Doctors warn women against using parsley to induce periods

A UK magazine has been criticised by medical experts, after it published an article suggesting women can induce their periods by inserting parsley into their privates.

The women's magazine published an article on January 9 detailing techniques that ladies can use to "kick start" their periods.

Among exercise, eating pineapple and ginger, one suggested method by the magazine is using ingredient parsley (dhania).

The article reads: "Parsley can help to soften the cervix and level out hormonal imbalances that could be delaying your cycle, helping your period come faster.

"If you're struggling to find a dish based on parsley, don't panic – the most effective forms are said to be parsley tea and parsley vaginal inserts."

The reason for its effectiveness, according to the article, is supposedly because parsley is an emmenagogue, a substance that stimulates menstrual flow.

However, numerous medical experts have advised against this use of parsley, citing health risks.

Dr Shazia Malik said: "There is no evidence of any benefit to a woman of doing this, and clear risk of significant harm as deaths have been reported.

"I would urge women not to insert anything unless they have taken proper medical advice."

Dr Sheila Newman also told a newspaper: "That is not something that is recommended by gynaecologists... the advice published by Marie Claire is irresponsible."

According to Dr Newman, there are ways to manipulate your menstrual cycle but these should be discussed with your gynaecologist.

Parsley has been used as a home method of inducing periods and abortions, but putting the herb inside the vagina has been known to cause serious infections.

A 2003 study lists parsley as one of the herbs most frequently used to induce abortions, noting that "the ingestion of plants to induce abortion involves the risk of severe morbidity and mortality."

In August it was reported that a woman in Buenos Aires, Argentina died after inserting parsley into her vagina to induce a miscarriage.

She was reportedly rushed to the emergency ward of a local hospital with a serious infection after the DIY operation. Doctors removed the infected uterus but she later died.