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.
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.
Thank you so much! So helpful and straight-forward. Look forward to hopefully finding some parsley at the farmers' market today!
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