Fact Check: Can Shakkar, Seasme Seeds and Sonth drink regularize periods in 21 days?

An Instagram reel claims that Shakkar, Seasme Seeds and Sonth drink regularizes periods in 21 days.

Claim

In an Instagram reel it is claimed that Shakkar, Seasme Seeds and Sonth drink regularize periods in 21 days. In the reel by ansari_healthtips it is said, "It will take only 21 days for women who do not get their periods regularly, or if they do, it is not heavy enough. If the periods are light, they will start coming in a normal flow. For women who have periods multiple times in a month and experience prolonged bleeding for several days, the bleeding will stop, and they will have periods only once a month.

Problems like pimples on the face, swelling in the legs, abdominal heat, pain in the lower abdomen, pain during menstruation, irritability, anger, loss of appetite, and inability to conceive due to irregular periods – all of these problems will be corrected by this remedy, Inshallah.

This remedy, which I am telling you, should be prepared and used according to my instructions. Inshallah, within 21 days, your problem will be resolved, and your menstrual cycle will be regular.

What do you need to do? Take one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of white sesame seeds, and one tablespoon of Sant powder. Put all these ingredients in a glass of water and cook it properly. When it is cooked and only half of the liquid remains, take it in the morning on an empty stomach. Use this remedy for 21 days, and Inshallah, your problems will be resolved, and your irregular periods will be fixed."

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. This claim is not supported by scientific or clinical evidence. Menstrual irregularities are typically caused by underlying hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors not something that can be reliably corrected within a fixed timeframe using home remedies alone.

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 Regularized in 21 Days?

If a woman’s period is already scheduled, it may naturally start within 21 days. 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 Sesame Seeds, Sonth and Shakkar?

Sesame seeds, revered in traditional Asian diets, are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, including lignans (sesamin, sesamolin), tocopherols, phytosterols, and unsaturated fatty acids. These seeds offer a range of health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Their high calcium, magnesium, and zinc content supports bone health, while their antioxidant profile helps combat oxidative stress and may contribute to cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects. Increasing scientific interest in their functional properties is promoting the use of BSS in nutraceuticals and health-promoting food products.

Sonth also known as Dry ginger powder is made by cleaning fresh ginger, peeling it, sun-drying or mechanically drying it until completely moisture-free, and then grinding it into a fine powder. Ginger offers numerous nutritional benefits due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients. It contains key compounds like gingerol, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, ginger provides essential vitamins such as vitamin B6 and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese, supporting metabolic functions, electrolyte balance, and bone health. Its natural compounds may aid digestion, alleviate nausea, and may help regulate blood sugar levels, making ginger a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Shakkar, essentially powdered Jaggery is 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.

Can Shakkar, Seasme Seeds and Sonth drink regularize periods in 21 days?

There is no scientific evidence that consuming a drink made of shakkar (jaggery), sesame seeds, and sonth (dry ginger) can regularize menstrual cycles within 21 days. While these ingredients may support general health, menstrual irregularities often require proper medical evaluation and treatment.

Sesame seeds offer significant nutritional benefits. A study published in Molecules found that black sesame seeds are rich in lignans namely sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol, and sesamolin which possess notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The therapeutic potential of ginger has been attributed to its bioactive compounds that amplify its anti-inflammatory effects. In their review, Nafiseh Shokri Mashhadi et. al. highlighted that ginger’s health benefits are primarily linked to its abundant phytochemicals, which play a crucial role in enhancing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as supported by contemporary scientific research.

Dry Ginger is also highly nutritious and has anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Szymczak et al. found that oral ginger consumption may help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

It can be concluded that the claim is FALSE.

Dr Ruchika Sharma, Senior Consultant- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi in a conversation with The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team said, "There is no medical evidence to support this particular claim that consuming a mixture of jaggery, sesame, seeds and sonth can also regularize menstrual cycles within the 21 days. Menstruation is mainly controlled by hormonal cycles mainly involving estrogen and progesterone and these cannot be altered significantly by the short-term dietary intake.Certain ingredients in such remedies, like sesame seeds are usually discussed in the traditional medicine for the potential role in support of hormones. However, researches exploring seed-based approaches suggest only possible long-term impact and that took over certain weeks – months – not within days of fixed period like 21 days. There is also very limited and inconclusive scientific evidence associating these foods directly to menstrual regulation.Various factors are responsible for irregular periods such as lifestyle, stress, obesity or conditions like PCOS. These also require well structured diagnosis and individualized medical treatment plans. No home remedy can override the natural hormonal rhythm of body quickly. It is also significant for women to be cautious regarding such kind of social media claims. When consumed in a moderated way, these ingredients are usually safe and they should rely upon as the medical treatment. If periods are continuously irregular, then a women should immediately consult a professional expert rather than doing self-treatment on the basis of wrong information."

Dr. Sahana Punneshetty, Consultant- Gynaecologic Oncology, Regency Healthcare, Gorakphur further added, "The usual claims that drink made up of shakkar, sesame seeds, and sonth dry can definitely regularize periods in just 21 days is not medically accurate or correct. Menstrual cycle are often regulated through a complex hormonal interplay between the brain, ovaries and uterus. These procedures cannot be corrected within a fixed period by consuming any single home remedy or drink.

While certain ingredients like sesame seeds and dry ginger are considered warming and may also support the overall reproductive health in a general sense, there is no particular evidence to suggest that they can directly regulate certain menstrual cycles within a specific time period. In fact, even approaches like seed-based therapies also require months of consistent changes in diet and still lack strong clinical validation. PCOS, thyroid disorders, stress, changes in weight or improper balance of hormones are usually associated with irregular cycles. These also require proper evaluation and targeted medical treatment rather than fixes. Such benefits may also require certain nutritional benefits, but they should not be considered as the substitute for proper medical care. Relying completely on such remedies can also delay the diagnosis on serious Issues. Women who regularly experience irregular cycles should immediately consult a expert, undergo certain test and follow certain evidence-based treatments rather than completely depending on certain viral claims."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that a drink made from shakkar, sesame seeds, and sonth can regularize periods in 21 days is FALSE. These ingredients may support general nutrition and menstrual comfort but are not a substitute for medical care.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.