The magazine Marie Claire has just come under fire with a truly bizarre article that told readers to use parsley if they need help to “kick-start your period.”

The article, which has since been deleted, claimed that “the herb is a mild emmenagogue,” so it can stimulate or increase menstruation by softening the cervix and balancing hormones.

Doctors have since issued a desperate warning to women stating that inserting parsley into their vaginas is actually a very bad idea. Medical experts say that doing this can actually lead to numerous health problems that are much more serious than a delayed period.

“There is no evidence of any benefit to a woman of doing this, and clear risk of significant harm as deaths have been reported,” said Dr. Shazia Malik, an obstetrician-gynecologist. “I would urge women not to insert anything unless they have taken proper medical advice.”

Dr. Sheila Newman, a New Jersey-based obstetrician-gynaecologist, agreed.

“There are only a few things that should go in your vagina and vegetables generally aren’t one of them,” she said.

Making this even worse is the fact that other claims are going around that parsley can be used to induce at-home abortions. Not only is this not true, it could also prove to be fatal.

Marie Claire has since apologized for the “misguided” article.

“Marie Claire prides itself on well researched beauty and lifestyle stories, with advice sought from appropriate industry experts – sadly this feature does not reflect those standards and we have removed the article,” said a spokesperson for the magazine. “It was misguided and we are sorry our usual care and stringency was not followed.”