Comparative Efficacy of Mature Coconut Water and Peppermint Water in Managing Gestational Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Faisalabad District

Background: Gestational hypertension poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, prompting the exploration of safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions. The natural properties of mature coconut water and peppermint water, recognized for their mineral content and potential health benefits, have been hypothesized to mitigate high blood pressure, offering a complementary approach to conventional treatment modalities. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of mature coconut water and peppermint water in managing blood pressure among pregnant women diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Methods: Employing a quasi-experimental design, this research was conducted in the Faisalabad district, targeting pregnant women in their last trimester with confirmed gestational hypertension. Fourteen participants were divided into three groups: a control group receiving no intervention, a coconut water group, and a peppermint water group, with six participants in each intervention group. Daily administration of the assigned intervention was standardized across participants, with blood pressure measurements taken at consistent intervals using a standardized sphygmomanometer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 to identify significant differences in blood pressure outcomes. Results: The study found significant reductions in blood pressure among the intervention groups. Participants in the coconut water group showed a decrease from an average baseline blood pressure of 146/92 mm Hg to 130/85 mm Hg post-intervention (p=0.021), while the peppermint water group experienced a reduction from 147/93 mm Hg to 125/82 mm Hg (p=0.013). The control group saw negligible change, from 145/90 mm Hg to 144/91 mm Hg (p=0.061). Conclusion: Both mature coconut water and peppermint water significantly reduced blood pressure in pregnant women with gestational hypertension. These findings suggest that natural beverages, due to their unique nutritional compositions and health benefits, may serve as effective complementary interventions for managing gestational hypertension. However, larger-scale studies are recommended to further validate these results and explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.