23 May, 2025

Traditional Menstrual Practices: Pros and Cons

We’ve all heard or seen some traditional menstrual practices, especially in India. Many of us grew up hearing things like “don’t go near the kitchen” or “don’t touch pickles” during periods. These were passed down over the years without much questioning. Some of them came from a place of care, while others just made things harder for girls.

In this blog, we’re going to understand where these beliefs came from, what made them stay for so long, and what’s changing now. Times are moving, and so are our thoughts. It’s high time we talk about it openly and see what really makes sense today.

Understanding Traditional Menstrual Practices

When we say traditional menstrual practices, we are talking about the customs and rules that people have been following for many years during periods. These were shaped by beliefs, religion, and also the limited resources people had back then. Many of these practices still continue in different parts of the world even today.

Global Perspective About PERIODS

South Asia

In the case of South Asia, for example, in many rural areas of India and Nepal for example, some girls and women are sent to separate huts during menstruation. They are not permitted to enter the kitchen, go to temples, or touch certain food items.

Africa

In Africa, many girls use old pieces of cloth or natural materials (such as mud or leaves) to address menstruation, since sanitary pads are often not available or too expensive for families.

Indigenous Communities

Some indigenous communities around the world have similar restrictions in place where girls were distanced from other family members during menstruation, which is often identified as a time of rest, or self-care or reflection.

Middle East

In the Middle East, many cultural understandings likewise ask women not to cook, pray, or attend important family events during menstrual flow.

Much of these originated from religious understanding, cultural beliefs, or cleanliness expectations. Back then, with these realities and without access to modern hygiene products, people did what they could with what they had. Much of the thought offered positive intent, yet as time has gone on many restrictions have led to worse outcomes.

We are learning to ask questions, seek facts, and rethink what we think about when we think about health and dignity.

Pros of Traditional Menstrual Practices

We often hear about the restrictions that came with traditional menstrual practices, but not everything about them was negative. In fact, some of these practices had their own kind of logic and comfort, especially when seen in the context of how life used to be.

Let’s start with the basic fact. Women were never meant to run on a 9 to 5 schedule. Their bodies have natural cycles, and during periods, they need rest. Back in the day, there were no mixers or washing machines. Women would grind grains by hand, fetch water from far-off wells, wash clothes by hand, cook from scratch for large families, and manage everything without help.

Doing all this during painful periods would have been nearly impossible. So when society said “do not enter the kitchen” or “do not do this or that,” it quietly gave them a break. Many women finally got a few days off from heavy chores.

Here are a few real pros of traditional menstrual practices:

Free from daily chores

Being asked to rest during periods meant not doing physically tiring jobs. It gave their bodies a break without needing to ask for it. Rest was not just allowed, it was expected.

Cost-effective methods

Many women used cloth pads, cotton, or plant-based materials. These were easily available and did not cost a thing. Even today, in some rural areas, this is the only option. If cleaned properly, these materials worked well and saved money.

Environment-friendly

Disposable pads create a lot of waste. Traditional methods like cloth pads can be washed and reused, making them better for the environment.

Gentler on the body

Some modern products have chemicals or fragrances that cause rashes or discomfort. Soft cotton or natural fabrics used in traditional ways can feel better and are less irritating.

Cultural bonding and shared learning

These practices were passed down from older women to younger girls. It created a sense of community. Girls learned not just about periods, but about womanhood, from people they trusted.

Cons of Traditional Menstrual Practices

While some traditional menstrual practices had their place in the past, many of them also caused more harm than good. And even today, in some places, these practices are still followed. But they come with serious problems that we need to talk about.

Hygiene

Many girls and women still use cloth pads. Now, if those cloths are not washed properly and dried in the sun, they can stay damp and dirty. That can lead to infections, and not just small ones. We’re talking about urinary tract infections, rashes, or even bigger health problems. In many homes, girls are not allowed to dry their cloths in the open, so they hang them behind dark cupboards or under other clothes where they don’t dry fully.

Discomfort

Cloth pads do not absorb well during heavy flow. Girls have to constantly check for leaks. On top of that, they have to clean, wash, and dry them secretly. All this adds stress, especially when they’re already in pain.

Physical Restrictions

In some places, girls are told not to enter the kitchen, not to touch food, or even sleep in separate spaces. While some may say it gave women rest, many girls also felt left out and unwanted. That’s not how anyone should feel.

Lack of Menstrual Education

In many places, no one talks to girls about what is happening to their body. No one tells them what’s normal and what’s not. They are just expected to follow rules quietly. This limited knowledge leads to fear and shame. It creates myths that are hard to break.

Violation of Basic Rights

Girls are left out of school, are told to stay away from family members, and are treated differently. There are stories where girls have been abused or neglected just because they got their periods. That is not okay.

Traditional vs. Modern Menstrual Health Practices: What’s Changed and Why It Matters

Let’s sit and talk this through, because this is important, and everyone should understand it clearly. When we look at traditional menstrual practices and modern menstrual solutions, there’s a big difference in comfort, hygiene, and freedom.

In earlier times, girls and women didn’t have many options. Most of them used cloth, sometimes plant materials, or even ash in some places. That’s how it was. But times have changed. Life has changed. And modern women have different needs. Sticking only to old ways can feel very limiting now, especially when better solutions are available.

Hygiene

Traditional: Using cloth pads or other homemade materials can be risky if they aren’t cleaned properly. They can cause itching, infections, and even bad smells.

Modern: Modern menstrual products like sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are made for cleanliness. They are safer, more hygienic, and help prevent infections.

Comfort

Traditional: Cloth pads can feel bulky, uncomfortable, and may not stay in place well. During heavy flow, they may not work properly.

Modern: Modern pads are thin and absorbent. Menstrual cups and tampons offer more freedom of movement. You can wear them for hours without discomfort.

Ease of Use

Traditional: Cloth pads need to be washed, dried, and reused. That takes time and clean water, which many people don’t always have access to.

Modern: Disposable pads are easy to use and throw away. Menstrual cups can be reused safely for years with simple washing.

Pain Management

Traditional: Pain relief often means home remedies that don’t always help. Many girls are told to just “bear it.”

Modern: There are period pain relief device now that help reduce cramps without medicine. They’re small, wearable, and help girls move through the day with less pain.

Education and Awareness

Traditional: Girls were often not told anything about periods. They had to figure it out on their own or follow unclear rules.

Modern: Schools and health workers now teach about periods. Girls learn how to care for themselves and speak up about their needs.

Personal Freedom

Traditional: In some places, girls and women are told to stay away from the kitchen, temples, or even school during their period.

Modern: With safe and clean products, girls and women can go anywhere and do anything, even on their period. They are not held back.

When You Know Better, You Choose Better

It’s clear that, while traditional menstrual practices were once the only option, they no longer meet the needs of modern life. Today, with better products, education, and even helpful tools like period pain relief devices, girls and women can manage their periods with more comfort, safety, and freedom.

At Welme, we believe that no one should have to suffer in silence or settle for outdated solutions. Everyone deserves access to the right knowledge and the right tools to care for their body with confidence. Periods are natural, and so is the right to feel good during them.

Dive Deeper & Know More About Mesntruation!