Can I take Dendrobium during menstruation?

May 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Dendrobium, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has the effects of nourishing yin, clearing heat, and promoting the production of gastric fluids. For individuals with a constitution leaning towards heat, symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, and insufficient stomach yin, moderate consumption of Dendrobium during menstruation can help alleviate these symptoms, without causing any significant adverse effects on the menstrual cycle or flow. It is particularly beneficial for women suffering from insufficient stomach yin and poor appetite.

　　Women can generally consume Dendrobium during their menstrual period; however, it is recommended to take it in moderation under a doctor's guidance.

　　As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Dendrobium has effects of nourishing yin to clear heat and nourishing the stomach to promote the production of body fluids. For individuals with a constitution leaning towards heat, symptoms such as dry mouth and throat or insufficient stomach yin, taking an appropriate amount of Dendrobium during the menstrual period can help alleviate these symptoms, without significantly adverse effects on the menstrual cycle or flow. For women with insufficient stomach yin and poor appetite, Dendrobium can stimulate gastric secretion and enhance digestive function.

　　Dendrobium is slightly cold in nature; therefore, excessive consumption during the menstrual period may lead to increased menstrual flow or worsened dysmenorrhea. Thus, women are advised to consume Dendrobium in moderation during menstruation and pay attention to their physical response. Since each individual's constitution and menstrual condition vary, not all women are suitable for consuming Dendrobium during their menstrual period.

　　A light diet should be maintained in daily life, avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, and mustard. Adequate rest should also be ensured, and excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent negative impacts on health.

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What are the health benefits of soaking Dendrobium and Ophiopogon in water?

一般情况下，石斛麦冬泡水的功效主要有滋阴润燥、益胃生津、缓解疲劳、保护咽喉、辅助调节血糖等。饮用石斛麦冬水时，需注意用量，过量饮用可能导致肠胃不适；脾胃虚寒、容易腹泻人群应少喝或不喝，避免加重不适。

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Which Three Types of People Should Absolutely Avoid Consuming Dendrobium (Iron-Leaf Stone斛)

Generally speaking, there is no saying that "three types of people must never consume Dendrobium officinale (Iron-leaf Dendrobium)." However, individuals allergic to Dendrobium officinale, those with colds or fever, individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, patients with damp-warmth disease that has not transformed into dryness, and children are not advised to take Dendrobium officinale. The aforementioned groups should be clear about their contraindications to avoid physical discomfort caused by consuming Dendrobium officinale.

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Can Dendrobium and radish be eaten together?

Under normal circumstances, Dendrobium (Shihu) and radish can be consumed together. Dendrobium has a sweet, bland, and slightly cold property, and possesses functions of nourishing yin, clearing heat, generating body fluids, and relieving thirst. Radish, on the other hand, has a pungent, sweet, and cool property, and functions to clear heat, detoxify, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling. For individuals with a constitution leaning toward heatiness, or those experiencing symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and throat pain, combining these two ingredients can produce a synergistic effect, helping to alleviate discomfort.