Quick Take
An AI generated social media post suggests that drinking tea made of mulethi, ajwain and turmeric can induce periods within one day. We fact checked and found the claim to be false.
The Claim
A Instagram post claims that a tea made with mulethi, ajwain and turmeric can induce periods within 24 hours.
Fact Check
Can a herbal tea start periods within one day?
No. There are no good-quality human studies showing that a combination of mulethi, ajwain and turmeric reliably triggers menstruation within 24 hours.
We have previously fact-checked several herbal combinations claimed to induce periods, and every such claim was found to be false.
A menstrual period begins when the body’s hormone levels change after ovulation. If pregnancy has not occurred, progesterone and oestrogen levels fall, which signals the uterus to shed its lining. This process is regulated by the brain, ovaries and uterus together. A hot herbal drink cannot predictably control it.
Sometimes, a person may drink a remedy and get their period later that day or the next morning. That can feel convincing, but timing alone does not prove cause and effect. The period may have already been due. Menstrual cycles can naturally shift by a few days, especially during stressful months, after illness, changes in sleep, travel or changes in body weight.
Do mulethi, ajwain or turmeric have proven period-inducing effects?
No. These ingredients are commonly used in traditional remedies, but traditional use is not the same as clinical proof.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a plant compound studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes promoted online for “hormone balance” or period regulation, but research does not show that consuming turmeric tea can start a delayed period in a day. Ajwain is often used for bloating, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. It may create a warm sensation or reduce gas in some people, which can be mistaken for the “period coming”, but it does not have proven menstrual-inducing action.
Mulethi, also called liquorice root, is used in some traditional preparations. However, it is not a safe or evidence-based solution for a late period. None of these ingredients should be considered a substitute for finding out why the period is delayed.
Soumam Dutta, PhD Scholar in Nutrition at the Department of Endocrinology, ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, says that food or herbal drinks cannot make periods start instantly. Menstruation is a complex process regulated by hormones such as FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone. However, an unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle habits can affect menstrual health over time. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and maintaining healthy routines can therefore support overall menstrual well-being.
We also spoke with Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, about whether food can bring on periods immediately. She explains that turmeric root, ginger, chamomile tea, parsley tea and vitamin C-rich foods are often promoted as natural ways to stimulate menstruation. However, there is no strong scientific evidence that these foods or herbs can reliably induce a period early.
Can such tea cause side effects?
Yes. Natural does not automatically mean harmless, especially when ingredients are taken in large amounts, repeatedly or in concentrated form.
Turmeric in food amounts is generally well tolerated, but large amounts or supplements can cause nausea, acidity, stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation. Highly concentrated turmeric or curcumin supplements have also been linked with liver injury in some people.
Mulethi requires greater caution. It contains glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure, lower potassium levels, cause fluid retention and affect heart rhythm when consumed in substantial amounts or over time. The risk may be higher for people with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease or a high-salt diet. It can also interact with certain medicines, including diuretics and corticosteroids.
Ajwain can irritate the stomach or worsen acidity in some people. The exact amount in homemade tea is rarely measured, so the dose is unpredictable.
When should you see a doctor?
Medical advice is needed if you have missed three periods in a row, your regular cycle suddenly becomes irregular, or you have symptoms such as major weight change, unusual facial hair growth, severe acne, persistent fatigue or pelvic pain. These symptoms can point towards a hormonal or medical cause.
Dr Anita Gupta, Gynaecologist and Associate Director at Fortis La Femme, New Delhi, says that “Irregular periods should be managed by first identifying the underlying medical or gynaecological cause. Depending on the diagnosis, a gynaecologist may prescribe hormonal treatment to regulate the menstrual cycle safely and effectively.”
Seek urgent help if you have missed a period and develop unusual bleeding with one-sided or severe lower abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting. This could indicate an ectopic pregnancy and needs immediate assessment
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