What My Ayurvedic Mum Taught Me About Heavy Periods (That Your Doctor Probably Won't Tell You)
The ancient wisdom that completely changed how I see my cycle—and it might just change yours too
I've been thinking about this for a while, and I really wanted to share something with you that's been so foundational to how I understand periods.
Growing up, I genuinely thought everyone's mum talked about periods the way mine did. While most of my friends were learning about periods from a more medical perspective, my mum would sit me down with a cup of ginger tea and share what our bodies were actually trying to communicate.
My mum, with her deep Ayurvedic knowledge passed down through generations, saw heavy periods completely differently than anything I'd heard from doctors. And honestly, her approach made so much more sense than the "it's just how some women are" narrative.
I guess that's why to my core I'm so passionate about wellness and understanding what our bodies are trying to tell us, and finding ways to balance things naturally. Which is quite interesting considering I have a degree in optometry! But I genuinely think we can learn so much from both worlds.
Now, years later, after connecting with thousands of you through KIKI & GREEN, I keep coming back to her wisdom. Because while modern medicine often focuses on managing symptoms, Ayurveda looks at why they're happening in the first place.
"Your period isn't the problem—it's giving you information"
This was the first thing my mum told me that really shifted how I thought about my cycle.
In Ayurveda, heavy periods aren't just bad luck or genetics. They're your body's way of communicating that something needs attention. Heavy bleeding often indicates too much "heat" in the system, blocked natural pathways, or a build-up of toxins that your body is trying to clear.
My mum would always say, "Beta, your period is like a monthly health report. Don't ignore what it's telling you."
That completely changed everything for me.
The three things mum insisted on (and why they actually work)
1. Warm water only—especially during your cycle
My mum was very serious about this one. "Never cold water, beta. You're putting out your digestive fire"—what these days we call digestive enzymes!
In Ayurveda, cold water dampens your digestive fire (called Agni). When digestion is weakened, your body struggles to process nutrients and eliminate waste properly. That build-up often shows up as heavier, more painful periods.
Her rule: room temperature minimum, but warm water with fresh ginger was even better. She'd explain that it helps everything flow more smoothly—blood, digestion, energy.
2. Warming foods (but not spicy foods)
When mum talked about "warming foods," she didn't mean anything that would burn your tongue. She meant foods and spices that support your digestive fire and help your body's natural cleansing process.
Her go-to warming spices:
- Ginger for digestion and circulation
- Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties
- Cumin for digestion and reducing bloating
- Coriander for balancing heat while supporting digestion
- Fennel for hormone balance and easing cramps
She'd add these to everything—curries, vegetables, even warm milk before bed. "Spices aren't just flavouring," she'd say. "They're medicine."
3. Clear bowels are everything
This was mum's absolute non-negotiable: "If waste isn't moving out properly, everything gets stuck—including your period blood."
In Ayurveda, constipation is seen as one of the root causes of period problems. When waste builds up, it creates toxins that interfere with your body's natural rhythms.
Her approach was simple but specific:
- Warm water first thing in the morning
- No water 30 minutes before or after meals (it dilutes your digestive fire)
- Plenty of fiber from cooked vegetables and whole grains
- A gentle walk after meals
- Never eating when stressed or upset
- Always eat consciously and chew your food properly
"If you're drinking water with your food, you're washing away your digestive enzymes," she'd explain. "And if you're not chewing properly, your stomach has to work so much harder."
"Good periods start with good digestion," she'd remind me. "Everything is connected."
What I wish more doctors understood
The biggest difference between mum's approach and conventional medicine is perspective. Western medicine often wants to stop heavy bleeding—which can absolutely be necessary and helpful. But it doesn't always explore why the bleeding is heavy.
Ayurveda asks different questions:
- What's creating excess heat in your system?
- Why aren't your natural cleansing pathways flowing properly?
- How is your digestive health affecting your hormones?
- What is your body trying to eliminate through heavy bleeding?
I think the magic happens when you combine both approaches—using ancient wisdom to support your overall health while working with healthcare providers for medical concerns.
OK so what are the super easy steps you can actually implement?
Inspired by mum's teachings, here's what I've woven into my routine:
Morning:
- Warm water with ginger (never cold anymore)—if you have time add ginger, personally I love really warm water in the morning, I find it so soothing. I've been doing it for so many years now!
- A few minutes of gentle movement
- Adding warming spices to breakfast—cinnamon by far is the easiest & my go-to
Throughout the day:
- Room temperature or warm drinks only (but not with meals!)
- Including digestive spices in meals when possible—ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel
- A short walk after eating when I can
- Actually sitting down to eat and chewing properly (this was a big one!)
Evening:
- Herbal tea (ginger, fennel, or chamomile)
- Sometimes gentle heat therapy with our HeatSoothie for any lingering discomfort—these are brilliant for pain relief, even endo pain
- Sleep at the same time every day—helps your body to regulate and this is such an easy one to balance hormones over time
The changes weren't dramatic overnight, but over several months, my periods became more manageable and predictable. It felt like my body and I were finally working together instead of against each other.
Ancient wisdom meets modern period care
What I love about combining Ayurvedic principles with good period products is that you're supporting your body holistically while ensuring you're comfortable during heavy flow days.
While I'm following mum's guidance with warm water and digestive spices, I'm also using period care that actually works for real heavy periods. Our Heavy Flow and Ultra-Heavy Flow Pads were designed specifically for women who need proper support.
They're made with natural, breathable materials, incredibly absorbent (6-8x more than regular disposables), and completely chemical-free so they won't disrupt your body's natural processes.
It's about honouring traditional wisdom while embracing modern innovation.
The perspective shift that changed everything
Perhaps the most valuable thing mum taught me wasn't about specific foods or practices. It was about seeing my period as valuable information rather than something to endure.
"Your body is always trying to heal itself, beta," she'd say. "Your job is to listen and support it, not fight against it."
This completely transformed how I relate to my cycle. Instead of dreading heavy periods, I started seeing them as my body asking for more support—maybe to slow down, eat more nourishing foods, or manage stress differently.
How to start (gently)
If this resonates with you, here's how to ease into it:
Week 1: Switch to room temperature or warm water Week 2: Add one warming spice to your daily meals Week 3: Try not drinking water with meals (save it for 30 minutes before or after) Week 4: Focus on eating more consciously—sitting down, chewing properly, no rushing Week 5: Notice any changes in your energy, digestion, or how you feel
Ayurveda is about gradual, sustainable changes that work with your body's natural rhythms. You don't need to overhaul everything at once.
A final thought
My mum always says, "The wisdom of all the women before you is still in your body, beta. You just need to remember how to listen."
Whether you grew up with this knowledge or it's completely new, these ancient teachings offer a beautiful way to think about periods—not as something to suffer through, but as information to honour.
Your heavy periods might be trying to tell you something important. The question is: are you ready to listen?
I'd love to know what resonates most with you, and if you try any of these practices, I'd genuinely love to hear how you get on.
Rupal x
For more insights on natural period support, follow along at KIKI & GREEN—we're learning from each, and making periods better 💕