From the beneficial parsley to the healing vitamin C-rich fruits, nature has provided us witha basket-full of home remedies to treat irregular and late monthly cycle. Here’s a list of some of the most effective natural ways you can induce your periods (when it’s irregular).
*Note: The emmenagogues listed in this article can be mildly abortifacient (which will cause miscarriage). So if you are late on your period because you are pregnant then they might cause you to have a miscarriage. Hence, consult a doctor and consume these foods carefully.
Parsley
Parsley has been traditionally used for inducing menstruation for centuries. “Apiol and myristicin, two substances contained in parsley, stimulate contractions of the uterus,” notes Dr. Lovneet Batra, Clinical Nutritionist Fortis La Famme, which results in the inducing effect of your monthly cycle.
Cumin
Cumin seeds, also known as jeera in Hindi, belong to the same family as parsley and also have a similar effect.
Carom seeds (Ajwain)
A concoction of carom seeds and jaggery will help in inducing periods besides relieving menstrual cramps. You can boil 1 tsp carom seeds with 1 tsp jaggery in 1 glass of water and consume it empty stomach in the morning.
Papayas
It’s the most effective home remedy available to prepone periods. As noted by Dr Batra, raw papaya stimulates contractions in the uterus and can help in inducing periods. The carotene present in papaya stimulates the estrogen hormone thereby inducing early period.
Ginger
Ginger tea is one of the most powerful emmenagogue (herbs with magical properties that stimulates menstrual flow, resulting in promotion of menstruation), but unlike parsley it can have some side effects, like acidity. For extremely delayed periods, a combination of parsley and ginger tea is recommended. Ginger is thought to increase the heat around the uterus, thus promoting contraction.
Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds are said to be the most effective home remedy for irregular periods because of its emmenagogue properties. You can boil 1 tsp. of coriander with 2 cups of water and wait until the water reduces to just one cup. Use a strainer to remove the seeds and drink the concoction thrice a day for a couple of days before your monthly period.
Fennel seeds (Saunf)
Fennel seeds, also known as saunf in Hindi, can be boiled in water to make a fragrant tea that should be consumed every morning on an empty stomach in order to regulate your period and have a healthy flow. You can mix 2 tsp of fennel seeds in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Strain the water and drink it in the morning.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera juice is normally used to soothe an upset stomach, but it can be used to emmenagogue as well. You can mix aloe vera gel with 1 tbsp of honey and consume it before breakfast. Carry on the process for months to have good results.
Sex
For one, sexual intercourse helps contract the uterus, while relaxing the vagina simultaneously and secondly hormones released by woman’s body during intercourse help induce periods.
Hot water pack
Known to soothe extremely painful cramps during your monthly cycle, hot water pack is also a natural remedy to prepone periods. You can place a hot water pack or bottle on your abdomen for about 10-15 mins at a time for 2-3 times a day.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician’s advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.