Herbal Remedies for Labor Pain Relief in Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Review

Labor pain is one of the most intense and complex types of physiological pain in women, influenced by hormonal, psychological, and physiological factors. While chemical medications are effective in alleviating this pain, they are often associated with numerous side effects. In contrast, Iranian traditional medicine offers natural and safe solutions for reducing labor pain through the use of various plant-based remedies. Identifying and exploring these plants may pave the way for the development of effective and low-risk herbal drugs in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. This study is a literature review of credible sources in Iranian traditional medicine used as labor pain relievers. Medicinal plants identified for labor pain relief in Iranian traditional medicine include Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Anethum graveolens L., Pimpinella anisum L., Apium graveolens L., Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch., Cuminum cyminum L., Pimpinella anisum L., Coriandrum sativum L., Cnicus benedictus L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Achillea millefolium L., Borago officinalis L., Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl, Matthiola incana (L.) W.T. Aiton, Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Salvia officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., Ocimum basilicum L., Origanum majorana L., Mentha×piperita L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Althaea officinalis L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rubus idaeus L., Prunus avium L., Prunus amygdalus Batsch, Malus domestica Borkh., Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Curcuma longa L., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, Musa×paradisiaca L., Crocus sativus L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Ricinus communis L., Oenothera biennis L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Viola odorata L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, and Jasminum officinale L., which have demonstrated potential in reducing labor pain through their various bioactive compounds. The results of this study suggest that Iranian traditional medicine includes a rich repertoire of medicinal plants that can alleviate labor pain. These plants, containing compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, offer natural and safe alternatives for labor pain management. Clinical studies are necessary to confirm their efficacy and to establish optimal dosages.