Can I take cinnamon twig (Guizhi) during menstruation?

Generally speaking, cinnamon twigs (Guizhi) should not be consumed during menstruation. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cinnamon twig is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is warm in nature and spicy in taste, entering the heart, lung, and bladder meridians. It has functions such as inducing perspiration to relieve muscle tension, warming and promoting blood circulation, and assisting yang energy transformation. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as exterior deficiency syndromes caused by cold pathogens. However, during menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, accompanied by bleeding, and a woman's body is in a relatively weak state. Cinnamon twigs can accelerate blood circulation and may cause increased menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, or even discomfort symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting if taken during this time.

Additionally, for women with a naturally hot constitution, prone to internal heat, heavy menstrual flow, or bright red menstrual blood, consuming cinnamon twigs during menstruation may exacerbate internal heat, leading to increased menstrual flow or early termination of the period. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician before consuming any herbal medicines to avoid adverse reactions or drug interactions and to ensure safe and effective medication use.

During menstruation, it is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and sufficient rest, to support overall menstrual health.