Menstrual blood, the ultimate taboo

The composition of menstrual blood differs only slightly from that of venous blood.

It clots less and also contains debris from the endometrium, the uterine wall that renews itself with each cycle, as well as vaginal secretions.

But, for millennia, this blood that only women shed has aroused a mixture of fear and fascination, nourishing beliefs that have endured, for some, to this day.

Even recently accused of causing "flowers to wilt", "to rot meat" or "to turn wine", this blood was paradoxically sought after for its magical properties and even used in certain medications ...

“During my investigation, I discovered that in certain regions of France, a few decades ago, women were still asked to run in the fields without panties, their blood being supposed to repel slugs

, reports Élise Thiébaut, author of

This is my blood

(Éditions La Découverte).

I have been told that in parts of southern Italy,

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