While tea is the kind of drink that those of us who are tea lovers typically consume all throughout the year, I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that there is nothing like looking out of the window on a chilly day while it's raining, curling up under a favorite throw blanket and sipping on a warm cup of herbal tea while reading a book or watching a favorite throwback movie. What's so dope about herbal tea is, aside from it tasting pretty good (especially when it's got some honey and/or lemon in it) is all of the health benefits that it provides. Herbal tea is proven to boost your immunity, de-stress you, fight off free radicals and viruses, improve your digestive system, fight inflammation, and oh so much more.
I'm personally such a fan of the stuff that I once wrote an article for the platform entitled, "10 'Uncommon' Teas You Should Add To Your Stash (& Why)." Today, though, I'm going to share with you a list of teas that are specifically good for your overall vaginal health. That way, if you do decide to cop a couple of 'em, you can be confident that not only will they be soothing to your soul but great for your va-jay-jay too.
1. Burdock Root
Burdock root tea is really good for you, first of all, because it's packed with all kinds of antioxidants. That's why it's got such a great reputation for being able to reduce bodily inflammation and detoxify your blood. In fact, it detoxifies so well that it's been known to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and help to ease the symptoms that are associated with eczema. Some other benefits of this particular tea include that it's able to lower your blood sugar levels and that it works as a diuretic. What makes burdock root great for your vagina is it contains properties that can help to balance your hormones as well as strengthen your uterine walls. A must-have, for sure.
2. Chamomile
When it comes to teas that are able to effectively reduce stress levels, it's pretty common for chamomile to top the list. Aside from that, it's also got anti-estrogenic effects that can increase bone density, compounds that can help to reduce symptoms that are associated with the common cold, and, thanks to all of the antioxidants that it has, chamomile is even known to improve heart health and boost immunity. As far as vaginal health goes, if period pain drives you totally up the wall, the anti-inflammatory properties in this tea can significantly reduce any discomfort you may feel. The key is to consume it all month long, though, not only when you're on your cycle.
3. Chasteberry
While chasteberry may not be the kind of tea that comes up in regular conversation, that doesn't make it any less valuable or relevant. In fact, when it comes to women's health, it's considered to be top-tier. That's because the properties in this tea are able to do everything from increase fertility and make producing breast milk easier to reducing PMS and menopause-related symptoms.
The reason why is because chasteberry has powerful enzymes and compounds in it that are able to stimulate estrogen levels in your system. So, whether trying to conceive or getting through menopause is what you want to do, a warm cup of chasteberry can help to make things so much better.
4. Cinnamon
If you're all for something that's a combination of sweet 'n spicy, you definitely need to invest in some cinnamon tea. It's another tea that's high in antioxidants. It also lowers inflammation and blood sugar levels, promotes collagen production (which keeps you looking younger) and it can even help to increase cognitive function (dope). And just what does cinnamon do for your vagina's overall health and well-being? For starters, it helps to reduce PMS-related symptoms. Also, because of the powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that it contains, consuming cinnamon tea a couple of times a week is a proactive way to keep vaginal infections at bay as well.
5. Ginger
Another pretty spicy tea is ginger. But listen here, if you happen to have a bout of morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea, you will be more than just a little happy that this is in your stash. Ginger also has a good amount of anti-inflammatory properties in it which makes it pretty effective when it comes to helping to relieve headaches and even migraines. Some other reasons to drink this particular tea is it's rich in the kind of antioxidants that can help to prevent cancer cells, it has a lot of antimicrobial properties to speed up the healing process of a cold and it's loaded with antifungal properties that are great for maintaining good oral health.
There are also properties in ginger that can help to relieve muscle contractions that are typically associated with period cramps. Plus, because ginger is effective in keeping your gut healthy, that means you've got a greater chance of warding off the kind of bad bacteria that can ultimately trigger a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
6. Green Tea
If there is a tea that is above all teas, it would probably have to be green tea. It actually has a reputation for being one of the healthiest teas on the planet and it is well-deserved. Green tea is full of antioxidants that are great for your brain, weight loss, and protecting your system from cancer. Green tea also has polyphenols that reduce bodily inflammation, antioxidants called catechins that help to prevent cell damage, and properties that fight off germs that cause bad breath.
Some other great things about this tea are it helps to prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes as well as strengthen your bones. And why does green tea please your vagina so? Well, remember the catechins that I mentioned earlier? Something else that they do is protect your urinary tract. This is great because that can significantly decrease your chances of having a UTI — and if you've ever had one of those before, you know you want to avoid getting those bad boys at all costs if you can.
7. Lemon
Lemon tea is good for you because it's full of Vitamin C. In Vitamin C, there is citric acid that can help to cleanse your liver and ultimately detox your system. Lemon tea also has astringent properties in it that work to combat acne and give your skin an overall radiance and youthful appearance. Something else that's cool about this particular kind of tea is it's got plant flavonoids that can help to lower your cholesterol levels as well as properties that can help to heal inflamed gums and restore oral health. As far as your vaginal health goes, the acidic nature of the tea is great at helping your vagina to maintain its pH levels as it also fights off free radicals and keeps your immune system up so that it's harder for you to get vaginal infections.
8. Rooibos
The first time I recall having a cup of rooibos tea was the first time I went to South Africa. To me, the best way to describe it is, if you're looking for a coffee (tasting) substitute, it's one to strongly consider. And why is it so good for your health? Rooibos can assist with supporting your weight loss plan; the alpha hydroxy acid that's in it can help to improve your skin's appearance; it has the bioactive flavonoid chrysoeriol that can reduce allergy-related symptoms; it's rich in antioxidants that can help to boost your immunity and it's caffeine-free if, again, you're trying to get less of a caffeine fix.
The anti-inflammatory properties in rooibos can help to reduce period-related pain because the properties in this tea are able to stimulate the production of potassium in your system. Also, the antioxidants aspalathin, nothofagin, and quercetin are great because they can decrease oxidative stress, including in your vaginal area. This is good to know because this kind of stress has been directly linked to fibroids, endometriosis, and the overproduction of vaginal mucus.
So, what are you waiting for? Rooibos is just waiting to do your body good — vagina and all!
To learn more about all things vaginal health and wellness, check out the xoNecole Women's Health section here.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Drinking Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Drinking Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Tea For Better Sex: Does It Work? - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Foods That Increase Vaginal Lubrication Naturally - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, & Wellness ›
- What Happens To Your Vagina When You Stop Having Sex? - xoNecole ›
- Best Teas For Beauty, Healthy Glowing Skin, Aging - xoNecole ›
It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
After Decades-Long Career, Terri J. Vaughn Is Finally The Main Character: Exclusive
Terri J. Vaughn first captured our attention in the late ‘90s as Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. Decades later, she is starring in her very own series, She The People, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
The political sitcom, which she co-created with Niya Palmer and later teamed up with Tyler Perry Studios, is about a Black woman named Antoinette Dunkerson who runs for lieutenant governor of Mississippi. She wins and becomes the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. Now, she’s forced to balance working with a racist and sexist governor while also trying to keep her family from running amok.
According to the beloved actress, this project was a long time coming. “I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff,” she says in an exclusive interview with xoNecole.
“But just keep going, because this is what I do. This is what I love, and I know how important it is for us to continue to show up and make sure that we are seen, make sure that our voices are heard. For several reasons. I just never give up. So here I am, 20 years later, finally sold my show.”
She The People is inspired by the true story of London Breed, who became the first Black female mayor of San Francisco, Terri’s hometown. And to help make the show more authentic, the Cherish the Day actress tapped former Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms to come on as a producer.'“I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff."
After bringing the former mayor aboard, it was time to pitch again. And this time, the companies were pitching them. Ultimately, Terri decided to work with Tyler Perry on the series.
“We decided to do it with Tyler for several reasons. I love that. Well, most of the companies we met with were Black-owned companies, but he was the only studio,” she explains. “Tyler is like Walt Disney. That's literally what he is. He has the studio, he has the content. He operates just like Walt Disney.”
And thanks to the cast, the show is nothing short of laughs. The series also stars social media creator Jade Novah as Antoinette’s crazy cousin/ assistant, Shamika, Family Mattersstar Jo Marie Payton as Anotinette’s mom, Cleo, and Terri’s husband, Karon Riley, who plays Michael, her driver and love interest.
While we’ve watched Terri’s career blossom in various ways. From directing to producing, and playing diverse characters, the mom of two says her The Steve Harvey Show character will always be her favorite.
“Well, Lovita was definitely my favorite, especially for my time, the age and everything that I was. Now as a grown ass woman over 50, Antoinette Dunkerson is everything that I've wanted to play. She's everything. She's a mother of two teenagers. She's divorced, so she's co-parenting with her ex-husband. She has to wrangle in a very eclectic family,” she says.
“So I like playing characters that are really flawed and trying to figure it out and doing their best to try to figure it. And she's very flawed and she is trying to figure it out, and she fucks up sometimes. But her heart and what she's trying to do and what her vision is and purpose, it's all for the people. I mean, she the people. She’s for the people, she is the people.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Jamie Lamor Thompson/ Shutterstock