Đau bụng kinh nên uống gì và không nên uống gì?

What should and shouldn't you drink during menstrual cramps?

 "Every time it's that time of the month, my whole body feels tired and weak; I just want to lie in bed hugging a hot compress."

"On the first day of my period, menstrual cramps make me not want to talk. My stomach always feels uncomfortable, and I wonder what I should drink during my period."

What should you drink for menstrual cramps? Herbal tea is the top choice

Women experiencing menstrual cramps should opt for warm beverages such as ginger tea, hot chocolate, or even plain hot water, as these can help soothe both physical pain and emotional discomfort. However, if you typically experience menstrual clots, bloating, or severe swelling during your period, it’s advisable to incorporate herbal teas made with ingredients like motherwort, safflower, and angelica. These beverages should be prepared in advance and consumed at the onset of menstruation—the earlier you drink them, the more effective they are at alleviating pain.

Menstrual cramps level 1: Feeling slightly weak and fatigued

Black sugar water, hot cocoa, black sugar ginger tea, red date and longan tea.

Menstrual cramps level 2: Mild swelling and dull, persistent pain

Red bean soup, unsweetened ginger tea.

Menstrual cramps level 3: Bloating and discomfort

Unsweetened ginger tea, herbal products containing plum and hawthorn for regulation.

Menstrual cramps level 4: Abdominal discomfort accompanied by headaches

Hot black coffee, beverages containing safflower, motherwort, angelica, and regulatory herbal products with Sichuan lovage root.

Menstrual cramps level 5: Abdominal discomfort with menstrual blood clot

Regulatory products containing motherwort, biochemical soup, peach kernel, safflower, angelica, Sichuan lovage root, white peony root, and rehmannia glutinosa are recommended.

If menstrual pain exceeds level 5, it is advisable to consult a doctor for an evaluation of your condition.

In general, the higher the pain level, the more you may benefit from traditional Chinese medicine remedies. However, if such remedies are not available, you can alleviate menstrual cramps by using the methods suggested for lower pain levels, though their effectiveness may be somewhat limited. These methods can still provide significant relief.

It is crucial to manage your stress and abdominal discomfort effectively, as stress can exacerbate menstrual pain. Taking proper care of your health is extremely important.

What shouldn't you drink during your period?

Similarly, there is a "blacklist" of drinks that women should avoid during their period, especially when experiencing menstrual cramps. During this time, it’s important to keep warm, so you should steer clear of cold or cooling beverages. Most women already know to avoid ice water and drinks with ice, but some may wonder about other beverages.

Here are the drinks you should avoid during your period:

1. Tea

Tea inherently has cooling properties, so even without ice, it remains cooling in nature. Tea is further categorized into different types based on its cooling intensity. Generally, the lighter the tea color, the more cooling it is, while darker teas are less so. Therefore, if you really want to drink tea for refreshment or to stay alert, opt for hot black tea (red tea) or hot Pu-erh tea.

Drinking hot tea is indeed better, but tea still retains its cooling and diuretic properties. Hence, if you are experiencing menstrual cramps, it is recommended to avoid drinking tea altogether.

2. Milk

Milk has cooling properties, and cold milk is especially unsuitable for those experiencing menstrual cramps. Some people enjoy drinking warm milk to soothe their body, but it’s better to switch to hot cocoa during menstrual cramps for improved relief.

3. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks are best enjoyed when chilled! However, if you have a history of menstrual cramps or irregular periods, it’s advisable to avoid any carbonated beverages, even room-temperature cola, as this will be better for your body.

4. Alcohol

Beer has cooling properties, so it’s not only unsuitable for women experiencing menstrual cramps but also for women during their period in general.

Many people wonder about other alcoholic beverages like wine or cocktails. In traditional medicine, alcohol is considered a supplement for promoting blood circulation and stimulating energy flow. However, if you experience heavy menstrual flow, it’s best to avoid alcohol during this time.

For those with menstrual cramps, a small cup of medicinal wine infused with angelica and Sichuan lovage root may be an exception. However, do not mistakenly believe that alcohol can relieve or soothe menstrual pain—it’s not a reliable solution!

Can you drink bubble tea during your period?

Since milk has cooling properties, bubble tea containing fresh milk is not recommended for women experiencing menstrual cramps. Additionally, you should avoid bubble tea with whipped cream.

However, if you don’t suffer from menstrual cramps during your period and are craving bubble tea, you can opt for a hot version and enjoy it in moderation.

Can you drink coffee during your period?

Of course, you can drink coffee during your period!

Coffee can help promote blood circulation and increase body temperature. Drinking hot coffee without milk or sugar is even more effective. However, doctors recommend consuming coffee in moderation due to its caffeine content. Excessive consumption can lead to worsened menstrual cramps and disrupt sleep at night.

Women experiencing menstrual cramps should visit a doctor to rule out conditions such as endometriosis, chocolate cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or uterine fibroids. If the pain is due to physical and mental stress, mild cases of these conditions, or if treatment isn't required, but menstrual cramps still occur occasionally, remember to prepare the recommended drinks to ease the pain.

Menstrual cramps aren’t a disease, but they can drain your energy and take a toll on your mental health, leaving you feeling exhausted! Hopefully, these doctor-shared tips will help women understand what to drink to relieve menstrual pain and avoid unhealthy beverages during their period. 

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Author Information
Dr. Hong Zhichen (杜丞蕓) – Licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician (USA)
Master’s degree holder from National Taiwan University/USA.

 is the author of several health-focused books, including For Women Only, Timeless Beauty, and Nutrition for Rejuvenation. She specializes in gynecology, internal medicine, and pediatrics. With expertise in natural medicine and holistic therapies from various countries, she offers modern interpretations of traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal diets, dietary therapies, meridians, and yoga.

Her approach emphasizes the safest and most non-toxic methods to enhance beauty and youthfulness.

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