Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

Those days of month are the bit irritating or disturbing. Yes we are talking about the menstrual cycle. Moreover irregularity of menstrual cycle make the females more anxious. Irregular periods have become the common problem of females these days. Normally menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. In normal conditions women have 11- 13 periods in a year whereas in oligomenorrhea, she may have six or seven periods yearly.

Irregular menstrual cycles are characterized by variation in number of days than our last periods or abnormal blood loss.

There are various factors which are responsible for irregular menstrual cycles like hormonal imbalance, eating disorders, significant weight loss or gain, anemia, thyroid disorders, menopause, liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine abnormalities, recent birth or miscarriage, stress and many other health complications.

Smoking, alcohol abuse, caffeine and use of certain medications like birth control pills are also known to be a significant cause for the menstrual irregularities.

Sometimes we don’t even have the idea that some health issues can be resolved at home too. Your kitchen is a treasure of wonderful home remedies.

So along with eating the delicious food you can also manage the health issues from your kitchen. Various eatable items available in your kitchen are also packed with the therapeutic properties.

Home Remedies for Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Ginger

Ginger is known to be an effective home remedy to manage the irregular menstrual cycles. It helps to provide the relief in pain. It is good to manage the delayed or restricted periods.

How to consume

• Boil a one to half teaspoon of freshly cut ginger in a cup of water for 5-6 minutes.
• Add sugar in it.
• Drink it three times in a day after meals.
• Do it regularly for one month or more for better results.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is considered as the useful remedy to regulate the menstrual cycles. It helps to reduce the menstrual cramps. Hydroxychalcone-biochemical present in the cinnamon helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in females.

How to consume

• Add one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a glass of warm milk. Drink it every day for several weeks.
• Alternatively you can also drink cinnamon tea. You can also chew cinnamon sticks or sprinkle cinnamon on food.

Sesame Seeds and Jaggery

Sesame seeds are quite good in regulating menstrual cycles as they help to balance hormones. These are packed with lignans (chemical compound) that help bind to excess hormones. In addition to this, Sesame seeds also contain essential fatty acids which promote the maximal hormone production. Jaggery due to its warming effects, also helps to regulate menstrual cycles.

How to consume

• Roast a handful of sesame seeds.
• Grind them with one teaspoon of jaggery into a fine powder.
• Consume  one teaspoon of this powder everyday  on an empty stomach in the second half of  menstrual cycle (two weeks before your period starts), for a few months.
• Simply eating a piece of jaggery is also good to regulate menstrual cycles.

Note : Avoid this remedy during periods.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera helps to regulate the hormones hence quite good to manage the menstrual irregularities.

How to consume

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel and mix in one teaspoon of honey.
• Consume it every day before having breakfast.
• For best results follow this remedy for around three months.

Note :  Do not use this remedy during your periods.

Unripe Papaya

Green, unripe papaya is known as the effective home remedy for irregular menstrual cycles. It acts as a potent emmenagogue which helps to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation. It is quite good to regulate the irregular periods which are associated with stress and menopause.

How to consume

• Consume unripe papaya fruit daily for a few months.
• Alternatively you can grate the unripe papaya fruit and make a dough. You can consume it as chapatti or prantha.

Note :  Do not consume it during your periods.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice used in the Indian Kitchens and loaded with therapeutic properties. It is having warm and emmenagogue properties helps in the stimulation of menstrual flow. Moreover antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric quite good to relieve pain in menstruation.

How to consume

Consume ½ teaspoon of turmeric in the milk along with honey or jaggery. Consume it daily for several weeks for best results.

Coriander seeds

Coriander seeds also help in the stimulation of menstrual cycles.

How to consume

• Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in two cups of water. Boil it until the water reduces to one cup.
• Strain the coriander seeds from the liquid.
• Drink it three times every day for a few days before your period.
• Do it regularly for a few months.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is also considered as a good home remedy to resolve the menstrual irregularities.

How to consume

• Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water.
• Strain water and drink it daily for several weeks. You can also chew the fenugreek seeds.

Carrot juice

Carrot is good source of iron, thus an effective remedy for irregular menstrual periods. It has been found that raw carrots also help to boost up the hormonal function.

How to consume

Make fresh carrot juice and drink it daily for three months.

Mint

Dried mint in combination with honey is an effective home remedy for irregular menstrual cycles.

How to consume

• Consume one teaspoon of dried mint powder with one teaspoon of honey.
• Do it three times every day  for several weeks