Episode 58 - Menstrual Traditions in India with Mehvish Khan

The Inner Rhythms Podcast

🐚Topics covered

• Mehvish's personal journey into menstrual health and her cultural background in Gujarat, India
• Ancient Indian practices around menstruation, including celebrations of first menstruation in South India
• The concept of menstrual seclusion and its original purpose of providing rest and healing
• Sacred materials like Darbha grass mats used during menstruation for their healing properties
• The impact of colonialism on the preservation and misinterpretation of ancestral practices
• Food myths and restrictions during menstruation in Indian culture
• Ancient temples in India dedicated to menstruating goddesses, including the Kamakhya Temple in Assam
• The sacred view of menstrual blood and respectful disposal practices
• Challenges in rural areas regarding menstrual education and product access
• The ongoing "menstrual revolution" happening across India

About Mehvish Khan

Mehvish Khan is a Functional Nutritionist, Menstrual Cycle Coach, and Women's Health Practitioner based in Gujarat, India. Coming from a rich cultural background that blends ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutritional science, Mehvish is passionate about helping women understand their menstrual cycles and connect with their bodies. She conducts menstrual awareness sessions in schools and rural communities, working to bridge the gap between ancestral healing practices and contemporary health education. Her work focuses on preserving the sacred aspects of menstruation while promoting practical health education and access to menstrual products.

Where to find Mehvish

Instagram: @corehealthbalance

Website: Coming soon

About the Host

I’m Iris Josephina—functional hormone specialist, orthomolecular hormone coach, and entrepreneur. Through Cycle Seeds and The Inner Rhythms Podcast, I support people in reconnecting with their cyclical nature, deepening body literacy, and reclaiming hormonal harmony from a place of sovereignty and embodied knowledge. Most people know me from Instagram, where I share stories, tools, and inspiration on cyclical living, menstrual cycles, fertility, hormones and more.

Let’s stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @cycleseeds

📧 Join my newsletter: https://www.cycleseeds.com/

💻 Visit the Cycle Seeds website: https://www.cycleseeds.com/

📝 Check out the blog: https://www.cycleseeds.com/blog

🎓 Holistic Hormone & Cycle Coaching Certification Training: https://www.cycleseeds.com/hhcc-training-2025-selfstudy-vip

📚Join my courses: https://www.cycleseeds.com/courses-masterclasses

📊 Chart Your Cycle Masterclass: https://cycleseeds.plugandpay.nl/checkout/chart-your-cycle-97

Chapters

1. Episode 58 - Menstrual Traditions in India with Mehvish Khan (00:00:00)

2. Childhood curiosity: Buying pads before getting first period (00:02:06)

3. South Indian first period celebrations: Sesame seeds and turmeric water (00:05:43)

4. Menstrual seclusion: Original intention vs modern misinterpretation (00:06:28)

5. How colonialism shaped menstrual narratives and practices (00:09:49)

6. Period trauma: When ignorance led to hospitalization for "cancer" (00:13:29)

7. Black bag revolution: Refusing to hide period products (00:16:22)

8. Food myths: Papaya and iron restrictions during periods (00:18:29)

9. Kamakhya Temple: Ancient festival celebrating goddess menstruation (00:24:47)

10. Sacred blood practices: Washing pads out of respect, not shame (00:28:56)

11. Global vision: Integrating ancestral wisdom with modern science (00:36:06)