Investigating the Effect of Melissa Officinalis on After-Pains: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Regarding high prevalence of postpartum pain and side-effects of pharmaceutical analgesics on maternal and neonatal health, the present study aimed to explore the effect of Melissa officinalis on after-pain among mothers hospitalized in Asgariyeh Hospital, Isfahan, 2016. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 110 women with moderate to severe after-pain were divided into two M.officinalis and mefenamic acid groups by random allocation. Samples in the first group received 250mg of mefenamic acid and the second group received 395mg of M.officinalis oral capsules every 6hours for 24hours following childbirth. The primary outcome (After-pain) was assessed using a numeric 10-point scale before intervention, 1,2 and 3hours after the first intervention and every 6hours to 24hours after delivery for each of second, third and fourth interventions. Data were analyzed, using SPSS by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square test. Results: The demographic and obstetric variables and after-pain severity before the intervention in both groups were homogenous (P>0.05). Pain intensity wasn’t significantly different between the two groups during first and second hours after the first intervention, but there was a significant difference in the third hour (P<0.05). The severity of pain was significantly different between the two groups in different assessments including: an hour after the second, third and fourth intervention (P<0.05). A significant difference was found between mefenamic acid and M.officinalis in pain relief (P<0.001). Conclusion: M.officinalis can reduce the severity of after-pain, because it eliminates the need for pharmaceutical analgesics and works much better than mefenamic acid.

Keywords: Herbal Medicine, After-Pain, Mefenamic Acid, Melissa Officinalis