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Severe period pains are usually treated with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers. Although these drugs are effective and may well relieve the pain, they are also known to have mild and in some cases, pretty serious side effects as well. Which begs the question for better alternatives, preferably natural? A Nigerian study claims to have found an answer. Well, a few of them in fact. They claim to have unearthed Nigerian herbs that can do the job as effectively as the NSAIDs, with absolutely zero side effects and at a considerably lower cost.
What Is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as painful menstruation, is one of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting premenopausal women. In addition to symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and exhaustion, it is primarily characterised by cramping in the lower abdomen. According to reports, between 45 and 95 percent of women who menstruate suffer from dysmenorrhea, and in some instances, up to 29 percent of those women experience excruciating pain that interferes with their ability to work, attend school, or engage in social activities. It occurs when the uterus contracts to release its lining and usually, the pain starts right before the period and goes away a few days later.
Also Read: Can You Ovulate Immediately After Periods? Find Out Here
Symptoms
According to research, if your periods are painful, you might experience:- Abdominal pain that aches and throbs; occasionally, the pain can be quite intense.
- Sensation of abdominal pressure.
- Discomfort in your inner thighs, lower back, and hips.
- Additional symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and vertigo.
- (Most of the time, the pain starts 24 to 48 hours before your period and goes away 48 hours after it starts)
Nigerian Herbs Can Relieve Period Pains?
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The researchers collected Nigerian herbs: Sorghum bicolour, Spondias mombin, Xylopia aethiopica, Aristolochia littoralis, and Picralima nitida from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. After being thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination, the herbs were allowed to air dry for roughly two weeks. At the University of Ibadan's Department of Agronomy, they were further oven-dried at 40°C before being ground into a coarse powder for lipid profiling, antioxidant, phytochemical, and hormonal tests, among other analyses.
The extracts' ability to convert one form of iron into another in an acidic environment was tested to determine how effective they were at combating dangerous molecules (antioxidants). For the test, a unique liquid mixture was made. After adding the plant samples and vitamin C, the mixture was given a brief period of time to react. The strength of the antioxidant effect was then determined by a machine that measured the amount of change that had occurred. To assess each sample's efficacy, they compared them to common drugs used to relieve pain in periods, and the herbs proved as effective as the drugs on most metrics.
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Also Read: Breaking the Silence With A Professional: How To Talk To Your Son About Periods
Bottomline
These five plants reduced menstrual pain in lab rats by improving blood fats, controlling hormones, and reducing cell stress. Their findings support traditional treatments for menstrual issues. It's encouraging, but more human research is needed. In places where access to traditional painkillers is limited, these plant extracts offer a low-cost substitute with possibly fewer adverse effects and broader health advantages.