From the beneficial parsley to the healing vitamin C-rich fruits, nature has provided us a basket-full of home remedies to treat irregular and late monthly cycle. Here’s a list of some of the most effective natural ways you can induce your periods (when it’s irregular).

Parsley: Parsley has been traditionally used for inducing menstruation for centuries. “Apiol and myristicin, two substances contained in parsley, stimulate contractions of the uterus,” notes Dr. Lovneet Batra, Clinical Nutritionist Fortis La Famme, which results in the inducing effect of your monthly cycle.

Cumin : Cumin seeds, also known as jeera in Hindi, belong to the same family as parsley and also have a similar effect.

Carom seeds (Ajwain): A concoction of carom seeds and jaggery will help in inducing periods besides relieving menstrual cramps. You can boil 1 tsp carom seeds with 1 tsp jaggery in 1 glass of water and consume it empty stomach in the morning.

Papayas: It’s the most effective home remedy available to prepone periods. As noted by Dr Batra, raw papaya stimulates contractions in the uterus and can help in inducing periods. The carotene present in papaya stimulates the estrogen hormone thereby inducing early period.

Ginger: Ginger tea is one of the most powerful emmenagogue (herbs with magical properties that stimulates menstrual flow, resulting in promotion of menstruation), but unlike parsley it can have some side effects, like acidity. For extremely delayed periods, a combination of parsley and ginger tea is recommended. Ginger is thought to increase the heat around the uterus, thus promoting contraction.

Coriander seeds: Coriander seeds are said to be the most effective home remedy for irregular periods because of its emmenagogue properties. You can boil 1 tsp. of coriander with 2 cups of water and wait until the water reduces to just one cup. Use a strainer to remove the seeds and drink the concoction thrice a day for a couple of days before your monthly period.

Fennel seeds (Saunf): Fennel seeds, also known as saunf in Hindi, can be boiled in water to make a fragrant tea that should be consumed every morning on an empty stomach in order to regulate your period and have a healthy flow. You can mix 2 tsp of fennel seeds in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Strain the water and drink it in the morning.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera juice is normally used to soothe an upset stomach, but it can be used to emmenagogue as well. You can mix aloe vera gel with 1 tbsp of honey and consume it before breakfast. Carry on the process for months to have good results.