Fact Check: Can Black Sesame, Fenugreek, Jaggery, Turmeric, and Lemon Drink Induce Periods Within an Hour?

The claim can be seen here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. There’s no scientific proof that these ingredients can quickly start a period, and the claim wrongly simplifies how hormones actually control menstruation.

What Are Periods?

Periods, also called menstruation, menses, or “that time of the month,” are a natural biological process that occurs in females during their reproductive years. It involves cyclical hormonal and physical changes in the body. Menstruation usually begins between ages 12 and 15, marking puberty, and continues until menopause, typically between 45 and 50 years. Each woman’s menstrual experience can differ in flow, duration, and symptoms.

What Is Irregularity in Periods?

A normal menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days, lasting 2 to 7 days. However, 14–25% of women experience irregular cycles. This may involve unusually heavy or light bleeding, early or delayed onset, severe cramps, unpredictable timing, spotting between cycles, or even missed periods for 3–6 months. Irregularities often stem from hormonal imbalances in estrogen and progesterone. Common contributing factors include PCOS, contraceptive use, breastfeeding, excessive exercise, thyroid dysfunction, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Lifestyle influences such as obesity, stress, and smoking can also play a role.

Can Periods Be Induced Within An Hour?

If a woman’s period is already due, it may naturally start within an hour. However, in cases linked to PCOS, PCOD, thyroid disorders, or stress, it is not medically possible to induce menstruation in a single day. These conditions require proper evaluation and management by a healthcare professional. It is also important to note that if pregnancy has occurred, menstruation does not take place.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Black Sesame, Fenugreek, Jaggery, Turmeric, and Lemon?

Black sesame seeds, long valued in traditional Asian diets, are packed with vital nutrients and bioactive compounds such as lignans (sesamin, sesamolin), tocopherols, phytosterols, and unsaturated fatty acids. These seeds provide diverse health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Their rich calcium, magnesium, and zinc content supports bone strength, while their potent antioxidant profile helps reduce oxidative stress and may protect cardiovascular and neurological health.

Fenugreek is an ancient herb widely recognized for its nutritional and therapeutic value. Its seeds are a rich source of fibre, phospholipids, glycolipids, and essential fatty acids such as oleic, linolenic, and linoleic acids, along with choline and vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Traditionally used as a spice to enhance flavour across cuisines, fenugreek is equally valued for its medicinal properties.

Jaggery, a traditional natural sweetener obtained from sugarcane or palm sap, is prized for its rich flavor and aroma. Packed with essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, it not only enhances the taste of foods and sweets but also offers health benefits. Regular consumption is known to support digestion, ease constipation, and provide a quick, natural source of energy.

Turmeric, commonly known as Haldi, is a rhizome celebrated for its bright yellow-orange color and distinct flavor, largely attributed to its key bioactive compound, curcumin. It is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Traditionally in Ayurveda, turmeric has been used to address a wide spectrum of conditions, including respiratory disorders like asthma, allergies, and bronchial hyperreactivity, as well as liver diseases, poor appetite, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, cough, sinusitis, and nasal congestion.

Lemons are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immunity and helps the body resist infections. Rich in antioxidants, they combat oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure. Their citric acid content aids digestion by stimulating gastric secretions, while their alkalizing effect helps regulate pH balance. Additionally, vitamin C enhances skin health by boosting collagen production and reducing visible signs of aging.

Can Black Sesame, Fenugreek, Jaggery, Turmeric, and Lemon Induce Periods Within an Hour?

The claim that black sesame, fenugreek, jaggery, turmeric, and lemon can induce periods within an hour is false. While some of these ingredients like fenugreek and turmeric may influence menstrual health over time, there is no scientific evidence supporting their ability to trigger menstruation immediately—or even within an hour.

Growing research suggests that fenugreek supports menstrual health, with a study in The Open Biology Journal showing it can effectively reduce menstrual cramps.

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been increasingly studied as a potential therapy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea. A randomized controlled trial by Afsane Bahrami and colleagues reported that curcumin supplementation significantly alleviated PMS and menstrual pain symptoms.

Beyond symptom relief, curcumin has also been explored for its influence on uterine function and menstrual regulation. Findings from a clinical trial published in S L Peters et. al. indicated that curcumin may stimulate uterine activity, which could in turn help trigger the onset of menstruation.