Panjeeri During Periods: Comfort Food or Hormone Helper?
- Desi Panjeeri Team
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
Periods can feel different every month. Some days bring cramps and bloating, others come with fatigue, mood swings, cravings, or low energy. During this time, many women naturally turn to comfort foods — warm, nourishing, familiar. One traditional food that often comes up in South Asian households is panjeeri.
But is panjeeri just a comforting, nostalgic food, or does it actually support the body during menstruation? Let’s explore what panjeeri really does during periods, how its ingredients work, and how to consume it mindfully.
Understanding What the Body Needs During Periods
During menstruation, the body goes through hormonal shifts, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone. These changes can affect:
Energy levels
Mood and emotional balance
Digestion
Inflammation and cramps
Blood loss and nutrient depletion
This is why many women crave warm, energy-dense foods during periods. The body is asking for rest, nourishment, and stability, not restriction.
Traditional diets often recognised this long before modern nutrition science — and panjeeri is one such example.
What Is Panjeeri, Really?
Panjeeri is a traditional blend made using ghee, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, often consumed in small portions. It has historically been given to women after childbirth, during recovery, and in colder months — times when the body needs warmth and strength.
Its warming nature and nutrient-dense ingredients make it especially relevant during menstruation.
How Panjeeri Supports the Body During Periods
1. Provides Slow, Steady Energy
Periods can leave you feeling exhausted, even if you haven’t done much physically. Panjeeri contains healthy fats from ghee and nuts, which provide sustained energy instead of sudden sugar spikes. This helps combat fatigue and keeps you feeling grounded.
2. Supports Hormonal Balance
Seeds commonly used in panjeeri — such as flaxseeds and sunflower seeds — naturally contain compounds that support hormonal health. While panjeeri is not a medical treatment, regular, moderate consumption can complement a balanced diet focused on hormonal wellbeing.
3. Helps With Cravings
Cravings during periods are often the body’s way of asking for calories and minerals. Instead of ultra-processed snacks, a small spoon of panjeeri satisfies sweet cravings while still offering nourishment.
4. Warming & Comforting for Cramps
Cold foods can sometimes worsen cramps for some women. Panjeeri’s warming nature — thanks to ghee and roasted ingredients — makes it soothing and comforting, especially when cramps or lower back pain are present.
5. Supports Digestion
Periods can slow digestion or cause bloating. Ghee helps lubricate the digestive system, while seeds add gentle fibre. This combination supports smoother digestion when eaten in moderation.
Comfort Food vs Hormone Helper: Which One Is It?
The answer is both.
Panjeeri works as comfort food because:
It’s familiar and emotionally reassuring
It’s warming and satisfying
It feels indulgent without being junk
At the same time, it acts as a gentle hormone helper because:
It provides healthy fats needed for hormone production
It supports energy and mood
It nourishes the body instead of stressing it
The key difference lies in how much and how often it’s consumed.
How to Eat Panjeeri During Periods
✔ Portion size:One small spoon (about 1–2 teaspoons) per day is usually enough.
✔ Best time:Morning with breakfast or mid-day when energy dips.
✔ How to eat it:
On its own
With warm milk (if tolerated)
Sprinkled lightly over porridge
Avoid overeating it late at night, as rich foods can feel heavy before sleep.
Who Should Be Careful?
While panjeeri is generally nourishing, some women should be mindful:
Diabetics: Choose versions with low or no added sugar and stick to small portions.
Nut allergies: Opt for customised blends without allergens.
Digestive sensitivity: Start with very small amounts and observe how your body responds.
Listening to your body is more important than following rigid rules.
Homemade-Style vs Store-Bought Panjeeri
Not all panjeeri is the same. Some commercial versions contain excess sugar, artificial flavours, or unnecessary fillers. A homemade-style panjeeri with clean ingredients and balanced proportions is far more suitable during periods.
Quality matters more than quantity.
Final Thoughts
Periods are not the time for harsh dieting or restriction. They are a time for care, nourishment, and softness. Panjeeri, when eaten mindfully, can be more than just a sweet — it can be a gentle way to support your body through hormonal changes.
It won’t “fix” periods overnight, but it can help you feel more supported, energised, and comforted from within.
Sometimes, traditional wisdom really does know best.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Panjeeri is a traditional food and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or have allergies, consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes.
Comments