The menstrual period is a special time for women. Due to the unique physiological conditions during this time, certain foods should be avoided to prevent potential harm to the body. These foods can be categorized into three main types:
1. Raw and Cold Foods: These are considered "cold-natured" foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as pears, bananas, water chestnuts, rock ear, jellyfish, and earth ear. While these foods are generally beneficial for the body due to their properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, nourishing yin, and reducing fire, they should be avoided or consumed in minimal amounts during menstruation. Otherwise, they can easily lead to symptoms like menstrual cramps and irregular periods.
2. Spicy Foods: Examples include cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, cloves, and black pepper. These are typically used as condiments to enhance the flavor of dishes. However, women during their menstrual period should avoid these pungent and irritating foods, as they can easily cause issues such as menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding.
3. Foods that Affect Sexual Function: Water caltrop, wild rice stem, winter melon, kale, bracken fern, rabbit meat, black fungus, and hemp seed.