Can I drink luo han guo (monk fruit) tea during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, pregnant women can drink water infused with Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), but it should be consumed in moderation according to individual physical conditions. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Siraitia grosvenorii is cool in nature and sweet in taste, possessing functions such as clearing heat, moisturizing the lungs, relieving sore throat, improving voice, and lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation. During pregnancy, changes in the circulation of qi and blood within the body can easily lead to internal heat, which may manifest as symptoms like dry throat, sore throat, and coughing. Drinking water infused with Siraitia grosvenorii can effectively alleviate these discomforts by clearing internal heat and moisturizing the lungs, thus enhancing the comfort of pregnant women. As long as it is consumed in moderate amounts, it generally won't cause adverse effects on either the pregnant woman or the fetus.
However, due to its cool nature, pregnant women with a cold body constitution should consume Siraitia grosvenorii cautiously to avoid exacerbating internal coldness, which could lead to abdominal pain or diarrhea. Additionally, if a pregnant woman is allergic to Siraitia grosvenorii or other related plant components, drinking Siraitia grosvenorii-infused water may trigger allergic reactions such as rashes or difficulty breathing, and should therefore be avoided. Hence, when drinking Siraitia grosvenorii water for the first time, pregnant women should observe their body's reactions, and discontinue use immediately if any allergic symptoms occur.
In daily life, pregnant women should control the amount of Siraitia grosvenorii water they consume and avoid excessive intake to prevent any adverse effects on their own and their baby's health.