Do you remember complaining about any of the issues like your first pimple, your excessive hair fall, throat pain, cough, cold, bloated stomach, etc and your mother or grandmother would definitely have a golden home remedy close to their region and culture ready for it. 

And here I am today, to discuss five smooth, easy to follow home remedies that I got from my grannies to manage reproductive health and menstruation.

1.Fenugreek

Fenugreek is one of the most used seeds in Indian households for its flavor and to treat digestive problems. It is rich in soluble fiber that improves digestion, lowers insulin resistance and maintains blood sugar levels within the normal range. Reduced insulin resistance further prevents excess secretion of insulin which inturn lowers the high levels of androgens and relieves PCOD symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hair thinning, weight gain and facial hair. It is also said that regular intake of fenugreek has reduced the size of cysts on ovaries over time. Include this golden spice in your daily routine as mentioned below.

How to consume:

• Fenugreek water: Soak 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds overnight in 1 glass of water. Drink the water and chew seeds on an empty stomach.
• Eat one teaspoon of soaked fenugreek fifteen minutes before lunch and dinner.

 2.Cinnamon

Have you heard of a spice that is sweet in taste? The answer is cinnamon, you can always find this sweet spice in your kitchen. Being rich in antioxidants and cinnamaldehyde it reduces high blood sugar levels and prevents excess release of insulin that further leads to hormonal imbalance. Regular consumption of cinnamon can help reduce inflammation, initiate periods, reduce acne, hair fall and facial hair by regulating female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and by decreasing the high levels of testosterone.

How to consume:

• Cinnamon tea: Boil 2 inches of cinnamon stick in 1 glass of water till it remains half and sip hot 1-2 times in a day.
• Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder over fruits, salads and curd.

3.Turmeric

Turmeric, all in one remedy to all of your problems. From wounds to pain to acne to pigmentation to reproductive health to weight loss. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties which helps in reducing the inflammation found in women suffering from PCOD and balances hormones. Due to its antioxidants it helps in managing stress, anxiety, lowers the release of free radicals and regularizes sleep cycle that in turn helps in managing other PCOD symptoms

How to consume:

• Turmeric milk: Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk and drink at bedtime.
• Do not forget to add turmeric color to your dals, sabzis and curries to get the aided benefits.

Dry Coconut

Dry coconut or kopra is an important ingredients of sweets and curries in Indian kitchens. But are you aware of its therapeutic properties other than its taste and flavor? Dry coconut is a treasure of good cholesterol, fiber, selenium, vitamin E and manganese. It helps in maintaining insulin levels, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, increases calcium absorption and helps in getting rid from stubborn belly fat. Also, you can curb your sugar cravings with a small piece of coconut and manage PCOD.

How to consume:

• Mix equal quantities of dry coconut and jaggery powder. Eat 1 tablespoon of it after your meal or during snack time. 
• Add one tablespoon of dry coconut on your food like sabzi, poha, upma, dosa, etc.

Dairy products

Milk and milk products being rich sources of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A not only strengthens bones but also helps in reducing high blood sugar levels, high insulin levels and managing premenstrual syndrome like cramps, abdominal pain, back pain, etc. Try including 2-3 servings of dairy products in a day to regularize your periods and improve reproductive health.

How to consume:

• Drink a glass of milk at least two times a day, with your breakfast and at bedtime 
• Have a cup of curd or a glass of buttermilk after your lunch

I hope we learnt some easy to follow but nutritious and healthy home remedies to manage PCOD. Do not hesitate to try them and make sure you add one of these home remedies to your daily routine to balance hormones.