In their case, caffeine might boost their mood, memory and concentration, the survey suggested. Here are 15 Coffee Facts You Never Knew. https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/5-drinks-that-can-upset-your-menopause/, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/columnists/article-429110/What-I-beat-hot-flushes.html, https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/menopause/11-surprising-hot-flash-triggers/, https://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20140724/is-coffee-aggravating-your-hot-flashes, https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/3-ways-caffeine-can-make-your-hot-flushes-worse/, https://www.prevention.com/health/a20475443/new-link-between-caffeine-and-hot-flashes/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/menopause-symptoms-caffeine/faq-20119077, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-eat-when-you-have-hot-flashes/, https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/tea-for-menopause, https://www.sharecare.com/health/menopause/what-foods-avoid-hot-flashes, https://blog.lisahealth.com/blog/2021/1/16/common-hot-flash-triggers-and-management. It may cause heart complications by increasing bad cholesterol levels, aggravate rheumatoid arthritis and acidity, interfere with iron absorption, and cause headaches and drowsiness. Can Certain Foods Reduce Uterine Fibroids? Check it out!SaveIllustration: StyleCraze Design Team. You once breezed through the transition to summer without breaking a sweat. Caffeine can also trigger anxiety and heart palpitations as well as making insomnia worse. (Unsubscribe anytime in a click.) You could also water down your wine with juice, fresh fruit, and ice cubes, for a cooling, less potent sangria. Drinking caffeine, which causes a surge of adrenaline and a withdrawal from your energy savings - does exactly that. Drinking too much hot drinks can also stimulate flashes. So, the women, who consume excessive coffee as a regular hot drink, should be careful about this habit. THURSDAY, July 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking caffeine may worsen the hot flashes and night sweats that affect roughly two-thirds of women as they go through menopause, new survey data. One serving of decaf coffee contains about 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine, as opposed to 50 to 75 milligrams in regular coffee (2). Symptoms include: a sensation of warmth that comes on suddenly. She is former Senior Dietitian from PGIMER, Chandigarh, retired in 2012. When interacting with other hormones, it also performs various functions, like giving women and people AFAB the ability to get pregnant and deliver children. You can always have decaf if you're craving it, and green tea (in moderation) to help prevent caffeine withdrawal. In the end, I will also share the best drinks you can consume to quickly treat your hot flashes. Most people get their caffeine from coffee., If you like the taste of coffee or are comforted by a cup of joe in the morning but cant have caffeine, there is another option for you. For my full Disclaimer, please go tohttps://danalavoielac.com/disclaimer-2/. If you're not a slow caffeine metabolizer and you're not having out of control menopause symptoms, the benefits of moderate amounts of tea may outweigh the risks. You likely know the feeling the heat wave and pool of sweat that cascades over your whole body out of the blue. So, it activates the sympathetic system of your body. Caffeine is also "hot" in nature and is usually acidifying for your body. Feeling the heat? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. That cute turtleneck looked great in the store, but now its sending your temperature soaring and not in a good way. Researchers suggest women skip caffeine if they're bothered by menopausal symptoms. Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Oxytrol). Yet, this process has not only been approved by the FDA, but its also highly regulated.. Coffee itself is "hot" in nature, so while decaf doesn't have the caffeine, it is still warming and acidifying in the body. Decaf coffee was found to increase a specific blood fat that is linked to metabolic syndrome. Coffee, in general, contains chlorogenici XThis compound is naturally available in coffee beans and has antioxidant properties. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Why spicy foods? I love writing and researching about coffee topics. In that case, you experience headaches, lethargy, depressed mood, and marked irritability when you switch to decaf, but only until your body gets used to the lack of caffeine.. Yes! All types of decaffeinated coffee contain caffeine, although in less amounts. How To Use Castor Oil To Treat Arthritis? Certain prescription medications. According to Eva De Angelis, Since decaf coffee only has very little amounts of caffeine, it does not cause anxiety. But individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may experience anxiety-like symptoms like shaking and jitteriness. If you're a slow metabolizer, I'd recommend avoiding caffeine anytime you're having trouble with hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, low hormone levels, low bone density, or adrenal fatigue! You might also try switching to decaf to see if caffeine, rather than temperature, is triggering your hot flashes. We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. As you age, those estrogen levels go up and down like a pogo stick. A muscular tissue found in the heart. If you're a slow metabolizer its best to avoid it while any of those struggles are occurring and to always use it in very small amounts nine or more hours before bedtime. Caffeine May Worsen Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopauseu200f Caffeine intake is associated with worse hot flashes and night sweats, but fewer problems with mood, memory, and concentration, in menopausal women, according to findings of a cross-sectional survey published online July 21 in Menopause. So if you're having even traces of insomnia, heart palpitations, or anxiety, I highly recommend avoiding caffeine. "Just remember," he says, "it is decaffeinated, not no-caffeination.". Why hair appliances? Even better news:Large trialshave shown that moderate amounts of soy dont increase breast cancer risk. That means generally forgoing spicy food and hot beverages, as well as caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, she said in a Mayo news release. Here they are, and for more healthy tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Dating In Your 60s: Rules, Advice, And Common Mistakes, Does Coffee Make You Gain Weight? What about decaf coffee and tea for hot flashes? The underlying cause behind this could be the preparation and processing decaffeinated coffee undergoes. They all have antioxidant properties and thus can protect DNA and cellular proteins from damage, reducing oxidative stress. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.uhs.umich.edu/caffeine. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, so it shrinks blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. These symptoms can be difficult to deal with for some and downright debilitating for others. } ); You can always have decaf if youre craving it, and green tea (in moderation) to help prevent caffeine withdrawal. During medical school, a neurologist taught me that the number one cause of headaches in the US was coffee.. That was news to me! 3. All Rights Reserved. Hot Flash Trigger No. What it means is that caffeine causes a surge of adrenaline, which gives you energy NOW - but depletes your energy overall. 2 While USDA regulations stipulate that decaf should not exceed 0.10 percent caffeine on a dry basis in the package, comparison between brewed. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for a coffee to be marketed as "decaffeinated," it must have had at least 97 percent of its original caffeine removed. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's well worth it - even if you need to rest for a WEEK to recover from the energy you used up that one day. If you do have coffee, opt for iced, but it would be preferable to choose a caffeine-free energizer, like a whole grain breakfast. So, thats one thing you should remember all the time when drinking decaf coffee. Now just sitting outside on a sunny day leaves you dripping in no time. "Some studies have shown a potential risk for triggering rheumatoid arthritis," says Dr. Olivia Audrey. Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Dangerous Side Effects of Drinking Decaf Coffee, According to Science, Eat To Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself, 12 Tastiest Homemade Coffee Drinks From a Nutritionist. Because too much of decaf coffee also washes the calcium and magnesium from your body. reddening of the skin. Surprisingly, caffeinated coffee did not pose this risk. Breathing, getting rid of body waste and sweating are ways the body loses water. When a shipment of coffee was soaked in seawater, he discovered that the beans were lower in caffeine than usual, leading to the invention. However, caffeine can accelerate your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, and increase your body temperature, all of which prompt or worsen hot flashes. Spicy foods, hot weather, alcohol, and exercise are all possible hot flash triggers. It can increase blood pressure, but most studies found no increased cardiovascular disease risk from moderate consumption. Theyre also responsible for the vasomotor symptoms (more commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats) that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) experience, especially before and during menopause. The main sources of caffeine for most people are coffee and tea. You might need decaf coffee if you have any of the following conditions.. What Are The Side Effects Of Decaf Coffee? Why hot beverages? A: The exact causes of hot flashes are still unknown, but they are thought to be related to changes in the brain's thermoregulatory center, which controls heat production and loss, and is influenced by your hormones. Decaffeinated coffee is touted as a coffee replacement in a variety of health arenas. SOURCE: July 23, 2014, news release, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Decaf coffee has its own benefits and is a good option for people who need a caffeine alternative., There are many reasons you might need to avoid caffeine. When your body is producing too much heat, you can try cooling foods to help. Decaf coffee, "is that typically it is made from a bean that has a higher fat content than regular arabica beans, which could pose potential consequences for cholesterol levels and long-term health of the heart as well," says Dr. Audrey. I'm here to help you get on a plan for managing your hormones now and for the rest of your life for menopause symptom relief and slow, healthy aging. Its thought many spices and ingredients that give food their heat can also act as vasodilators, says Samantha Dunham, MD, co-director of the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Coffee's anti-inflammatory benefits stem from the over 1,000 bioactive compounds it contains. Decaf coffee when taken in limited quantity also works well in reducing the overall symptoms of your hot flashes. It can be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight. We all know that it is a delicious mixture of espresso, steamed, and foamed Hi, I am Christine. Are you someone who likes to experiment with a cappuccino? During this process, companies mix different types of chemicals and preservatives. You'll help your body bring all your hormone levels up to optimal. This blog is dedicated to all the regular coffee drinkers and coffee machine users. But it made more sense when he clarified that he meant lack of coffee. You can enjoy menopause. Since there are small amounts of caffeine present, you may need to avoid decaf coffee as well, unless your doctor allows it. Eva says, In most people, coffee may help reduce inflammation. Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Con Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Cons + Which Is Better. Learn why you might want to quit the habit to find relief. Decaf coffee was found to increase serum gastrin concentrations (10). Caffeine can even cause stubborn weight gain! Even if you don't need to give up caffeine, decaf coffee is a good option in the afternoon and evening., Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee: Coffee, caffeine, mood and emotion., Johns Hopkins Medicine: 9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount of) Coffee Is Good for You., Journal of Analytical Toxicology: Caffeine content of decaffeinated coffee., Harvard T.H. Research suggests that women who have hot flashes may have an increased risk of heart disease and greater bone loss than women who do not have hot flashes. One study showed that alcohol increased the severity of hot flashes (it made them more intense) in menopausal women. It is being provided to you to educate you about Chinese medicine in your diet, lifestyle, and supplements and as a self-help tool for your own use. It provides antioxidants and may, in fact, fight inflammation (20). The main food items that can possibly trigger your hot flashes are listed as follows. If you'd like to learn exactly how to do this for your body and your metabolism type Take advantage of the Free Resources below. So if you have so much energy stored up that you have plenty to spare - even if you drink lots of caffeine - spend lots of your energy - you'll still have plenty in checking and savings at the end of the day. Copyright 2020. Manage Settings Imagine you have an energy checking and an energy savings account. The removal of caffeine and other compounds can also rob this coffee of its trademark taste (2). Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Dealing_with_the_symptoms_of_menopause.htm, Mashayekh, A. et al. But the biggest study, the Mayo Clinic, and the Huff postall agree there's enough evidence to say to say - Yes! Apart from this, decaf coffee has several health benefits and it is good for women who are constantly having hot flashes symptoms. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron out of your system. Again, its thought hot flashes may occur in part because the bodys thermoregulatory mechanism has a narrower range of tolerance. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Stress can cause an increase in the flight-or-fight response and that surge of adrenaline and cortisol that kicks in when we perceive a threat may trigger a hot flash. Too much caffeine content stimulates palpitations, sweats, and hot flashes. The caffeine in coffee can also elevate your heart rate and cause dehydration, which may intensify those feelings. She has a Bachelors degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health. Decaffeinated coffee, known as decaf for short, is ordinary coffee that has had most of its caffeine removed from it before the beans are roasted. 5. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. Did you know there are even heavy metals in your protein powders? But there may even be other products in your pantry that could help with your hot flash symptoms during menopause. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. The high antioxidant and nutrient content of decaf may benefit your health. Although the research on decaf coffee is more limited, it seems to have the same general effects of reducing inflammation because its rich in other antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. The hypothalamus, the region of the brain in charge of heat regulation, gets confused by the abrupt change in estrogen levels, and sends an alert signal to raise blood pressure and quicken your heartbeat, thereby making you feel hot and flustered. This also includes pregnant or lactating women and individuals dealing with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping (16). Decaf coffee has gained a lot of focus in the coffee industry and has grabbed the attention of many health enthusiasts. Ever had a hot flash? So, your average cup. Dr. Roizen recommends eating the When Way, which is eating only when the sun is up, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery How much of decaffeinated coffee can you drink? 8. Some other foods that can trigger hot flashes include tea, fizzy drinks, sodas, beverages, fruit juices, smoothies, and alcohol. Those preferring decaf coffee seem to be okay with this, given its purported benefits. Why hot weather? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Hot flashes can worsen if you keep on taking caffeine so its necessary to cut it down gradually. This article was partially adapted from the best-selling book What to Eat When by Michael F. Roizen, MD, and Micheal Crupain, MD, MPH, with Ted Spiker (2018 National Geographic Books). TCM practitioners recommend having a good mix of cold foods and warm foods to keep your body in balance. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Try cutting it down to one or fewer drinks a day. Too much caffeine content stimulates palpitations, sweats, and hot flashes. Nutritionist Ella Davar, RD, CDN, says it best: the decaffeination process "makes the decaf coffee an ultra-processed food item." You'll be able to get your blood sugar and inflammation levels under excellent control. That doesnt mean you have to avoid coffee. [1] . 5. Eva De Angelis, Dietitian Nutritionist with a bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, says, Caffeine can stimulate our central nervous system, and many of us rely on a morning coffee to kick start the day. But caffeine -- a stimulant found in coffee and colas -- appears to have a different effect on women beginning the transition into menopause (known as perimenopause). A glass of wine now and then wont impact your symptoms too much. Cope with it: Skip the three-alarm dishes on the menu, or if you really love the flavor chili peppers and other spices lend to food, ask if the chef would be able to take the heat down a notch or two. Some examples include tobacco, asbestos, and alcohol. The high antioxidant and nutrient content of decaf may benefit your health. If you are required to restrict caffeine intake due to any reason, decaf coffee could be ideal. Ginkgo extract, for example, can increase blood flow to the brain, which combats fatigue and stimulates the central nervous system. (Earning Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases at NO additional cost to the customer. During perimenopause, hormones start acting like a rollercoaster, with progesterone and estrogen levels changing in wide variations. Try limiting your intake on processed foods like: When dealing with hot flashes, its important to listen to your body and know what foods may be triggering you. If you cant live without your coffee, then at least try using decaf coffee such as Folgers Decaf Ground Coffee. While caffeine already has a negative impact of its own on hot flashes, hot drinks can also raise body temperature. Another possible concern could be the use of methylene chloride in the decaffeination process. Find Them Here! Lighting up can heat you up, too. THURSDAY, July 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking caffeine may worsen the hot flashes and night sweats that affect roughly two-thirds of women as they go through menopause, new survey data suggests. Dr. Byakodi cites a comparative study that revealed just that, concluding that "shifting from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee is unjustified.". Need more evidence smokings bad for you? Decaffeinated coffee is low in caffeine and is the best alternative for regular coffee if you are suffering from hot flashes. Yes, it does just like regular coffee. Red Raspberry Leaf You can make a herbal tea from these leaves. Any change outside that comfort zone can then lead to a hot flash. Caffeine is also "hot" in nature and is usually acidifying for your body. However, one must also be aware of the side effects of decaf coffee associated with its excessive consumption. Given that about 85 percent of Americans drink caffeine in some form on a daily basis, Faubion and her colleagues tried to ascertain to what degree the stimulant might affect the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Bulletproof Coffee: What Is It, How It Works, & Side Effects, https://health.bastyr.edu/news/health-tips-spotlight-2/2015/08/decaffeinated-coffee-safe, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10516914/, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298987145_Coffee_caffeine_and_coronary_heart_disease, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2625695/pdf/jnma00908-0085.pdf, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11817612/, https://www.uab.edu/newsarchive/43984-decaffeinated-coffee-increases-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/411511, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224118/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202225/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22928360/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19621729/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17023717/, 31 Benefits Of Garlic For Health, Skin, & Hair + How To Use It, 19 Benefits Of Noni Juice For Skin, Hair, And Health. Hot flashes are common among menopausal women, and usually result directly from extreme hormonal changes taking place in the body. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Meaning you'll see all the signs of aging appear sooner than they would have otherwise. If you're a fast metabolizer, caffeine is simply not going to affect you as much, and in moderate amounts is likely to have minimal side effects. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Shortness of breath and chest pains are symptoms of myocardial infarction. Also take into account your caffeine metabolism. Dr. Williams adds that the process has been found to increase fatty acids that can affect metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of heart disease. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. You don't need to take caffeine every day to keep your energy at full levels. Since it tastes faintly like coffee and is caffeine-free, you may also try it as an alternative. Treatment options can include prescription medications, non-hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes. Hi I am Christine and I am the proud owner of CoffeeCherish.com. Heres what might be burning you up: That red wine youre enjoying with friends may be whats turning you the color of cabernet. Your morning cup of joe (or your afternoon mug of Earl Grey) may perk you up, but it leaves you hot and sweaty, too. Hot flashes and thyroid problems are the most bothersome symptoms. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in F more. These effects were not observed in the caffeinated variant (4). When the body doesn't have enough of this hormone, it can sharply raise your stress levels and cause the body to incorrectly detect an increase in temperature. Caffeine in coffee: its removal. New research has shown that there are small amounts of caffeine in your decaf coffee., The decaffeination process removes about 97% of the caffeine from the coffee beans. 2. During the decaffeination process, decaf coffee loses up to 15% of the healthful antioxidants of coffee. How to handle headaches, night sweats, and more. Here, you will find the most comprehensive and thorough coffee tips and guides that you will not find elsewhere very easily. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is a healthy tea option to consume during menopause. This effect was mitigated when the coffee was decaffeinated (12). Chan School of Public Health: Coffee., NCA: All About Decaffeinated Coffee., UC Davis Health: Does decaf coffee actually have caffeine? By working with specific foods and cutting out others, you may feel some relief. Experts arent certain what causes hot flashes during menopause. Your blow dryer or curling iron causes you to melt down. As a result, caffeine is removed but chemicals or preservatives are introduced into the coffee. So, although coffee is fairly natural, its decaffeinated counterpart is the opposite. Please put your questions & comments in the comments section below, I'd truly love to hear from you! Two cups of decaffeinated coffee a day could be safe in healthy individuals. Vasomotor symptoms happen because of changing estrogen levels. "Some of the solvents are the same ones used in paint thinner or nail polish remover.". Copyright 2021 Dana LaVoie, LAc, LLC - Privacy policy |Terms and Conditions| Disclaimer. Alcoholic beverages Try mocktails instead, 3. But you don't want to make that other stuff worse? Symptoms of hot flashes in men. This compound is naturally available in coffee beans and has antioxidant properties. The following infographic provides information about the preparation of natural decaf coffee. Side effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, nausea and dizziness. Our experts discuss how your diet can help keep you cool. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Cope with it: Its time to kick the habit for good. Luckily the vegetable aisle provides endless options. heavy sweating. When the body doesn't have enough of this hormone, it can sharply raise your stress levels and cause the body to incorrectly detect an increase in temperature. Lattes, milk, syrups, and sugar can add extra calories and reduce the benefits of decaf coffee., Like caffeinated coffee, decaf coffee has also been shown to impact your mood and overall attention span positively. Insomniacs applaud its lack of caffeine: drink decaf instead of cup number three, they say, and put sleep trouble to bed. Based on these preliminary findings, the researchers suggest that limiting caffeine may help reduce the severity of both night sweats and hot flashes. Valerian It has the ability to control your hot flashes. (n.d.). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As I already mentioned above, caffeine is a stimulant. This is usually the case in healthy teenagers. Get the best food tips and diet advice If you're sensitive to caffeine or you consume too much, you may experience an increased heart rate, irritability, restlessness, digestive complications or insomnia. Olive Oil Vs. If you desperately want your hot flashes after 60 to stop, read on to first find out what causes them and what you can do to finally find long-lasting relief! MenopauseNow.com is dedicated to providing reliable, up-to-date information and advice on the most common topics in women's health, including PMS, menopause, natural hormones, hormonal conditions, and fertility. It is not personalized health advice. Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. Of course, food cant fix everything, so if your hot flashes are really bothering you, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Decaf coffee is also rich in antioxidants. Cope with it: When youre indoors, set the thermostat at a consistent 65 degrees F, says Hirsch. The reason? Coffee caffeine and coronary heart disease, ACUTE EFFECT OF DECAFFEINATED COFFEE ON HEART RATE BLOOD PRESSURE AND EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS. While more research is needed,some women have found relief with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).