Can I take Eucommia during my menstrual period?

May 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, whether Eucommia bark (Du Zhong) can be consumed during menstruation should be determined based on individual body constitution and menstrual conditions. Those with a cold constitution, light menstrual flow, and dysmenorrhea may consume it in moderation, while those with a hot constitution and heavy menstrual flow should avoid it. It is recommended to consult a physician before consuming Eucommia bark during menstruation to determine whether it is suitable and the appropriate dosage based on individual constitution and menstrual conditions.

Generally speaking, whether it is appropriate to consume Eucommia (Du Zhong) during menstruation should be determined based on individual body constitution and menstrual conditions. Those with a cold constitution, light menstrual flow, and dysmenorrhea may consume it in moderation, whereas those with a hot constitution and heavy menstrual flow should avoid it. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If a woman has a cold constitution, often feels cold hands and feet, experiences menstrual pain, and has a light menstrual flow with pale blood color, moderate consumption of Eucommia may help warm the uterus, relieve dysmenorrhea, and improve blood circulation. For women with light menstrual flow accompanied by dysmenorrhea, and diagnosed by traditional Chinese medicine as having kidney deficiency and blood stasis, moderate consumption of Eucommia may help alleviate symptoms.

If a woman has a hot constitution and often experiences inflammation, dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, and other symptoms during menstruation, consuming Eucommia might intensify internal heat and negatively affect health. Those with heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstrual periods should also avoid Eucommia, as it may further increase menstrual flow, prolong the period duration, and potentially cause other discomforts.

Before consuming Eucommia during menstruation, it is advisable to consult a doctor and determine whether to take it and the appropriate dosage based on individual constitution and menstrual conditions. Additionally, it is important to control the dosage and avoid excessive intake.

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What are the medicinal properties of Eucommia (Du Zhong)?

Eucommia bark is the dried bark of the Eucommia ulmoides plant from the Eucommiaceae family. Generally, eucommia has effects including tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, reducing inflammation, promoting diuresis, and killing bacteria. When used together with Acanthopanax bark, it not only strengthens tendons and bones but also dispels wind-dampness. This combination forms a balanced medicinal pair with both tonifying and purgative actions, making it suitable for improving conditions such as lower back and leg pain, soreness and pain in the feet and knees, joint stiffness, and weakness in the lower limbs caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys and invasion of wind-damp pathogens into the tendons and bones.