However much a woman enjoys the cup that cheers, she should avoid tea-drinking during five physiological states.
Menstruation
Eating foods rich in iron, such as spinach, apples and grapes, is recommended during menstruation when a woman most needs iron. The 30 to 50 percent tannin content of tea, however, inhibits intestinal mucosa from absorbing iron. It instead combines with iron to produce sediments. Click here to read Depressive Syndrome in TCM.
Pregnancy
The 10 percent theine (caffeine) content in strong tea Hypertension and increases urination frequency, thus placing a greater burden on both heart and kidneys. Worse still, tea increases susceptibility to gestational poisoning, imperilling the health of both mother and fetus. Women are hence advised to switch to an alternative beverage during pregnancy.
Pre-labor
If drunk in excess, the caffeine in tea could cause Insomnia in a woman about to deliver. The drain of this on her energy could at the very least prolong labor.
Lactation Period
The tannin in strong tea inhibits the mammary gland function of secreting milk. Its presence in a mother's milk could also affect the infant's health.
Menopause
Women going through menopause experience palpitations, hot flushes, mood swings, heavy menstruation and poor sleep owing to night sweats. Drinking exacerbates all of these problems.