Understanding Menstrual Health and Herbal Teas
For women, the menstrual period often brings about a decrease in immune strength, leading to feelings of irritability and discomfort. As a result, many women who regularly consume herbal teas may wonder about their choices during this time. It is essential to make informed decisions regarding tea consumption while on your period to maintain comfort and well-being. Here, we will explore two types of teas that should be avoided during menstruation.
Avoid Blood-Activating Herbal Teas
Herbal teas that are known for their blood-activating properties should be avoided during menstruation. For instance, peach blossom beauty tea contains peach blossoms, winter melon seeds, and white poplar bark. While it promotes skin hydration and helps in reducing dark spots, it also stimulates blood circulation, which can lead to an increased menstrual flow. Similarly, Dan Wei tea, made from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Schisandra, is known for harmonizing blood and soothing the mind but is best left untasted during this time.
Additionally, light and graceful red-green tea contains safflower, polygonum multiflorum, lotus leaf, and purple Salvia. Although it helps in detoxifying and promoting skin health, its blood-stimulating effects can lead to heavier menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods.
Steer Clear of Cooling Herbal Teas
Cooling herbal teas are another category to avoid during your menstrual cycle. For example, cassia seed tea is known for its fat-reducing properties and aids vision, but it is a cooling herb that can disrupt the natural flow of menstrual blood. Chrysanthemum tea is popular for clearing liver heat and promoting eyesight, while honeysuckle tea helps to clear heat and soothe the throat. However, these cooling teas can impede blood flow and potentially result in painful menstruation.
General Recommendations
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that women should generally consume warm beverages during their menstrual cycle to facilitate better blood flow. Cold products are believed to cause stagnation, which can lead to discomfort and prolonged menstrual symptoms.
Moreover, other teas like licorice tea and senna tea should also be consumed cautiously during menstruation, as they can impact the menstrual cycle and lead to excessive bleeding. It is advisable to approach these herbal options with care to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
In conclusion, women should be discerning about their herbal tea choices during their menstrual periods. Avoiding blood-activating and cooling teas can help manage symptoms and support overall menstrual health, leading to a more comfortable experience during this time of the month.