The Aromatherapy Effect of Rosemary and Lavander on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Clinical Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is seen in more than 50% of women of childbearing years. Considering the known side-effects of chemical drugs in the management of primary dysmenorrhea, this study was done to determine the aromatherapy effect of rosemary and lavender extract on the reduction of pain and other systemic symptoms accompanying the disease in female students. Methods: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled pilot trial study among 150 female students aged 18 to 26 years, who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea was undertaken. The participants were randomly divided into five groups: rosemary, lavender, both of rosemary and lavender, mefenamic acid, and placebo. Participants were followed for two to three cycles from the beginning of menstruation through the three days of bleeding. Main outcome measures were the severity and duration of pain at 2 and 3 months. Findings: There were statistically significant reductions in pain scores and pain duration scores in the groups that took rosemary (P < 0.001), lavender, both rosemary and lavender and mefenamic acid (P < 0.010 for all) compared to placebo group. Conclusion: Each four groups effectively relieved menstrual pain as compared with the placebo. More clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of these herbal drugs.

Keywords

• Keywords: Aromatherapy
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Primary dysmenorrhea