Can Excessive Dampness Also Cause Menstrual Cramps? Many Women Are Swapping Out Ginger Tea for This "Dampness Eliminator"

Understanding and Addressing Moisture Imbalance in the Body

When it comes to moisture, many are not unfamiliar with the concept. Moisture, or dampness, can become a pathogenic factor when in excess, leading to various discomforts in the body. There are two primary sources of moisture within the body: external dampness, which infiltrates from the environment, and internal dampness, resulting from a weak spleen and stomach, impairing their transportation function and allowing dampness to accumulate.

Excessive moisture in a woman's body can trigger a series of chain reactions, with menstrual pain being one of them. Why does excess moisture cause menstrual pain? It primarily affects women with a cold constitution. The excess moisture disrupts blood and qi circulation, making it harder for menstrual blood to flow out smoothly, sometimes leading to the formation of blood clots. These clots, being difficult to expel, cause the uterus to contract more vigorously to facilitate their expulsion, resulting in menstrual pain.

To determine if menstrual pain is caused by excess moisture, women can observe other symptoms such as thick and greasy tongue coating, sticky stool, fatigue, and heavy limbs. If these symptoms coincide with menstrual pain, it's time to address the dampness issue.

How to Eliminate Excess Moisture from the Body

To expel excess moisture, one can turn to the "King of Dehumidification" – red bean and coix seed tea. Red beans, a traditional Chinese medicine, aid in reducing swelling and clearing heat and toxins. Coix seeds, on the other hand, benefit the spleen by eliminating dampness and promoting the discharge of pus. Together, they make an excellent pair. Drinking red bean and coix seed tea or cooking them into porridge can help eliminate excess moisture from the body.

Women should avoid relying solely on red sugar and ginger tea for health maintenance and instead address their specific conditions. Who is suitable for red bean and coix seed tea? This tea is ideal for individuals with a spleen deficiency and excessive dampness, manifesting as appetite loss, indigestion, sticky stool, and edema.

However, it's important to note that while this tea is effective in removing dampness, it's not suitable for everyone. Women during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy should avoid it as it can exacerbate menstrual pain or tighten the uterus. Those with weak spleens and stomachs should consume it in moderation to prevent diarrhea. Individuals with a cold constitution should also refrain from drinking it as it may intensify their cold symptoms.

When enjoying red bean and coix seed tea, you can enhance its benefits by adding ingredients like red dates, mulberries, gorgon fruit seeds, barley, and wolfberries. Red dates nourish qi and the middle warmer, while mulberries benefit the liver and kidneys, promoting bowel movements. Gorgon fruit seeds, barley, and wolfberries also aid in reducing swelling. Since coix seeds are naturally cool, roasting them before brewing can help balance their temperature.