The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a clinical picture characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, starting approximately one week before menstruation and decreasing with menstruation. The prevalence of PMS is quite high and it is reported that 50-90% of women experience at least one PMS symptom during the reproductive age. Physical symptoms of PMS include breast tenderness and bloating, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and skin problems. Psychological symptoms include irritability, outbursts of anger, hypersensitivity, crying spells, difficulty focusing, and social isolation. Behavioral symptoms include overeating, increased alcohol and caffeine consumption, sleep irregularity, and decreased physical activity.

Pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and complementary approaches are applied in the management of PMS symptoms. Within the scope of pharmacological treatment, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used, especially in alleviating psychological symptoms. Non-pharmacological interventions include aerobic exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, diet and lifestyle changes. Dietary restriction of caffeine, sugar, and salt consumption has been reported to reduce PMS symptoms.

The trend towards complementary therapies is increasing due to the lower side effect profile compared to traditional pharmacological treatments. Various herbal agents such as Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree), Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort), evening primrose oil, and traditional herbal formulations have been studied in the literature. Vitex agnus-castus was found to be effective in relieving PMS symptoms by regulating hormonal balance. The antidepressant effects of yellow cantharone have been evaluated, but findings on its efficacy are inconsistent. Evening primrose oil shows particularly favorable effects on cyclic mastalgia. Lavender tea has the potential to alleviate depression, anxiety, and mood swings, but there are no clinical studies evaluating the effect of lavender tea on menstrual bleeding. A randomized controlled trial showed that abdominal massage with lavender oil reduced the severity of menstrual pain. However, further research examining the effects of lavender tea specifically on the menstrual process is needed.

Inclusion criteria

• No history of acute or chronic illness, Meeting the diagnostic criteria for PMS specified by ACOG, Over 18 years of age, No psychiatric distress and no treatment for psychiatric distress in the last 3 months, No (current or past) participation in psychotherapy for premenstrual symptoms, Not pregnant, Gynecological diseases (hysterectomy, oophorectomy, gynecological cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, infertility) are among the inclusion criteria.

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy to any herbal tea, food or medicine, Psychiatric illness or chronic illness, Use of psychiatric medication (such as anxiolytics and antidepressants), Regular medication use (such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic), Regular use of herbal teas or complementary medicines, Failure to meet the diagnostic criteria for PMS specified by ACOG, No regular menstruation in the last 3 months, Use of oral contraceptives during the last 3 months, Use of analgesics during menstruation while participating in the study.