I heard that Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) has the function of nourishing and replenishing blood. Since my menstrual period is not very good, I have been taking Shu Di Huang regularly. However, my period is coming soon, so I would like to ask if it is okay to take Shu Di Huang during menstruation.
Can Shu Di Huang be taken during menstruation?
It can be taken in moderation.
Shu Di Huang has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature. It has a nourishing and replenishing effect on blood and Yin, and can nourish the essence and marrow. It can be used to treat blood deficiency and liver and kidney Yin deficiency. It has a good adjuvant therapeutic effect on symptoms such as scanty menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea caused by blood deficiency. Therefore, women with blood deficiency or liver and kidney deficiency can also take Shu Di Huang in moderation during menstruation.
How much Shu Di Huang should be taken during menstruation?
10-30 grams.
The usual dosage of Shu Di Huang is about 10-30 grams. It can be increased or decreased according to the severity of the condition. However, it is not advisable to take too much during menstruation. On the one hand, the quality of Shu Di Huang is sticky and excessive intake may affect the digestive function of the spleen and stomach. On the other hand, Shu Di Huang has a good blood replenishing effect, and taking too much may increase the amount of menstrual blood.
When is the appropriate time to take Shu Di Huang during menstruation?
3-7 days before menstruation or 3 days after menstruation.
Shu Di Huang has the effects of nourishing blood and Yin, and is an essential medicine for nourishing and replenishing blood. Its active ingredients can promote the recovery of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body, and promote the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells, thereby helping to replenish blood.
Taking Shu Di Huang 3-7 days before menstruation can help increase the amount of menstrual blood, and taking it 3 days after menstruation can help replenish the lost blood.
What should be noted when taking Shu Di Huang during menstruation?
Avoid iron utensils when decocting.
According to "Yao Jian": "If violated by iron utensils, it will cause kidney consumption." Because the components in Shu Di Huang may react with copper or iron, which can reduce the efficacy of Shu Di Huang or produce substances harmful to the human body. Therefore, when decocting Shu Di Huang, avoid using copper or iron products.
Avoid eating with radish and "Three Whites".
"Compendium of Materia Medica Essentials" records: "Avoid radish, white onion, white leek, white garlic." Radish has the effect of reducing qi, and the "Three Whites" have a strong dispersing effect. It is not suitable to take Shu Di Huang with them, otherwise it will reduce the nourishing effect of Shu Di Huang.
Who should not take Shu Di Huang?
1. Those with weak spleen and stomach.
People with symptoms of bloating, loss of appetite, pale complexion, loose stools, and weak spleen and stomach should not take Shu Di Huang. Because Shu Di Huang is sticky in nature, it hinders digestion. Taking it by people with weak spleen and stomach will increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, worsening the original discomfort symptoms.
2. Those with qi stagnation and phlegm excess.
People with local body lumps, chest tightness, rib pain, and slippery pulse, indicating qi stagnation and phlegm excess, should not take Shu Di Huang. Because Shu Di Huang has a greasy nature and is not easily digested, taking it by people with qi stagnation and phlegm excess may worsen the symptoms of phlegm dampness and exacerbate discomfort.
3. Those with cold.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is not advisable to tonify the body during a cold, and Shu Di Huang is a nourishing medicine. Taking it by people with a cold may worsen the symptoms of the cold or prolong the duration of the cold.
4. Those with loose stools or diarrhea.
People with symptoms of loose stools or diarrhea should not take Shu Di Huang, as the sticky nature of Shu Di Huang may further hinder the digestion and transportation of the spleen and stomach, worsening the symptoms of loose stools or diarrhea.
What should be noted during menstruation?
1. Avoid catching a cold.
During menstruation, it is important to keep the lower abdomen warm and avoid catching a cold. Cooling of the lower abdomen may affect the blood circulation in the uterus, leading to blockage of menstrual blood flow, which may cause discomfort such as dysmenorrhea.
2. Avoid vigorous exercise.
During menstruation, moderate exercise can help promote blood circulation, but vigorous exercise such as running, swimming, and long jump should be avoided, as it may exacerbate discomfort during menstruation.
3. Avoid eating cold foods.
Examples include cold drinks, watermelon, pear, grapefruit, etc. Eating these foods during menstruation may aggravate the accumulation of cold in the uterus, affecting uterine contraction and causing poor menstrual blood flow and worsening dysmenorrhea.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Alcohol should be avoided during menstruation, as it can disrupt carbohydrate metabolism in the body and produce excessive sex hormones, which may cause early menstruation or increased menstrual blood flow.
5. Avoid sexual intercourse.
During menstruation, the cervix of women is slightly open. Sexual intercourse may introduce bacteria and pathogens into the vagina, cervix, or uterus, causing inflammation and increasing menstrual blood flow, prolonging the duration of menstruation, and causing dysmenorrhea.
