Some people catch colds during their menstrual period. If a cold develops during menstruation and isn't fully cured afterward, it may make the body more sensitive and vulnerable, weakening immunity. Even minor bacterial infections could then lead to illness. Therefore, the severity of colds during menstruation should not be underestimated, and any cold must be thoroughly treated.
Why do colds strike during menstruation?
During this unique physiological phase, hormonal fluctuations lower immunity. Without adequate warmth, colds easily take hold. Simply treating the cold symptoms yields limited results—it often returns with the next menstrual cycle.
How to manage menstrual colds?
1. Stay warm
Prioritize warmth in daily life, especially for the lower body. Keep your abdomen, waist, and feet well-covered. Avoid exposing legs too early in spring and summer; minimize wearing short skirts or low-rise pants.
2. Moderate Exercise
Individuals with deficient qi and blood often prefer quiet activities and avoid strenuous exercise, as excessive movement can lead to fatigue, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Some may choose to remain inactive altogether. However, movement generates yang energy. Appropriate physical exercise can improve blood circulation and enhance overall constitution.
3. Regular Foot Reflexology
The feet contain numerous acupoints and meridians. Regular massage helps unblock the body's energy pathways, improve blood circulation, and regulate qi and blood flow.For instance, the toes serve as the junction where the energy of the "Three Yin Meridians of the Foot" and the "Three Yang Meridians of the Foot" converge. Regularly massaging all ten toes helps ensure the smooth flow of meridian energy. During massage, use your thumb and index finger to grasp one toe, knead it from all sides, and then gently pull upward.Additionally, the Yongquan point on the sole is a crucial acupoint. As the saying goes, "The Kidney meridian emerges at Yongquan, which is the center of the sole." Regularly massaging this point greatly benefits the preservation of yang energy. How to locate Yongquan? Simply curl your foot slightly; you'll feel a depression at the front center of the sole—this is Yongquan.
4. Mental Cultivation
Excessive fatigue, low spirits, or prolonged exposure to negative emotions can disrupt the flow of yang energy. Maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and strive to cultivate an optimistic, cheerful mindset while minimizing emotional fluctuations.
5. Dietary Adjustments
① Donkey-Hide Gelatin and Lean Pork Soup
Ingredients per serving: 10g donkey-hide gelatin, 10g codonopsis root, 10g goji berries, 3 scallion whites, 50g lean pork.Preparation: First, crush the donkey-hide gelatin. Rinse the lean pork to remove blood residue and cut into small pieces. Wash the scallion whites to remove sand and dirt, discard the root hairs and green parts. Rinse the codonopsis and goji berries. Place all five ingredients into an earthenware pot and simmer into a soup for drinking. The solids may also be consumed. Season with salt to taste and consume all contents together. Take 2-3 times consecutively during the week before menstruation.This formula is particularly suitable for women with heavy menstrual flow. ② Angelica and Red Date Soup Per serving: 10g Angelica sinensis (preferably root or stem, not tail), 6 red dates, 15g Polygonatum, 1 fresh egg. Preparation: Rinse Angelica, steam until tender, then slice thinly.Wash the red dates and remove pits. Wash the Polygonatum. Place Angelica, red dates, and Polygonatum in an earthenware pot to simmer into soup. Once cooked, add the fresh egg (shell removed) and simmer for another 5 minutes. Drink the soup and eat the egg. This formula can be taken twice during the week before menstruation. It is especially suitable for those with generally weak constitutions who experience dizziness.
③ Enhanced Angelica, Ginger, and Lamb Soup
Per serving: 30g angelica root (preferably root tip or main body), 15g ginger, 15g astragalus root, 250g fresh lamb. Preparation: Wash the angelica root, steam it over water until tender, then slice thinly. Wash the ginger to remove sand, peel, and slice thinly. Rinse the fresh lamb thoroughly to remove blood residue, cut into small pieces. Wash the astragalus root to remove dust.Place all four ingredients in a double boiler and simmer for one and a half hours. Season to taste, then consume the broth and meat. Consume more frequently before menstruation. This formula is particularly suitable for women with anemia and scanty menstrual flow. Medications to Avoid During Menstrual Colds Hemostatic Agents: These reduce capillary permeability and constrict capillaries, potentially obstructing menstrual flow.
Hormonal medications: The synthesis and metabolic balance of human hormones are linked to the female menstrual cycle. Hormonal medications should not be used during menstruation to avoid disrupting this balance.
Anticoagulants: These medications may cause excessive menstrual bleeding or even hemorrhage and should be avoided during menstruation.
Laxatives: Strong laxatives like magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate can induce reflexive pelvic congestion.
Thyroid hormone preparations: These may disrupt the menstrual cycle.
Weight-loss drugs: Often containing appetite suppressants, these may cause menstrual irregularities, polyuria or dysuria, palpitations, anxiety, and in severe cases, amenorrhea.