“Onion tea for missed period,” reads the headline of a message posted on Facebook. It claims a mixture of onion, lemon juice and water will cure irregular menstruation.
“This remedy is for those that have missed their periods,” it reads. “If your period is irregular, not forthcoming for long and you are seeking natural ways to bring them back try this recipe, do not go to early menopause.”
It then gives the recipe for the mixture, adding: “Get ready for your next cycle.” But will this remedy really return a woman’s menstrual cycle to normal?
“People should rely on cures that have been scientifically proven,” Adewale Sule-Odu, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Olabisi Onabanjo University in southeastern Nigeria, told Africa Check.
“This claim has not been scientifically proven. Onion and lemon are good for the immune system, but in respect to menstrual cycle, I wouldn’t say they both can regulate irregular menstruation,” he said.
“People post all sorts on social media. The first thing a woman should do is to visit a gynaecologist. The gynaecologist would carry out a detailed history and thorough investigation. Consuming mixtures that have not been scientifically proven is detrimental to health.”
Adekunle Sobande, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine’s faculty of clinical sciences, concurred.
“There is no scientific basis to the claim. That is just an old wives’ tale,” he said. “Visit a gynaecologist if you are battling with irregular menstruation.” – Motunrayo Joel
“This remedy is for those that have missed their periods,” it reads. “If your period is irregular, not forthcoming for long and you are seeking natural ways to bring them back try this recipe, do not go to early menopause.”
It then gives the recipe for the mixture, adding: “Get ready for your next cycle.” But will this remedy really return a woman’s menstrual cycle to normal?
Visit a gynaecologist instead
“People should rely on cures that have been scientifically proven,” Adewale Sule-Odu, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Olabisi Onabanjo University in southeastern Nigeria, told Africa Check.
“This claim has not been scientifically proven. Onion and lemon are good for the immune system, but in respect to menstrual cycle, I wouldn’t say they both can regulate irregular menstruation,” he said.
“People post all sorts on social media. The first thing a woman should do is to visit a gynaecologist. The gynaecologist would carry out a detailed history and thorough investigation. Consuming mixtures that have not been scientifically proven is detrimental to health.”
Adekunle Sobande, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine’s faculty of clinical sciences, concurred.
“There is no scientific basis to the claim. That is just an old wives’ tale,” he said. “Visit a gynaecologist if you are battling with irregular menstruation.” – Motunrayo Joel
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