Fact Check: Can Cumin and jaggery induce periods in one night?

Claim: In an Instagram post it is claimed that cumin and jaggery can induce periods in one night. The post by user Beauty_help_302 is titled “ How to get periods in one night” in Hindi and states that in one glass take 1 spoon of cumin (jeera powder) and add 5 grams of jaggery (gud). It then directs to boil this mixture in water for 5 minutes and drink it. The post claims that drinking this mixture can induce blocked periods in one night only. The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE. 

Consumption of a Cumon and Jaggery mixture cannot induce periods on one night 

Understanding Delayed or Skipped periods

Skipped or delayed periods can be a matter of concern for any woman. In medical terminology, the lack of a menstrual period is known as amenorrhea. According to the definition given by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is, “Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period.”

Amenorrhea can be primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a girl has not experienced her first menstrual period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea describes women who experience an absence of more than three menstrual cycles after having regular periods.

The factors for secondary amenorrhea include engaging in excessive exercise, pregnancy, Obesity, Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, Family history of amenorrhea, Early menopause and Genetics (1)

Dr. Smriti Uppal, Consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Smriti Maternity Home explained, "Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods and can result from various causes that may be physiological, pathological, or due to medications. Amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual periods, can be caused by various factors. Pregnancy is the most common cause, where hormonal changes that support the pregnancy naturally inhibit the menstrual cycle. Chronic stress can disrupt the brain's hypothalamus function, leading to changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, resulting in amenorrhea. Significant weight changes, whether loss or gain, can impact menstrual regularity, with conditions like anorexia nervosa and obesity altering hormonal balances. Intense physical activity may lead to hypothalamic amenorrhea due to energy deficiency and altered hormone levels. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder characterized by elevated androgen levels and ovulatory dysfunction, often causes irregular or absent menstrual periods. Thyroid disorders, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt menstrual cycles by affecting overall metabolic and hormonal balance. Elevated prolactin levels, often caused by pituitary adenomas, can inhibit GnRH secretion and result in amenorrhea. Certain medications, such as contraceptives, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy agents, may cause amenorrhea as a side effect. Additionally, chronic illnesses like diabetes and celiac disease can indirectly affect menstrual regularity by impacting overall health.

Cumin and its benefits 

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has been traditionally utilized in households for its medicinal properties and is known to offer various health benefits. Cumin is rich in antioxidants, iron, and fiber, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. It can help in improving blood sugar control and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Cumin may help in enhancement of memory and may aid in reducing cholesterol levels, contributing to overall health and wellness. The health benefits of cumin seeds may include anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, in some studies cumin extracts can improve liver function tests in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (2)

Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is a natural sweetener that concentrates the juices obtained from sugarcane or palm trees. Jaggery is rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Due to its flavor and aroma, jaggery is used as a foundation for many sweet foods across the globe. Jaggery can have several health benefits in terms of improving digestion, helping relieve constipation, boosting energy and many more  (3)

Can cumin and jaggery cure amenorrhea?

While jaggery and cumin are often mentioned in traditional medicine and home remedies for various health benefits, there is no reliable scientific research to confirm that they can induce menstruation that also in one night.

In cases where pregnancy causes amenorrhea, home remedies like cumin and jaggery are ineffective in initiating menstruation.

Therefore, scientific research does not support the claim that cumin and jaggery have an impact on menstrual cycles. Thus, the claim that cumin and jaggery can induce menstruation overnight is FALSE.

What do experts say?

Responding to the claim Dr. Smriti Uppal, Consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Smriti Maternity Home said "Menstrual cycles are regulated by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. The consumption of specific foods, including cumin and jaggery, does not have an immediate effect on this hormonal balance. While cumin and jaggery offer various health benefits, cumin being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and jaggery providing essential minerals they cannot alter hormonal balance instantly. Menstrual irregularities can arise from factors like hormonal imbalances, stress and medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders. Furthermore, it is important to note that jaggery is a form of sugar, which can pose risks for individuals with diabetes. Consuming jaggery can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful for diabetic patients. Relying on home remedies without understanding the underlying cause can potentially lead to adverse outcomes. It is advisable to consult a gynecologist for menstrual irregularities rather than relying on unproven home remedies."

Fauziya Ansari, Dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai said, "There is not much known about the remedy of cumin and jaggery water for amenorrhea. It is believed that cumin is loaded with antioxidants and digestive properties and plays an important role in maintaining hormonal balance in the body. Jaggery is known for its iron content, enhances blood circulation and helps to induce periods. However, cumin can lower one’s blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting and jaggery may cause abdominal distress. So, instead of relying on these home remedies, it is better to consult the doctor who will determine the underlying cause behind the missing periods and initiate timely treatment without any further delay. Women with absence of periods should avoid trying any remedy that is not backed up with enough evidence. It is a good idea to consult the doctor in case of absence of menses instead of swearing by any home remedies."

Medical Dialogues Final Take 

The claim that cumin and jaggery induce periods in one night is not supported by any scientific evidence. Cumin and jaggery have been traditionally used as a home remedy for the regulation of periods. However, no scientific evidence or medical consensus was found which highlighted that cumin and jaggery can induce periods in one night.  

Hence, the claim that cumin and jaggery induce periods in one night is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea#:~:text=Amenorrhea%20is%20the%20absence%20of,sign%20of%20a%20health%20problem.
2. Rokonuzzaman, & Jannat, N. (2023). A Comprehensive Review of Cumin is a Natural Remedy for Health and Wellness. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 12(4). https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/a-comprehensive-review-of-cumin-is-a-natural-remedy-for-health-and-wellness-97548.html
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344921769_Jaggery_A_natural_sweetener