Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery, Faculty Of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Larestan Branch, Larestan, Iran
10.22038/nnj.2025.89071.1498
Abstract
Background and Aims:
Pain following cesarean section can affect maternal health and the ability to care for the newborn. The adverse effects of chemical analgesics on mothers and infants have led to increased interest in medicinal plants as an alternative method for pain relief. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials investigating the effects of medicinal plants on pain relief after cesarean section.
Materials and Methods:
This systematic review was conducted by searching databases including Magiran, IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant Persian and English keywords (without time restrictions until June 2025). The quality of the articles was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
Results:
Out of 366 articles identified in the initial search, 20 clinical trials (2,495 participants) were selected for structured review. The studies were conducted in Iran and Egypt. The medicinal plants investigated included: lavender (6 studies), mint (1 study), cumin (2 studies), St. John's wort (1 study), rose (2 studies), valerian (1 study), dill seed (2 studies), chamomile (2 studies), sage (1 study), orange blossom (1 study), olive oil or cream (2 studies), flaxseed ointment (1 study), and almond oil (1 study). Most plants showed favorable effects on pain relief after cesarean section.
Conclusion:
Most of the medicinal plants studied contributed to pain reduction after cesarean section. Lavender was more effective than other plants in reducing pain and can be considered an effective herbal option.
Keywords
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