Patient's question:
I'm in a lot of pain. I've tried many Chinese medicine treatments, but acupuncture hasn't helped. I don't dare to take pure painkillers, so I boil poppy shells (about the size of a fingernail) and drink the water. This is quite effective for pain relief. I just want to ask if drinking it once a month will cause addiction? Thank you!Medical history and effectiveness: I've seen both Chinese and Western doctors, but nothing has worked!
Help needed: I want to know if boiling and taking a small amount of poppy shells during my most painful times each month will cause addiction.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that menstrual pain is often caused by poor blood and Qi circulation or Qi and blood deficiency. Three to five days before menstruation, the diet should be light and easy to digest, and avoid overeating. It is especially important to avoid cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby inducing or worsening menstrual pain. During menstruation, it is even more important to avoid all cold, indigestible, and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. You can eat some sour foods, such as pickled vegetables and vinegar, as sour foods have a pain-relieving effect. Additionally, consuming more hot foods is beneficial. Moreover, when menstruation arrives, it is essential to keep warm. If you experience abdominal pain, you can drink brown sugar water~ preferably ginger and brown sugar water.