Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Middle Eastern, African, and Chinese cultures. Its application for afterbirth pain—discomfort or cramping experienced by women after childbirth as the uterus contracts back to its pre-pregnancy size—primarily stems from traditional practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), myrrh is classified as a blood-moving herb and is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, including in postpartum conditions. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports describe myrrh being used in topical preparations, tinctures, or infusions to alleviate various types of pain and assist with uterine involution.

While myrrh possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties validated in laboratory studies, direct scientific research specifically evaluating its efficacy for afterbirth pain is lacking. Most available evidence comes from animal studies or general pain models, not postpartum women. Therefore, the justification for its use in afterbirth pain is rooted in traditional use, supported by its broader pharmacological actions, but without robust clinical trials or modern research directly addressing this indication. The evidence level is modest (rated 2), reflecting the gap between traditional endorsement and direct clinical validation. Women considering myrrh for afterbirth pain should consult with a healthcare provider, as safety and efficacy in this specific context have not been conclusively established.

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