--- title: Does aromatherapy with herbs help reduce PMS and period pain? description: Yes. Aromatherapy with lavender and rose significantly reduced period pain and premenstrual symptoms compared to no treatment. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/aromatherapy-with-iranian-herbal-medicines-for-premenstrual-syndrome-and-primary-2019/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does aromatherapy with herbs help reduce PMS and period pain? Systematic review, 2019 # Does aromatherapy with herbs help reduce PMS and period pain? Yes. Aromatherapy with lavender and rose significantly reduced period pain and premenstrual symptoms compared to no treatment. Moderate study design Women with PMS and primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods) ## What they did Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on aromatherapy with Iranian herbs for PMS and period pain (primary dysmenorrhea). ## What they found Fourteen studies were analyzed. Aromatherapy with herbs overall reduced pain (standard mean difference of -1.06). Lavender was particularly effective (standard mean difference of -1.08), as was rose (standard mean difference of -1.35). Geranium, citrus blossom, and rose oils also helped with mental and physical symptoms. ## What it means for you Herbal aromatherapy may reduce period pain and PMS symptoms, especially for women who cannot take conventional medications. The evidence is strongest for pain relief. 14 studies included in meta-analysis -1.08 standard mean difference for lavender -1.35 standard mean difference for rose ## About the study Original title Aromatherapy with Iranian Herbal Medicines for Premenstrual Syndrome and Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Authors Mona Najaf Najafi, Farnaz Hadavi, Shima Vazirinasab Kermani et al. Journal DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) Year 2019 Study design Systematic review What was tested Aromatherapy with various Iranian herbs Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2019.42455.3563](https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2019.42455.3563) Original abstract Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is painful bleeding in the absence of any confirmed pelvic disorder, which is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and headache. The tendency of patients to use herbal and alternative medicine is more than the past. Regarding the fact that no meta-analytical study has been done to evaluate aromatherapy with Iranian herbal medicines, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy with different herbs on premenstrual syndrome andprimary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: English and Persian electronic databases were systematically searched without any time limit until May 5, 2019. The references of review articles and clinical trials were also reviewed. Two authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts, if the subject of the article was relevant, the full article was extracted and criticized. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to conduct meta-analysis. Results: Finally, 14 studies were entered into a meta-analysis. The mean standard difference between two groups of aromatherapy with different plants and control group was -1.06 (95%CI: -1.33 to -0.848; p<0.001). Aromatherapy with roses (SMD=-1.35; 95%CI= -0.01 to -2.69; p=0.048), and aromatherapy with lavender (SMD= -1.08; 95% CI: -0.73 to -1.43; p<0.001) compared to the control group had better effect in reduction of pain severity. According to three studies, aromatherapy with Geranium 2% essential oil, Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil, and Rosa damascena were more effective than control group regarding mental and physical signs. Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy with different Iranian herbs such as lavender and rose could significantly reduce primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. This treatment can be used specifically in patients who cannot tolerate conventional treatments. Reproduced under CC-BY-SA. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2021 Does damask rose help reduce menstrual pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, and bloating? Survey study, 2023 How common is PMS in Jordan and what factors are linked to it? Cohort study, 2018 Do women with PMS or period pain use more complementary therapies like vitamins or yoga over time? Survey study, 2016 How do women use complementary and alternative medicine for menstrual pain? 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