Survey study, 2019
What does Thai traditional medicine say about premenstrual symptoms and how to treat them?
Thai traditional medicine texts describe 26 herbal remedies organized into two main groups for different types of premenstrual symptoms. However, these are from ancient texts and have not been tested in modern clinical studies, so we cannot know if they work.
What they did
Documentary analysis of Thai traditional medical textbooks about women's diseases and menstruation. Researchers analyzed content to find descriptions of premenstrual symptoms and herbal remedies, then classified them according to Thai traditional medicine theory.
What they found
Two main groups of premenstrual disorders were found with 26 total herbal remedies: 1) Five types with 14 remedies (caused by fire or wind imbalance). 2) Four types with 12 remedies (caused by four-element imbalance). Remedies were mild-tasting for blood disorders and spicy-tasting for wind element disorders.
What it means for you
Thai traditional medicine has a detailed classification system for premenstrual symptoms with specific herbal treatments. However, this is historical knowledge from ancient texts, not evidence from modern clinical trials. We don't know if these remedies work or are safe. A major limit is this is documentary analysis of old texts, not research testing remedies in people.
26
herbal remedies found
2
main groups of disorders
14
remedies for first group
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual symptoms and herbal remedies in Màhaachortàrat scripture
- Authors
- Kodchanipa Sutthibut, Arunporn Itharat, Phechnoy Singchongchai
- Journal
- Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None - documentary analysis of historical medical texts
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.70933/2773-9465.1738
Topics
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