Menstrual disorders are one of the many lifestyle related problems impacting quality of a woman’s life. Studies indicate that around 75% of girls globally experience menstrual issues. Menstrual problems are still stigmatized and significantly affect a woman socially, economically, financially, and emotionally. Apart from lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, exercise, and stress level, certain medical conditions like PCOS and thyroid issues can be the reasons for period problems. Depending on the severity and type of menstrual problem, the treatment can be costly and stressful. The traditional system of medicines, like Ayurveda, mentions many herbs that can directly or indirectly help with menstrual conditions. Jeera is one such popular herb that has been used in every household as a spice for centuries. Jeera water benefits for periods are mentioned in Ayurveda and backed by research. Let us explore some of the jeera water benefits for periods in this article.
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What is Jeera and Jeera Water?
A lot of jeera water recipes are available on the internet.
It is one of the most easily made and commonly relished tea or beverage.
Jeera, also known as cumin, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.
As per Wikipedia, cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family.
People across all cultures widely use cumin or jeera as a spice, either whole or ground.
Indians have used jeera for countless generations, and India also leads as the largest producer of cumin.
Jeera water is the beverage where the cumin seeds or jeera are put into the water and let it simmer for some time.
This way all the nutrients of jeera come into the water.
Another way of having jeera water is by soaking cumin seeds in the water overnight and then straining the entire water in the morning.
This way also all the nutrients of jeera get into the water overnight.
Heat the water a little in a pan and have it empty stomach.
The jeera water is best when consumed warm or lukewarm the same day, preferably empty stomach in the morning.
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Jeera Water Benefits for Periods
Jeera water is believed to have many health benefits including curing menstrual problems.
Some of the common problems associated with periods include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, painful periods, and absence of periods.
Some of the jeera water benefits for periods, supported by Ayurvedic insights and science are:
1.) Relieves from Painful Periods
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The pain-relieving (analgesic) properties of jeera make it a natural remedy for women who experience pain during periods.
Painful periods are also known as dysmenorrhea.
In a clinical study, cumin capsules were equally effective as mefenamic acid – a common painkiller, in reducing menstrual pain.
Participants who took 2 cumin capsules thrice a day experienced significant relief from period pain in comparison to those using mefenamic acid.
2.) Jeera Water Benefits in Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Jeera water can do wonders for women who experience heavy bleeding during periods, especially ones using IUDs (intrauterine devices).
In a clinical trial, women consuming cumin capsules during their periods saw a marked decrease in their bleeding intensity over two cycles.
This makes jeera water a natural alternative for managing the problem of excessive bleeding during periods.
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3.) Jeera Water Benefits for Irregular Periods
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Hormonal imbalances are often the key factor in irregular periods.
The phytoestrogen in jeera water may help balance the hormones.
Ayurveda describes jeera as “Garbhashaya Vishodhana” meaning uterine cleanser.
Jeera water may promote a regular menstrual cycle by detoxifying the reproductive system.
Stress can disrupt the regularity of the menstrual cycle.
The calming effect of jeera water on the nervous system may indirectly help restore the irregular cycle to normal.
4.) Manages Digestive Health During Periods
Ayurveda considers gastrointestinal health crucial for menstrual health.
Jeera is highly valued in Ayurveda for its digestive properties. Ayurveda describes jeera as “Deepana” (appetizer) and “Pachana” (digestive).
It can help alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion. Jeera water makes the gut healthy by improving the digestion system.
This in turn supports smoother and less painful menstrual cycles.
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5.) Acts as A Uterine Cleanser
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Ayurvedic literature describes jeera as a uterine cleanser or “Garbhashaya Shodhana”.
Consuming jeera water regularly will help cleanse the female reproductive system.
This will help rid of various menstrual problems and improve overall reproductive health.
6.) Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of jeera water help promote
menstrual health.
Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and swelling often associated with periods.
The antimicrobial qualities ward off infections which is a prominent risk during periods.
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How to Prepare Jeera Water for Menstrual Health
Jeera water is easy and quick to make.
Recipe 1: Instant Jeera Water
a.) Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds or jeera in a cup of water for 5-10 minutes.
b.) Strain the water and let it cool down till it is drinkable.
c.) Drink the jeera water sip by sip preferably empty stomach in the morning.
Recipe 2: Soaked Overnight Jeera Water
a.) Soak one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water and leave it overnight.
b.) Strain this soaked water in the morning with the help of a strainer.
c.) Warm this jeera water in a pan to the extent of being drinkable.
d.) Drink jeera water slowly. For maximum benefit drink jeera water in the morning on an empty stomach.
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Precautions and Limitations
Jeera water offers significant health benefits, but you should keep certain points in mind while consuming it:
- Consume jeera water in moderation. Excessive use of jeera water may cause dryness or weakness in the body.
- Long-term or excessive consumption may also affect hormonal balance. Hence, it is good to discontinue jeera water for a few days or one month and resume later.
- If you are not comfortable with consuming jeera water continuously, take it only during periods or until you feel relief.
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Takeaway Message
Herbal remedies like jeera water are not just safe but effective, natural, and economical way of achieving menstrual health for any women.
Jeera water can help not only normalize health issues during periods but also getting a better overall reproductive health.
However, jeera water should be used mindfully only to get maximum benefits.
If your symptoms are severe and persist, consult a healthcare professional without delay.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are for general awareness and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s or physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.