Induce Menstruation Naturally with Parsley

Parsley, a common culinary herb, has a surprising medicinal use for women with menstrual disorders or menstrual irregularities. Because it stimulates gentle contractions of the uterus, it has the ability to induce menstruation when periods are delayed by stress, hormonal disorders, and other common disruptions.

As an herbalist, parsley is one of the herbs I recommend most to my clients if they are seeking relief from symptoms of PCOS, fibroids, and other hormone-disruptive disorders that may complicate menstrual cycles. I have also used parsley myself to stimulate delayed menstruation, with success every time.

An emmenogogue, meaning that it induces the flow of blood to the uterus and cervix, parsley acts directly on the womb to stimulate the shedding of the endometrium. When used as a pessary, or vaginal suppository, parsley may also be capable of helping to slightly dilate the cervix to enable the release of the uterus' lining, leading to menstruation.

Parsley's menstruation-stimulating action is caused by its content of volatile oils, many of which are clinically proven uterine stimulants. Although culinary applications do not give enough of these volatile oils to enable the induction of menstruation, medicinal use of parsley may be capable of delivering this effect.

Parsley tea, which can be made easily by steeping parsley in boiling water, contains the volatile oils necessary to take advantage of parsley's emmenogogue effects. When several cups of the tea are consumed at a time, the oils enter the bloodstream strongly enough to induce contractions of the uterus, and resulting dilation of the cervix. Menstruation usually begins within a few hours.

Another method that can be used alone or in conjunction with parsley tea is the use of a parsley pessary. Parsley can be inserted deep into the vagina, so that it is in direct contact with the cervix. This allows the oils of parsley to act locally and directly on the pelvic regions, enabling the cervix to open and allow for the release of the endometrium. This may be a quicker method of inducing menstruation than tea alone.

Caution should be used with parsley pessaries, since they, like any other object inserted into the vagina, may contain bacteria. The parsley should be washed well before insertion and changed or removed as frequently as a tampon. Because parsley causes skin irritation in some individuals who are allergic, it is advisable to test parsley on your wrist or hand before inserting it into a more sensitive area.

Parsley is not an effective abortificant, and should not be used to induce abortion. Because its oils are relatively weak, it is most likely effective only in inducing menstruation if a cycle delay is caused by something other than pregnancy. Likewise, although its effects are weak, large amounts of parsley should not be used by pregnant women who are at risk for preterm labor or miscarriage.

A safe and effective herb, parsley's ability to induce menstruation makes it a popular choice among women with hormonal imbalances and other menstrual disorders. Depending on your own individual circumstances and body type, parsley may be an ideal natural addition to your medicine cabinet.

Source Used:

Parsley. Herbs 2000. Accessed 23 Dec 08.