Until recently, I dreaded getting my period.
Until I learned that some studies show we actually detox through menstrual blood -releasing things like heavy metals, BPA, pesticides, and phthalates- and that ancient cultures understood this deeply.
They treated menstruation as a sacred time: deep rest, warm teas, nourishing foods, and rituals to support this detox.
So I did a deep dive.
What did ancient cultures actually do during their period? What did they believe it was for? And what could I bring into my own life?
The first month I tried it (TMI), my flow was much heavier than normal. I was confused- until I learned that this can be a sign of increased detox.
After that? My cycle balanced out. I felt better in ways that went far beyond my period.
Now I treat it like a cozy, inward detox week- a built-in wellness retreat. And it’s completely changed my life.
It’s anti-aging. It boosts energy, fertility, glow- not just during your cycle, but for the rest of the month. This doesn’t just make your period easier. It upgrades everything: metabolism, digestion, hormones, mood, even skin.
Science backs this up too- lowering stress and supporting liver function during your period improves estrogen clearance, thyroid function, and cellular repair.
What’s wild?
Ancient cultures across the world all said the same things.
TCM: menstruation as a monthly clearing of stagnation- rest, warm teas (goji, jujube, dong quai), broths, warmth, no cold foods.
Ayurveda: detox through warmth- soups, roots, ghee, gentle teas, rest, reflection.
Ancient Europe: rest by the fire, bone broth, liver, and teas like nettle, raspberry leaf, mugwort, yarrow.
Isn’t it wild how all these ancient cultures- separated by oceans and centuries- said the same things?
Wear wool socks.
Eat warm, soupy foods.
Drink bone broth soups & herbal teas.
Rest deeply.
It’s a wellness retreat built into your biology.
And honoring it may be one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
follow along on @valerieribon for more deep dives like this one🕯️ #hormonalimbalance #hormonebalance #periods #menstrual #holistic
Being a woman today can feel confusing when we consider that all ancient women followed very specific rules during their periods to enhance beauty, hormone balance, fertility, and energy throughout the month—and yet modern society rarely shares this knowledge. Ancient traditions recognized menstruation as a critical detox phase in a woman’s biological cycle, helping release toxins such as heavy metals, BPA, pesticides, and phthalates through menstrual blood. This natural cleansing process was honored with rituals promoting deep rest, warmth, and nutrient-rich diets. Traditional Chinese Medicine, for example, treats menstruation as a time to clear stagnation, recommending warm teas like goji, jujube, and dong quai, alongside broths and avoidance of cold foods. Ayurveda encourages detoxification through warm soups, roots, ghee, gentle herbal drinks, and reflective rest. Ancient European customs involved resting by the fire, drinking bone broth, consuming liver, and sipping herbal teas such as nettle, raspberry leaf, mugwort, and yarrow. Remarkably, these geographically distant practices converge on simple principles: stay warm—wear wool socks—consume warm, soupy foods and herbal teas—and prioritize deep, restorative rest. Incorporating these elements can transform menstruation from a dreaded inconvenience into a monthly wellness retreat. This holistic approach not only alleviates menstrual discomfort but also enhances metabolism, digestion, hormonal balance, mood stability, skin health, and even cellular repair. Scientific studies support these benefits, linking reduced stress and improved liver function during menstruation to better estrogen clearance and thyroid health. In our fast-paced modern world, reclaiming this ancient wisdom offers a powerful path to honoring the body’s natural rhythms. By embracing menstrual self-care rituals steeped in tradition, women can unlock a profound source of vitality, glowing health, and hormonal harmony that lasts well beyond their cycle. Embracing this perspective encourages women to view their periods not as a burden but as a vital opportunity for detox, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being.