Can I take American ginseng during my menstrual period?

Whether or not ginseng can be consumed during menstruation depends on individual constitution and specific circumstances. For women with a relatively hot constitution, it is generally acceptable to consume ginseng under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. However, for women with a cold constitution, heavy menstrual flow, or prolonged menstrual periods, ginseng consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Ginseng is a cold-natured traditional Chinese herbal medicine that functions to nourish qi and yin, clear heat, and promote body fluid production. For women with a hot constitution who often experience symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, irritability, and mood swings, taking an appropriate amount of ginseng during menstruation as directed by a physician may help regulate the balance of yin and yang in the body and alleviate discomfort.

However, for women with a cold constitution, who typically experience symptoms such as cold hands and feet and are prone to colds, consuming ginseng during menstruation might exacerbate internal cold-dampness and worsen dysmenorrhea or cause poor discharge of menstrual blood. Additionally, ginseng may affect blood coagulation; therefore, for women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged menstrual periods, it could exacerbate these symptoms. It is recommended to consult a professional TCM practitioner before consuming ginseng to ensure safety.

During menstruation, women should also focus on dietary adjustments, avoid cold and raw foods, and moderately supplement with iron to maintain overall health.