How Home Remedies Can Induce Periods Naturally (2026)

Natural, Safe Home Remedies to Get Periods (Fast Relief Options & NHS-Backed Guidance)

If you’re searching for home remedies to get periods, you want safe, natural options that work quickly. It can feel frustrating to wait, especially if you’re experiencing discomfort or chest tightness that often accompanies period delays. Many people notice tension, restless feelings, or even heartburn-like discomfort while waiting for their cycle.

This guide promises calm, practical relief—solutions you can try now, supported by NHS advice and UK-based resources. You’ll find quick natural fixes, long-term habits to encourage healthy periods, and guidance on what to avoid. If your symptoms suggest a deeper problem, you’ll know exactly when to seek help.

Below, you’ll discover trusted ways to manage and reduce delayed periods, plus how to keep your cycle healthy moving forward.

 

Fast Relief Options (Immediate Fixes)

 

Chewing sugar-free gum

Chewing gum can help stimulate your hormones by relaxing tension and encouraging jaw movement. This simple act may ease anxiety and support the body’s natural rhythm, which could nudge your period to start.

Choose sugar-free options to avoid unnecessary sugar spikes. According to research on natural triggers, the act of chewing also boosts focus and calm.

If you’re feeling anxious about your menstrual cycle, try chewing for 10 minutes. Pause if you have jaw discomfort or dental issues.

Small glass of skimmed milk

A small glass of skimmed milk provides calcium and protein, helping your body release tension and support hormonal balance. Some people find that cold milk also soothes chest or upper stomach discomfort that can mimic heartburn.

NHS advice suggests dairy can be part of a calming bedtime routine. Sip slowly, avoiding excess if you are lactose intolerant. Opt for lactose-free alternatives if necessary.

For more, see these foods that may help induce periods.

Ginger tea

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, often suggested as a traditional remedy for delayed periods. Brew a fresh ginger tea with thin slices and boiling water. Sip slowly to relieve bloating, mild cramps, or uncomfortable heartburn sensations.

Ginger tea may also help with acid reflux natural relief in some cases. Limit to one or two cups per day to avoid stomach upset.

If you take blood thinners or are pregnant, check safety with your GP first.

Loosen tight clothing

Tight waistbands and restrictive clothes can worsen both physical and emotional tension. Looser clothing helps your body relax, which is especially useful if chest or stomach discomfort is present.

A relaxed body may help your period arrive more naturally. NHS guidance throughout the UK suggests choosing soft, breathable materials for comfort, especially premenstrually or when feeling bloated.

Stand up / elevate upper body

Changing your position can relieve pressure on your chest and abdomen, lessening that “heavy” feeling. Try standing up and stretching gently or sitting with a pillow behind your upper back for extra support.

This posture adjustment supports circulation and may help your cycle. According to experts on natural relief, physical movement is a mild but helpful trigger for starting periods.

Avoid lying totally flat, especially after eating, as this can aggravate acid reflux and delay comfort.

Long-Term Natural Remedies (Lifestyle Fixes)

 

Smaller, more frequent meals

Large meals put stress on your digestion and can affect hormone release, leading to delayed or irregular periods. Eating smaller, regular meals throughout the day may help regulate your cycle and ease any associated heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.

This approach is recommended by UK nutritionists and supports steady energy. Try breaking traditional meals into 4–5 light snacks based on healthy UK staples, like porridge, fruit, or wholegrain bread.

According to studies on menstrual regularity, this habit may help keep your period routine stable long-term.

Stop eating 2–3 hours before bed

Easing off late-night snacks reduces the risk of indigestion and acid reflux, common triggers for disrupted sleep and delayed cycles. NHS guidance argues that giving your body time to digest supports better hormonal function overnight.

If you feel peckish, opt for herbal tea or a few plain crackers before 8pm. Try this alongside winding down screen time in the evening for maximum effect.

This strategy is supported in guides to faster period relief.

Increase dietary fibre

Eating more fibre from wholefoods supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar, both of which are key for a reliable period. Choose high-fibre cereals at Tesco, baked beans on wholegrain toast, or fresh veg from Sainsbury’s.

Fibre can prevent constipation, which sometimes worsens cramps or makes bloating worse around your period. Try to get at least 30g per day.

Increasing healthy foods for periods can make a real difference over several weeks.

Chamomile / ginger as daily habits

Many people find that drinking chamomile or ginger tea every day can ease anxiety and gently support hormonal balance—both important for a regular cycle.

Chamomile, in particular, is calming and may help reduce premenstrual tension. Make tea part of your evening routine for the greatest benefit.

Explore other herbal suggestions for periods and traditional UK remedies in your local Boots shop.

Weight loss

Excess weight can disrupt the balance of oestrogen needed for a normal cycle. Shedding a few pounds (aiming for a healthy BMI) may make periods arrive more regularly and reduce symptoms like acid reflux or heartburn.

The NHS offers free weight loss plans designed for UK residents. Boots also carries supportive tools and meal planners.

Quit smoking

Smoking dampens your natural hormone cycles, making periods more likely to be late or erratic. It also increases the risk of acid reflux and worsens chest discomfort. Stopping smoking gives your body a better chance at regular, healthy periods.

Ask your local GP surgery or pharmacy about stop smoking services, or try UK-wide helplines for specialist support. Research consistently finds periods are more regular in non-smokers.

More NHS-backed info is available on quitting for hormonal balance.

What to Avoid (Trigger List)

Some foods and drinks are proven triggers for both delayed periods and uncomfortable symptoms like acid reflux or heartburn. Cutting back can speed relief and help keep your cycle on track.

• High-fat foods
• Caffeine and fizzy drinks
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
• Onions and garlic
• Peppermint
• Alcohol
• Keep a food diary to identify your triggers

According to medical guidance on period triggers, limiting these foods can help natural heartburn remedies work better.

When to See a Doctor

 

🚨 Emergency Symptoms

• Severe chest pain (especially with arm/jaw pain or difficulty breathing)
• Bloody or dark vomit or stools
• Loss of consciousness or severe weakness

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience these.

⚠️ Warning Signs (Non-Emergency)

• Heartburn more than twice weekly
• Over-the-counter antacids not helping after 2 weeks
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic cough or feeling of a lump in your throat
• Symptoms not improving with lifestyle changes

These symptoms matter because they may indicate GERD or other complications that need proper medical evaluation. NHS advice recommends seeking help promptly, especially if symptoms persist despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.

See medical experts on fertility and when to see a doctor for more detailed guidance.

The Bottom Line

Natural home remedies to get periods can provide quick, safe comfort for occasional delay or discomfort. Ginger tea, smaller meals, and calm daily habits may ease your symptoms and support a reliable cycle.

If you find yourself relying on these strategies often, or if symptoms are growing more severe, it’s time to check in with your GP. Frequent heartburn, acid reflux, or delayed periods could mean something bigger—so always prioritise your health first.

With the right approach, you can take gentle control and feel confident every cycle. Support is always available if you need it.

FAQ

Q1: What is the fastest natural relief for home remedies to get periods?

Ginger tea and gentle stretching are among the quickest natural options. These methods are easy, safe, and may help trigger your cycle quickly.

Q2: Is baking soda safe to use for natural heartburn remedies?

Baking soda is not recommended as it can cause dangerous shifts in body chemistry and is not advised in the UK for this purpose.

Q3: How quickly do home remedies for delayed periods work?

Some people notice relief within a few hours, but most methods, like dietary changes, work over several days to a week.

Q4: Can you cure period delays and heartburn naturally in the long term?

Long-term success often depends on lifestyle changes—healthy eating, stress reduction, and regular activity—but medical support may be needed for underlying issues.

Q5: How can I tell if it’s GERD or just heartburn causing my symptoms?

GERD causes ongoing, frequent heartburn symptoms. Simple heartburn is shorter in duration and triggered by specific foods or stress.