Can You Drink Ophiopogon and Chenpi Water During Menstruation?

During menstruation, changes in hormone levels often lead to mood swings, irritability, or physical discomfort. Whether you can drink Ophiopogon (Mai Dong) and Chenpi (dried tangerine peel) water depends primarily on your individual constitution.

When Is It Recommended?

If you generally have a balanced constitution without significant weakness or stomach cold, drinking this water during your period can be beneficial:

1. Calming the Mind and Relieving Anxiety: Ophiopogon has the effect of clearing heart fire and removing irritability. It helps stabilize the emotions of women who are prone to anger, insomnia, or restlessness during their period.
2. Nourishing Yin and Beautifying: Ophiopogon moistens the lungs, and Chenpi is rich in Vitamin C. Together, they assist in metabolizing toxins, delaying aging, and reducing pigmentation caused by slowed metabolism during the cycle.
3. Regulating Qi: Chenpi can help alleviate the slight abdominal bloating that sometimes accompanies menstruation.

When Is It Not Advised?

Avoid or use with caution if you fall into these categories:

1. Cold Spleen and Stomach: If you frequently have a cold stomach, are prone to diarrhea, or experience intense dysmenorrhea with sensitivity to cold. Ophiopogon is slightly cold and may aggravate bloating or loose stools.
2. During a Wind-Cold Cold: If you have a cold with a runny nose, the yin-nourishing nature of Ophiopogon might "trap the pathogen," hindering the expulsion of cold.
3. Special Conditions: Those with severe heart insufficiency or allergies to either herb should avoid this drink.

Consumption Advice

• Warmth: Always drink it warm during your period; avoid letting the tea cool down.
• Adjustment: If you feel slightly cold but still wish to drink it, reduce the proportion of Ophiopogon and slightly increase the amount of Chenpi.

Summary: For most women, Ophiopogon and Chenpi water helps with detoxification and mental peace during menstruation. As long as you avoid it if you have a cold-deficiency constitution, it is a gentle menstrual companion.