Fact Check: Can Jeera, Saunf, Hing and Adrak Water with methi lead to periods in 6 days PCOD patients?

Claim

The Instagram user kaleshariyasavita posted a reel that claims that consuming jeera, saunf, hing and adrak water with methi leads to periods in 6 days for PCOD patients. In the reel, the user states, "For PCOD patients who want their periods to start, there is a very simple remedy. What you need to do is take one spoon of cumin powder, one spoon of fennel powder, some ginger, and asafoetida. Boil these ingredients together. After boiling, strain the mixture. To drink this, take half a spoon of fenugreek seeds before sleeping and consume it with this drink instead of water. Just do this for five days, and your periods will start the very next day."

The post has 10,790 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. While these herbs and spices are healthy additions to the diet and may support general well-being, no peer-reviewed, large-scale clinical trials confirm that their combination leads to menstruation within 6 days, especially in PCOD patients. The hormonal imbalances in PCOD are complex and typically require medical interventions like hormonal therapy, metformin, or lifestyle changes (diet, exercise).

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a disorder mainly driven by hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition. Normally, during each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release mature eggs prepared for fertilization. In PCOD, however, the ovaries tend to release eggs that are either underdeveloped or only partially matured, which can transform into fluid-filled sacs called cysts. This leads to the enlargement and swelling of the ovaries.

Additionally, PCOD triggers an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, giving rise to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, abdominal weight gain, male-pattern hair thinning, and in more severe cases, infertility.

Can PCOD be cured?

As noted by UNICEF, PCOD cannot be cured, as it is primarily influenced by hormonal imbalances and genetic factors. However, its symptoms and complications can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, etc.

What are the Health Benefits of Jeera, Saunf, Hing, Adrak and Methi?

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) also known as jeera 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 the 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, cumin extracts can improve liver function tests in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Fennel seeds/Saunf have various pharmacological effects, including anti-allergic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-stress, and cytotoxicity activity.

Asafoetida (Hing), commonly used as a culinary spice, has been widely studied for its potential health benefits. Pharmacological and biological research has demonstrated that asafoetida exhibits a variety of therapeutic activities, including strong antioxidant properties that may help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. It has shown some antiviral and antifungal effects, making it beneficial in combating certain infections.

Ginger also known as Adrak is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits and medicinal properties. Rich in bioactive compounds, ginger is valued for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support the immune system. It plays a significant role in reducing inflammation and promoting muscle relaxation, making it beneficial for managing pain and discomfort. Additionally, ginger aids in boosting immunity and overall well-being through its immune-modulating properties. Its natural compounds provide therapeutic support, contributing to improved health and relief from various ailments, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Fenugreek (Methi) known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is an ancient herb known for its health and nutritional benefits. Its seeds are rich in fibre, phospholipids, glycolipids, and essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, along with choline and vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Commonly used as a spice to enhance food flavour worldwide, fenugreek is also valued for its medicinal properties. Fenugreek seeds help manage diabetes, boost immunity, lower cholesterol and act as an antioxidant.

Can Jeera, Saunf, Hing and Adrak Water with methi lead to periods in 6 days PCOD patients?

The claim that a mixture of Jeera, Saunf, Hing, Adrak water, and Methi can induce periods within 6 days in PCOD patients is false. Although these ingredients offer certain health benefits— with saunf and hing potentially helping to ease menstrual cramps but there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in addressing hormonal imbalances or cycle irregularities associated with PCOD. It is important to note that PCOD can be managed but not cured.

Fennel seeds (Saunf) have been shown to help alleviate menstrual pain, as demonstrated in a study by Shabnam Omidvar et. al., which found that fennel can effectively help reduce pain and discomfort during periods.

Asafoetida (Hing) has also demonstrated a positive effect in easing menstrual cramps. A study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine reported that asafoetida was both effective and safe in relieving cramps associated with menstruation.

While saunf and hing may help in relieving menstrual pain, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that these ingredients can induce periods within six days. PCOD is a complex hormonal disorder that requires long-term management and cannot be completely cured.

Responding to the claim Dr Smriti Uppal, Gynaecologist, Smriti Maternity Home, Delhi said, "There’s no scientific proof to back this claim and get periods in 6 days. PCOD is a long-term hormonal disorder; it can’t be cured, only managed with proper lifestyle changes and medical guidance. While these ingredients may support digestion or metabolism and might help in management of PCOD, they won’t magically regulate periods overnight. PCOD is not only about irregular periods it is a lot more. It is a stubborn disease that majorly needs lifestyle management plus a few medications initially but one has to understand that medicines and home remedies do not do any magic. The trick to managing the disease is diet modification and exercise to be continued over a long period even after the periods are regularised. Don’t rely solely on home remedies—speak to your gynecologist for a personalized plan."

Dr Pratiksha Gupta, Professor, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ESIC Hospital further said, "Natural ingredients like jeera, saunf, hing, adrak, and methi are often praised for their health benefits, but there’s no clinical evidence that they can trigger periods within 6 days in PCOD patients. PCOD is a complex, lifelong condition influenced by hormones and metabolism—it cannot be “cured” by any quick remedy. While such mixtures may help with bloating or digestion, they won't correct underlying hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOD need to consult their gynecologist for a tailored approach, rather than relying on viral hacks."