Can I eat ginger during my menstrual period?
May 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
It is generally safe to consume ginger during menstruation, but it should be eaten in moderation. Ginger has the effect of warming the meridians and dispelling cold, and can help relieve dysmenorrhea. For women with a cold constitution or those experiencing discomfort during menstruation, such as abdominal pain or poor menstrual blood flow, moderate consumption of ginger may help alleviate these symptoms. For women with mild menstrual cramps, drinking ginger tea or consuming ginger-containing foods may help relax the uterine smooth muscle.
Generally speaking, ginger can be consumed during menstruation, but it should be eaten in moderation. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Ginger has the effect of warming the meridians, dispelling cold, and relieving dysmenorrhea. For women with a cold constitution or discomfort during menstruation, such as abdominal pain and poor menstrual blood flow, moderate consumption of ginger can help alleviate these symptoms. For women with mild dysmenorrhea, drinking ginger tea or consuming ginger-containing foods may help relax the uterine smooth muscle and reduce pain.
It is recommended to limit daily intake to between 3-8 grams to avoid excessive consumption that may cause discomfort. Consuming too much ginger may irritate the abdomen and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ginger can be consumed as fresh ginger or dried ginger, by slicing and steeping in water or boiling with brown sugar.
Ginger should not be consumed together with foods such as leeks, rabbit meat, or celery, as this may cause heatiness or diarrhea. Menstrual diet should be balanced overall, avoiding reliance solely on ginger for regulation. Cold, spicy, and irritating foods should also be avoided during menstruation.
