I am currently breastfeeding, but my milk supply has been low. My family made me a soup with Chinese herbal medicine called "tongcao" to help increase my milk supply. However, I have also started my period these past few days. Can I still drink the tongcao soup while on my period?
Can I Drink Tongcao Soup During My Period?
You can drink it in moderation, but it is not advisable to drink too much.
Menstruation refers to the process in which the thickened endometrium of the uterus sheds and is discharged as menstrual blood during a menstrual cycle. Tongcao has a mild taste and slightly cold nature. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, regulating menstruation, and promoting lactation. It does not directly affect menstruation in women, so it is generally safe to drink tongcao during the period. However, tongcao has a cold nature, so for women with a cold constitution, excessive consumption of tongcao during menstruation may affect the discharge of menstrual blood. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink too much tongcao during the period.
How Much Tongcao Soup Should I Drink During My Period?
A recommended dosage is 3-5 grams.
It is recommended to consume around 3-5 grams of tongcao during menstruation. Excessive consumption of tongcao during menstruation, due to its cold nature, may exacerbate the accumulation of cold energy in the uterus, making it difficult for menstrual blood to be discharged and could potentially cause symptoms such as blood clots or menstrual pain.
How Can I Prepare Tongcao During My Period?
There are various ways to consume tongcao, such as brewing it with water, making soup, or cooking porridge. However, during menstruation, it is recommended to make soup or porridge for consumption.
Tongcao and Carp Soup
Ingredients: 1 carp, 3 grams of tongcao, ginger slices, salt, cooking wine as needed.
1. Clean the carp.
2. Heat cooking oil in a pan and sauté the carp until slightly golden.
3. Add an appropriate amount of water to the pot, along with tongcao, ginger slices, and cooking wine. Simmer for about 40 minutes.
4. Season with salt and serve.
Tongcao Porridge
Ingredients: 5 grams of tongcao, 100 grams of rice, sugar or honey as needed.
1. Wash the tongcao and add it to a pot.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain and take the juice.
3. Wash the rice and cook it in a clay pot.
4. Pour in the tongcao juice and cook the porridge.
5. Add sugar or honey for seasoning when the porridge is cooked.
What Precautions Should I Take When Drinking Tongcao?
1. Do Not Consume It for a Long Time
Tongcao is a Chinese herbal medicine with strong diuretic effects. Prolonged consumption of tongcao can burden the kidneys and affect their normal function. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to drink tongcao for an extended period. It should be discontinued once the symptoms subside.
2. Not Suitable for Pregnant Women
Tongcao has a slightly cold nature and has the ability to promote blood circulation. Pregnant women have special physiological conditions, and consuming tongcao in large quantities during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. Additionally, the medicinal components in tongcao may also affect the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, it is not advisable for pregnant women to drink tongcao.
3. Not Suitable for People with Cold Constitution
A "cold constitution" refers to the invasion of external cold, which affects the five viscera and causes symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, cold extremities, and abdominal pain. Tongcao has a cold nature, and consumption of tongcao by individuals with a cold constitution may worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is not recommended for individuals with a cold constitution to drink tongcao.
4. Not Suitable for Individuals with Deficiency of Qi and Yin
Individuals with deficiency of both qi and yin may experience symptoms such as thirst, shortness of breath, epigastric distension, pale complexion, fatigue, and dry mouth and throat. Tongcao has a strong diuretic effect, and consumption by individuals with deficiency of both qi and yin can further damage their qi and body fluids, exacerbating their existing symptoms.
What Should I Pay Attention to in my Diet During My Period?
1. Consume High-Fiber Foods
Such as vegetables, whole grains, and whole wheat products. These foods are rich in fiber, which can increase the magnesium content in the body, help regulate menstruation, and calm the nerves. They can also help alleviate menstrual pain to some extent.
2. Limit Consumption of Carbonated Drinks
Most carbonated drinks contain phosphates, which can react with the iron in the body, making it difficult for the body to absorb iron. Consumption of carbonated drinks during menstruation may cause fatigue and weakness.
3. Avoid Spicy and Stimulating Foods
Such as chili peppers, black pepper, tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. These spicy and stimulating foods may cause vasodilation, leading to increased menstrual blood flow or menstrual pain. It is recommended to have a light and easily digestible diet during menstruation.
4. Limit Consumption of Dairy Products
Such as milk, cheese, and cream. These foods can affect the absorption of magnesium in the body, which may trigger or worsen menstrual pain.
