Once considered more valuable than gold in medieval Europe1, cinnamon became a favorite in religious ceremonies. Not only for its flavor, but also for its use as a remedy for gynecological problems in the form of tea. Some people knowledgeable in medicinal herbs claim that cinnamon tea can help induce menstruation, as well as treat excessive menstrual bleeding. However, further scientific evidence is needed to support these claims. If you need or want to use cinnamon tea to induce your period, it is best to consult a doctor first.
Does Cinnamon Tea Help with Late Periods?
Used in India as a contraceptive after childbirth2, cinnamon tea was the standard treatment for uterine bleeding before 1900. Cinnamon has mild emmenagogue properties, which stimulate the uterus and trigger menstrual bleeding.
Studies indicate that certain types of cinnamon may inhibit thromboxane A, a substance in the blood that causes blood platelets to clump into clots.
With less clotting and a more normal blood flow, it is possible to conclude that cinnamon increases menstrual bleeding. However, the opposite also appears true: cinnamon can actually reduce heavy periods and abnormal bleeding.
Cinnamon for Vaginal Infections
Research also shows that cinnamon inhibits many types of oral bacteria and may be helpful in treating vaginal infections caused by fungi. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties3.
As mentioned above, cinnamon tea stimulates uterine contractions, making it a well-known option to induce a delayed period. It also increases menstrual flow, making the bleeding more intense and consequently lasting fewer days.
However, cinnamon tea should only be used to induce your period if it is late by 1 or 2 days, or at most no more than a month.
Because it has abortifacient properties, it should be avoided if you suspect pregnancy. It also must not be consumed during pregnancy as it may cause preterm labor.
How Much Cinnamon Tea Can I Drink?
Dosage
You can buy dried cinnamon bark or sticks, as they are known, cinnamon powder, or essential oil. For excessive menstrual bleeding, it is recommended to take 15 to 30 drops of cinnamon essential oil diluted in 1/4 cup of water. To speed up or induce menstruation, it is best to use cinnamon bark in infusion.
Considerations
Cinnamon is considered safe as a powder for cooking, baking, and flavoring, but cinnamon essential oil is much more concentrated.
Excessive amounts of cinnamon oil can affect the central nervous system (they decrease brain activity, that is, they depress its functioning, causing the person to feel “switched off,” “slow,” and uninterested in things).
For safety reasons, children, breastfeeding women, men with prostate problems, and people with kidney or liver damage should avoid cinnamon oil.
How to Use Cinnamon Tea to Induce Your Period?
If you know for sure that pregnancy is not a possibility, start taking cinnamon tea every day before your period is due to bring it on earlier. For late periods, it is best to start the tea on the first day of delay to get better results.
How to Prepare Cinnamon Tea?
To make cinnamon tea, you need:
Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or bark)
- 1 cup of water
Preparation method
Place the cinnamon in a pan with water and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Preferably drink it hot or warm. If you wish, you can sweeten it. The ideal is to take it 3 times a day.
Another way to consume cinnamon and benefit from its properties is by placing a cinnamon stick in a cup of hot milk and sweetening it with sugar or honey.
You can also add cinnamon powder to sweet recipes like cakes, pies or porridge, for example, both to induce menstruation and to regulate your cycle.
IMPORTANT: people with hypertension should not use cinnamon tea to induce menstruation.
Other Measures to Get Rid of Late Periods:
Drinking cinnamon tea to induce menstruation is quite effective, but there are other measures that can help prevent these situations of irregular menstrual cycles, such as:
- Leading a healthy lifestyle, with regular physical activity and a healthy, varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and greens
- Taking birth control pills, as these help to regulate the menstrual cycle
- Exercising regularly, but always in moderation, avoiding excesses
- Avoiding crazy and very restrictive diets, as besides being harmful to your health, they end up deregulating your cycle
- Following proper treatment to control Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or thyroid disorders
- Maintaining a healthy weight
If you experience painful cycles, you can go through them with less discomfort:
- Maintaining a routine of regular exercises for at least 20 minutes a day to relieve menstrual cramps. If cramps are severe, try gentle stretches or yoga during the first days of your period
- Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad for comfort and relief during menstruation
- Adding a cup of Epsom salts or a mix of baking soda and sea salt to a warm bath to relax and create a mild detox effect
- Getting enough Vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and zinc to help with menstrual cramps
- Getting a massage. Gentle abdominal massage with rose, lavender, geranium or cypress essential oils can induce a feeling of well-being. Massage can also be done with well-diluted cinnamon essential oil. Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oils to 3 tablespoons of a neutral oil
Also remember that a late period or painful cycles can be linked to stress, fatigue, food sensitivities, depression, and other emotional issues.
These measures help keep your period regular, but it’s always important to consult a doctor to identify the cause of an irregular cycle.
