Can red bean and coix seed water alleviate cold hands and feet?
Jul 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, whether red bean and coix seed water can alleviate cold hands and feet depends on an individual's specific constitution and underlying causes, and therefore should not be generalized. It is important to understand one's own body constitution before consuming red bean and coix seed water, avoiding blind consumption. Individuals with cold-damp or yang deficiency constitutions should choose cautiously and may consult a healthcare professional to adjust the formulation. Even for those who are suitable, intake should be controlled, as long-term and excessive consumption may affect spleen and stomach function.
Generally speaking, whether red bean and coix seed water can alleviate cold hands and feet depends on the individual's specific constitution and underlying causes; therefore, it cannot be generalized. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If cold hands and feet are caused by a damp-heat constitution, where internal damp-heat stagnation affects blood and qi circulation, red bean and coix seed water, which has the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, may help remove damp-heat from the body and improve the condition of poor circulation of blood and qi, thereby alleviating cold hands and feet to some extent. People with this constitution often experience symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, yellow and greasy tongue coating, and sticky bowel movements. After consumption, the symptoms of damp-heat may decrease, and the coldness in the hands and feet might improve accordingly.
If cold hands and feet are caused by cold-damp constitution or yang deficiency constitution, where there is insufficient yang energy and internal accumulation of cold-damp, red bean and coix seed water—which is relatively cooling in nature—may further impair yang energy due to the dampness-resolving effect of coix seed, thus worsening the internal cold-damp condition. This could not only fail to relieve cold hands and feet but even exacerbate the symptoms. Individuals with this constitution often exhibit symptoms such as sensitivity to cold, white and greasy tongue coating, and persistently cold limbs. Consumption of this beverage may lead to discomfort.
Before drinking red bean and coix seed water, it is important to determine one's own constitution and avoid drinking it blindly. Those with cold-damp or yang deficiency constitutions should be cautious and may need to consult a professional to adjust the formulation. Even if suitable for consumption, intake should be controlled, as long-term and excessive consumption may affect spleen and stomach function. Alleviating cold hands and feet should involve comprehensive regulation through diet and exercise, rather than relying solely on one particular beverage.
