Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex negundo
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitex negundo, commonly known as the Chinese chaste tree or Nirgundi, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and other South and Southeast Asian practices. In these traditions, Vitex negundo leaves and preparations are employed for a variety of gynecological complaints, including relief from afterbirth (postpartum) pain. The rationale is based on its reputed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and uterotonic properties, which are believed to help reduce pain, swelling, and aid in uterine involution after childbirth.
While there are several ethnobotanical references and Ayurvedic texts supporting the use of Vitex negundo for postpartum complaints, the scientific validation for this specific indication is limited. Some studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models, and these pharmacological actions could plausibly contribute to relief of afterbirth pain. However, direct clinical trials evaluating its efficacy for afterbirth pain in humans are lacking. Thus, while the use is deeply rooted in tradition and supported by some pharmacological studies suggesting relevant biological effects, robust clinical evidence is not yet available.
In summary, the use of Vitex negundo for afterbirth pain is primarily justified by traditional medicine, with modest supporting evidence from laboratory studies but insufficient clinical data to strongly validate its effectiveness for this specific indication.
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 Vitex negundo
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)