Evidence supporting the use of: Aerva lanata
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aerva lanata, commonly known as Mountain Knotgrass, is a plant widely used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in India and parts of Africa. In the context of afterbirth pain—pain experienced by women after childbirth due to uterine contractions—it is referenced in several ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine texts for its use in supporting postpartum recovery. Folk medicine practitioners often administer decoctions or infusions of Aerva lanata leaves or roots to women after delivery, with the intent to alleviate abdominal discomfort, promote uterine involution, and facilitate the expulsion of lochia (postnatal discharge). The rationale for its use is primarily rooted in traditional knowledge passed down through generations, rather than direct scientific validation.
There is limited scientific research directly evaluating the efficacy of Aerva lanata for afterbirth pain. While the plant has been studied for various pharmacological activities—such as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant effects—there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials or animal studies specifically assessing its impact on postpartum uterine pain. Most available evidence supporting its use comes from ethnobotanical records and anecdotal reports. Thus, the justification for using Aerva lanata in afterbirth pain management remains primarily traditional, with moderate to low evidence strength due to the absence of controlled scientific studies.
Other ingredients used for Afterbirth Pain
ashwagandhablack cohosh
chamomile
turmeric
fennel
ginger
ginseng
lavender
licorice root
parsley
rhodiola
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
punarnava
caesalpinia crista
boxthorne
goldenrod
yarrow
myrrh
siler root
fern
trichosanthes
queen of the meadow
arnica
Avens
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Ashoka
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Bethroot
Comfrey
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Castor Oil
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Erigeron
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eupatorium
Little ironweed
Other health conditions supported by Aerva lanata
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Kidney Stones
Leucorrhea
Menstrual Irregularity
Nephritis
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Skin (infections)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Wounds and Sores