Welcome to your inner winter — the part of your cycle you probably know best. This is your bleed phase, a time when your body is calling you to slow down, rest, and restore.
In this article, we'll explore how you might be feeling, the signs of this phase, and how a cup of Really Nice Tea Inner Winter blend can support you. We’ll also hear from naturopath Brooke Oke, who shares her take on what’s happening in your body and how certain ingredients can help ease the transition.
What is your inner winter?
Your inner winter is the phase of your cycle when you’re on your period. It marks day one of your cycle and typically lasts 1 to 5 days. Every cycle looks a little different and can even change from month to month. For the purpose of this article, we’re following a 28-day cycle — but if your experience doesn’t match exactly, that’s completely okay.
What’s happening with your hormones?
During this phase, both oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, triggering your womb lining to break down — hello, period!
“As oestrogen and progesterone drop suddenly,” explains Brooke, “it is normal to feel more tired, insular and lethargic. It is also a time of relief for some and the start of another month of life, a process of cleansing and renewal.”
What’s happening in your body?
Alongside your bleed, you might notice cramps, headaches, or simply that your energy feels at its lowest.
“Menstruation should be a time for us to rest and preserve our energy,” says Brooke. “A lot of the time we try to push through and keep up with modern life and expectations, however it is important to rest at this time so you don’t become depleted.”
Slowing down isn’t weakness — it’s a way of working with your body, not against it.
How might your mood feel?
While some people experience a sense of relief once their period arrives, energy levels are still likely to remain low. Like the seasons themselves, your inner winter can bring feelings of introspection and introversion — a pull to nestle in, retreat, and take some quiet time for yourself.
Don’t push too hard during this time; rest is your ally.
Phrases to describe your inner winter
I’m craving some peace and quiet
Let me rest
I need alone time
Don’t make demands of me
Give me space
I want to feel safe and cosy
I’m not available to you right now
I’m feeling sensitive
Really Nice Tea’s Inner Winter blend
Our Inner Winter blend has been lovingly crafted with organic herbs to support you through this phase:
Cinnamon bark — warming and comforting
Lady’s mantle leaf — supportive for menstrual health
Red raspberry leaf — toning and nourishing
Stinging nettle leaf — rich in minerals, replenishing
Lemon balm leaf — calming and soothing
Ginger root — warming, easing cramps
Alfalfa leaf — nutrient-rich, grounding
“Cinnamon, lady’s mantle, raspberry leaf and ginger are all effective antispasmodic herbs,” shares Brooke. “They can support blood flow to the uterus and reduce spasms = less pain and cramping. The natural side effect of less spasm can also be less bleeding, so heavy periods can become lighter and more manageable.”
Take time for yourself
Your inner winter is your body’s way of pressing pause — an invitation to recharge before the next phase begins. While life doesn’t always allow for complete rest, there are small steps you can take to make this phase gentler: taking breaks when you can, leaning into comfort, and enjoying a nourishing cup of Really Nice Tea.
And as always — if you have any concerns about your cycle, please speak to a trusted health professional.