Since the dawn of time women have been looking for ways to induce their periods early.

Whether it be fear of a suspected unwanted pregnancy, or wanting to have your period early before your beach holiday, it’s something a wide variety of women have looked into for different reasons.

Long story short, it’s just not a good idea.

Any messing with your body, herbal or not, should be done in consultation with a doctor.

So when Marie ClaireUK suggested inserting parsley into the vagina could help induce a period, people were…perplexed.

In the article, they suggest the herb can “soften the cervix and level out hormonal imbalances”, before suggesting that if you aren’t a great chef the most effective forms are said to be “parsley tea” and “parsley vaginal inserts”.

Wait.What?

Doctors have since spoken out against the article, condemning the suggestion for the dangers of insertinganyforeign substance into the body.

“I don’t recommend anyone put parsley – or any other herb – into their vagina,” Dr Sarah Jarvis told The Sun.

Aside from there being no real evidence that parsley would induce a period, there’s evidence that it’s incredibly dangerous.

“It’s a bad idea to insert anything not prescribed by a practitioner inside your vagina. Your vagina has a natural healthy balance which can be upset by the introduction of foreign objects,” the Clinical Lead at FPA Charity, Karin O’Sullivan, told The Sun.

“More importantly, there is a risk that introducing foreign objects to the vagina can cause infections and even lead to toxic shock syndrome if left inside, which can be deadly,” she added.

People are also warning others about the trend on Twitter:

Don’t put parsley in your vagina, yes it can induce your period, but it can also cause infections, vaginal irritation and DEATH it is used as a method of abortion for people with NO OTHER CHOICE just go to a sexual health clinic and get the pill don’t put parsley in your vagina

— India???? (@India_Florence_) January 17, 2019

Doctors are recommending that you please do not put parsley in your vagina. So in case there was any confusion out there, this should clear it up.

— Lance LeVine (@chocolatierLL) January 18, 2019

I have no intention whatsoever of putting parsley in my vagina, thank u very much.

— AnnA ????????‍♀️ (@annuskaodena) January 17, 2019

Moral of the story?

If your period isn’t coming, see a doctor.

Do not… self insert herbs.

Seriously.

If you believe you may be experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, immediately consult with your GP – options are available.