothies

    The Ultimate PMS Relief: Cacao Matcha Smoothie

    Published Oct 8, 2015 · Updated Nov 1, 2018 · 35 Comments

    3.9K shares
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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

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    Natural PMS Home Remedy: PMS Relief Smoothie

    Natural PMS Symptom Relief: Cacao Matcha Smoothie

    It is estimated that as least 85% of women suffer from sort of PMS. A smaller percentage of women (between 3-8%) suffer from a severe form of PMS known as PMDD. Unfortunately, I'm part of that small percentage.

    Common symptoms of PMS include lethargy, acne, cramping, sore muscles, cravings, mood swings, and others.

    Common symptoms of PMDD include anxiety, depression, extreme moodiness, and extreme anger/rage, as well as the symptoms of PMS. Some women with PMDD even experience suicidal thoughts.

    The symptoms of both PMS and PMDD both let up when menstrual bleeding begins.

    PMS and PMDD can be debilitating and make every day life difficult during those hormonal times of your cycle. Personally, I experience my PMDD symptoms during ovulation up until my period starts. This is pretty typical of both PMS and PMDD.

    While there is no cure for PMS or PMDD, the symptoms can be managed through many remedies. Some remedies work better than others for different people, it really just depends on your own body and specific hormonal imbalances.

    When I found out I had PMDD, I did hours and hours of research. Through trial and elimination, I've found a remedy that truly helps me. I wanted to share this smoothie recipe in hopes that it will help others that suffer from PMS or PMDD!

    Natural PMS Home Remedy: PMS Relief Smoothie

    The main ingredients in this smoothie all serve a purpose:

    Cacao Powder: Cacao is high in magnesium, which can help combat moodiness, promote calmness, and relax tense muscles. (Interesting fact: the reason women typically crave chocolate when experiencing PMS is because of low magnesium levels!) Cacao also contains iron which is helpful when the bleeding starts. This is my favorite brand of cacao powder.

    Maca Powder: Maca is an herb known for promoting women's health and balancing out hormones. Maca is also energizing. If you're a beginner user of maca, I recommend opting for gelatinized maca powder instead of raw. Raw maca can be hard on the stomach.

    Matcha Tea: Matcha tea helps to enhance your mood and is also high in magnesium. Not to mention, it is packed with antioxidants and an all-around health powerhouse.

    Almond Milk: Being another ingredient that is full of magnesium, almond milk is the perfect base for this smoothie. Not to mention, it doesn't contain potentially problematic hormones like cow's milk does.

    Natural PMS Home Remedy: PMS Relief Smoothie

    Cacao Matcha Smoothie Recipe

    This PMS relief smoothie recipe couldn't be any easier to make.

    Simply blend together 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, ½ teaspoon of matcha tea, and 1 teaspoon of maca powder. If you want the smoothie to be a little sweet to combat the bitter cacao, I like to add a half of a tablespoon of maple syrup. Occasionally, I blend in a handful of spinach for some extra iron but that is completely optional.

    And...you're done! See? SO easy!

    Natural PMS Home Remedy: PMS Relief Smoothie

    Cacao Matcha Smoothie Recipe

    Karissa Besaw
    4.39 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 cups almond milk
    • 1 tablespoon cacao powder
    • ½ teaspoon matcha powder
    • 1 teaspoon maca powder
    • ½ tablespoon maple syrup - optional

    Instructions
     

    • Blend all ingredients together.
    • Drink up!

    Notes

    If needed, almond milk can be substituted for any healthy non-dairy milk, such as coconut milk or cashew milk.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

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    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Vanessa says

      July 07, 2021 at 9:05 am

      Thanks for sharing! What a tasty and natural way to get some relief!

      Reply
    2. Suzanne says

      July 07, 2021 at 9:03 am

      This looks so good! What else can I add maca to for a nutrient boost?

      Reply
    3. Kayley says

      February 11, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      Very yummy and comforting. I actually think it helped reduce my cramps shortly after drinking it. This is going to become my new staple.

      Reply
    4. Megan says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:30 am

      I’m drinking this right now! I made it with 1tsp of matcha instead (because I used this in replace of coffee this morning and wanted the extra caffeine) and I made it into a hot drink by heating it up on the stove after I blended it and used date paste instead of maple syrup( also high in iron magnesium and potassium!) and sprinkled a little cayenne paper on top to warm me up. (I’m up here in Minnesota! Lol)
      Thanks for this recipe!!! Love it!

      Reply
    5. Stacy says

      September 02, 2018 at 8:43 pm

      Hi! I came across your blog because this recipe showed up on my Pinterest feed. I feel like it is heaven sent. I have not been officially diagnosed with PMDD but I feel like I have every symptom described above 🙁
      One question, do you also experience high scoaif anxiety during this time; like you just need to be alone because you have a difficult time focusing and holding a conversation? I'm really excited to try this smoothie recipe and learn more about how to cope with PMDD naturally. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
    6. Meg says

      July 14, 2018 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      This drink is absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe 🙂 I LOVE coffee, and I have a really difficult time abstaining from drinking it daily since the smell alone is enough to make me weak at the knees. This was satisfying, delicious and all the ingredients combined are perfect for hormonal balancing.

      Reply
    7. Erica says

      January 18, 2018 at 5:40 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Karissa. I suffer from PMDD and am having a partucularly bad time this month. I will see if this smoothie keeps me going for the rest of the morning. Thanks again.

      Reply
    8. Miranda says

      July 26, 2017 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe!!!!! I make this drink all the time! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
    9. Theresa says

      March 04, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      I came across this on Pinterest and love the idea! But as I was reading, your blog says 2 tsp maca powder and the recipe card says 1 tsp; I just want to clarify how much maca powder I should use?

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        March 04, 2017 at 2:52 pm

        1 teaspoon! I changed it after realizing that most people haven't used maca powder before - using too much at first can cause stomach trouble. Best to slowly increase the amount over time.

        Reply
    10. Janneke says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:58 am

      i'm gonna try this thanks from the Netherlands

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        June 27, 2016 at 1:07 pm

        Hope it helps! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jenni says

      June 23, 2016 at 11:49 am

      I too suffer from PMDD and needed to try this. However, I tried it without the matcha as I'm still awaiting receiving it through Amazon. I added frozen ripe bananas for sweetness and I read that bananas are suppose to alleviate cramps, it was so good. Can wait to try it with Matcha. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    12. Lennae says

      June 08, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Oh my!!!! I love Cacao and I love Matcha!!!

      Reply
    13. Eve says

      June 04, 2016 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you for posting this. I LOVE matcha, so I was Pinterest-surfing for recipes when I came across yours. I had never heard of maca and its lady benefits, so this has intrigued me, and I've ordered some for myself. Can't wait to reap the benefits. Since I don't have maca right now, I made this recipe without the maca and added a frozen banana and ice. So refreshing on a hot summer day, and gave me just the energy and alertness that I was seeking. Cheers!

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        June 05, 2016 at 9:48 pm

        Glad it helped you out! It's such a great pick-me-up. Your version sounds delicious!

        Reply
    14. Nikki Dolan says

      May 01, 2016 at 12:07 am

      Not sure if you know the answer but I make smoothies regularly for breakfast for my daughters and myself. I usually make a big batch for all three of us, is the matcha, maca and cacao powder safe for kiddos, 3 and 5? I can always add that stuff after I pour out theirs but was just curious? I also read your strawberry matcha one so that's where I got curious, obviously they don't need PMS relief just yet

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        May 01, 2016 at 8:19 am

        Hi, Nikki! From what I have read, while matcha isn't necessarily "dangerous" for kids to drink, it's not recommended because it contains a significant amount caffeine (about 34mg per gram of matcha). However, maca is considered safe for children. Cacao powder is also safe - it has a small amount of caffeine naturally since it's derived from the cocoa bean but nothing I would be too concerned about. I hope this helps!

        Reply
        • Nikki Dolan says

          May 01, 2016 at 10:08 am

          Great thank you for your help!! I thought I heard matcha had caffeine. I can just add that afterwards but definitely want to get the PMS smoothie for myself.

    15. Brittany says

      April 16, 2016 at 7:06 pm

      Absolutely loving your blog! Such great content! Love from Los Angeles! <3

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        April 16, 2016 at 9:36 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    16. Chanel says

      March 19, 2016 at 10:33 am

      Where did you get the bottled form of gelatinized red maca root?

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        March 19, 2016 at 9:16 pm

        I found that at Whole Foods.

        Reply
      • Jenine says

        December 21, 2016 at 8:56 pm

        5 stars
        I found some by Vega brand around $20 for 90g powder at Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada) in the vitamins and supplements section.

        I love this recipe too. I've made it several times already.

        Reply
    17. BOlive says

      February 22, 2016 at 11:03 am

      Karissa,

      How often do you drink this? I also suffer from PMDD. I've tried medicating but the side effects weren't worth it. I'm hopeful that this will help me as well.

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        February 25, 2016 at 10:41 am

        I try to drink at least every day when my symptoms are bad (from the start of ovulation to the start of my period.) I hope it helps!

        Reply
    18. Dylan says

      January 26, 2016 at 1:20 am

      So many superfoods! I love the combo. All about matcha right now 😉

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        January 26, 2016 at 7:43 pm

        It's good stuff!

        Reply
    19. nico says

      December 09, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Molasses is also full of iron and magnesium which is great for reducing cramps and sore muscles.

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        December 11, 2015 at 7:42 pm

        Great to know! Thanks!

        Reply

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