The menstrual cycle can be a challenging time for many women. The physical changes, mood swings, and discomfort are often troubling. In the United States, more and more women are looking to naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine for dietary and herbal remedies to ease menstrual discomfort. Ginseng tea is favored as a common tonic drink. However, can women drink ginseng tea during their periods? This article will explore this question in the context of the needs and habits of American women.

Menstruation and Ginseng Tea: Are They Compatible or Contraindicated?

First of all, we need to make one thing clear: ginseng tea is not the best choice for women who are menstruating. This is mainly due to the fact that ginseng itself is cold in nature, with a bitter and slightly sweet flavor, and its main effects are to tonify the lungs and yin, clear the fire, and produce fluids. However, these effects may produce some undesired side effects in menstruating women.

In the days leading up to the onset of menstruation, many women experience precursor symptoms such as low mood, worry, nervousness, insomnia, irritability, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms are largely related to the imbalance in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Ginseng tea, due to its effect of promoting blood circulation, may aggravate the flow of menstruation and lead to uninterrupted menstruation, which will undoubtedly bring more inconvenience and distress to women during menstruation.

Possible Menstrual Risks of Drinking Ginseng Tea

Increased menstrual cramps:
The cold qualities of ginseng tea mean that consuming it during menstruation may exacerbate the symptoms of menstrual cramps. For many women, menstrual cramps are already an unbearable problem, and ginseng tea intake may add to this. Therefore, you should choose drinks of a warm nature, such as hot boiled water or brown sugar water, to help relieve menstrual cramps during your period and keep warm.
Changes in menstrual flow:
Ginseng has the effect of tonifying qi and nourishing yin, activating blood circulation and benefiting qi. Taking ginseng tea during menstruation may lead to changes in menstrual flow, especially for those women who have heavy menstrual flow themselves, consuming ginseng tea may further increase the menstrual flow and increase the discomfort of the body.
Worsening of cold symptoms:
During menstruation, many women suffer from menstrual cramps and fear of cold. The cold nature of ginseng may aggravate this feeling of coldness, leading to phenomena such as cold hands and feet. This is undoubtedly an additional burden for women who already feel uncomfortable during their periods.

More suitable drink choices during menstruation
Since ginseng tea may have adverse effects during menstruation, what drinks should women choose during their periods? Here are some healthy options for American women to drink during their periods:

1. Brown Sugar Ginger Tea
   Brown sugar and ginger tea is a classic drink for relieving menstrual cramps. Ginger has warming properties that can help increase blood circulation and relieve pain from uterine contractions. Brown sugar, on the other hand, provides energy to the body and relieves fatigue.
2. Peppermint Tea
   Peppermint tea has a soothing effect on the nerves and can help relieve mood swings and anxiety during menstruation. In addition, the refreshing taste of peppermint tea can be relaxing.
3. Hot Lemon Water
   Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. Hot lemon water not only warms the body, but also improves digestion and relieves bloating during menstruation.
4. Herbal Teas
   Some mild herbal teas, such as chamomile tea or rose tea, have soothing and stress-relieving properties that are perfect for menstruation.

Although ginseng tea is a great tonic drink in normal times, consuming it during menstruation may have some adverse effects. For American women, it is even more important to choose beverages and healthy habits that are appropriate for menstruation. Brown sugar and ginger tea, peppermint tea and hot lemonade are all good choices to help relieve menstrual cramps, boost immunity and improve mood.