Quick Take
A social media video suggests home remedies for period problems. The post claims that common kitchen ingredients can fix period problems. However, our fact check shows this claim is mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post suggests that:
- Drinking coriander powder in cold water treats heavy periods
- Having hot water with jaggery and saunf relieves period pain
- Drinking hot water with black sesame and jaggery helps low period flow
- Drinking turmeric milk treats weakness during periods
Fact Check
Does using coriander water for periods help with heavy bleeding?
Maybe. There is some promising evidence that coriander might help with heavy periods, though the research is still limited. In Ayurvedic and Persian traditional medicine, coriander seeds are used to regulate menstruation and reduce heavy menstrual flow. Some studies suggest that coriander contains compounds that may influence hormone levels and uterine function. However, most available research comes from animal studies rather than rigorous clinical trials.
While coriander is generally safe when consumed in normal food amounts, there is no scientific evidence to definitively say it treats heavy periods. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider first, as this can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions.
Dr Aruna Kalra, Senior Gynecologist and Obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, says, “Many home remedies are popular for managing period problems, but most lack strong scientific evidence. Period issues can have different causes, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis. Relying only on home remedies without medical advice may delay proper treatment.”
Even so, claims continue to circulate, like coriander seeds inducing periods in just one day. But such claims are false.
How effective are saunf and jaggery for menstrual health and pain relief?
Yes, to a certain extent. This claim has some scientific backing out of all four remedies. Research shows that saunf or fennel is effective for reducing menstrual pain compared with placebo and has equivalent efficacy to conventional drug therapies. A 2012 study found that 52% of patients in the fennel group reported excellent pain relief, compared to just 8% in the placebo group. But it’s important to note that these studies used fennel extract in controlled doses, not the fennel seeds typically found in home kitchens.
Fennel seeds contain anethole, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that may help relax uterine muscles and reduce cramping. However, the research doesn’t specifically mention combining fennel with jaggery or the temperature of water making a difference.
Do sesame seeds help with low period flow?
No clear evidence. There’s almost no scientific research on black sesame seeds specifically for increasing menstrual flow. However, a 2014 study with a small sample size of 21 women found that taking one tablespoon of whole sesame seeds daily for 7 days helped trigger periods in women with delayed menstruation, but it did not study low flow. Plus, sesame seeds and periods still need stronger research. While sesame seeds are nutritious and contain healthy fats, iron, and other minerals that support overall health, there’s still no substantial evidence they can increase period flow. Moreover, trying to increase menstrual flow without medical supervision could be risky. Light periods aren’t always a problem, they can be completely normal for some women.
If you’re concerned about unusually light periods, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider rather than trying to self-treat with home remedies.
Does turmeric milk for menstruation help with weakness?
Possibly. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that might help with some period-related discomfort, but the evidence for treating “weakness” is limited.
There is evidence suggesting that turmeric’s curcumin may help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate period cramps due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, period weakness often arises from iron deficiency or blood loss, which requires proper medical evaluation and treatment.
While turmeric milk is generally safe and may provide some comfort, it’s not a substitute for addressing the underlying causes of fatigue during periods, such as anaemia or hormonal imbalances.
Why one remedy doesn’t fit all period issues?
It’s important to understand that period problems can have various underlying causes. Heavy bleeding might indicate fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or other conditions. Severe pain could signal endometriosis. Very light periods might be related to stress, weight changes, or hormonal issues.
While these traditional home remedies for period problems might offer some comfort and have cultural significance, they shouldn’t replace proper medical care when you’re experiencing symptoms.
Dr Almas Fatma, General Physician, from Navi Mumbai, explains, “Period issues can have a wide range of causes, such as hormonal imbalances, fibroids, thyroid issues, or even lifestyle factors like stress and weight changes. Because of this, one remedy simply can’t work for everyone. What may seem effective for one person might not help another at all, and in some cases, it could delay proper treatment. It’s important to get a medical opinion to understand what’s really going on before trying any remedy.”
In summary, while fennel seeds do have solid scientific backing for reducing period pain, the evidence for the other three home remedies for period problems ranges from limited to non-existent. These traditional remedies aren’t necessarily harmful when used in moderation, but they’re not miracle cures either.
Remember, every woman’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. These remedies can be part of a holistic approach to menstrual health, but they work best alongside proper medical care, not as a replacement for it.
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