Effect of Complementary Medicine on Pain Relief and Wound Healing after Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives

Cesarean sections are one of the common surgical procedures around the world. Management of cesarean section side effects, including pain, hematoma, delayed wound healing, is of particular importance in maintaining maternal health and ability to care for the baby. The tendency to use complementary medicine strategies is on the rise because of the easy treatment with low side effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of clinical trials performed in Iran and worldwide on the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.

Methods

PRISMA checklist was followed to prepare the report of this systematic review. The search process was carried out on databases on databases of Magiran, SID, Iran Medex, Scopus, Pub Med, Science direct, Medline and Cochrane library using keywords of cesarean, pain, wound healing, Herbal medicine, acupressure, massage, complementary medicine and their Persian equivalent and all possible combinations, from inception until February 2020. We used the Jadad scale to assess the quality of the searched articles. According to the Jadad scale, the articles with a score of at least 3 were included in the study.

Results

Finally, 28 clinical trials (with a sample size of 3,245) scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale were included into the analysis. This article reviewed 13 articles on medicinal herbs, 4 articles on massage, 1 article on reflexology, 2 articles on acupressure.

Conclusion

According to the present review, the use of medicinal herbs was the most common method of complementary medicine in pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.

INTRODUCTION

Cesarean sections are one of the common surgical procedures around the world, accounting for up to 60% of deliveries in some countries [1]. As the rate of cesarean section increases, the associated side effects, including hematoma, surgical site infection, incision site opening and pain, are on the rise [2]. Postoperative Cesarean sections pain can cause complications, including weakened immune system, increased myocardial oxygen consumption, reactive hypoglycemia leading to delayed wound healing, paralytic ileus and decreased respiratory function, through the development of neuroendocrine reflexes and increased sympathetic tone [3, 4]. On the other hand, the presence of scar and the resulting pain interfere with the mother being in the proper position for breastfeeding and consequently effective breastfeeding, which causes delayed breastfeeding and reduces maternal mobility and delayed maternal-infant bonding [5, 6]. Post-cesarean section wound also occurs despite the observation of correct surgical tips. However, surgical site infection, which is associated with hematoma, serous and incision site opening, is the most common cause of death following cesarean section surgery, leading to more hospitalizations and frequent referrals to the physician for discharge of secretions, debridement, wound healing, and high cost [2]. Management of pain and acceleration of wound healing after cesarean section are important for maternal and newborn care and breastfeeding. Many drugs used for this purpose, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates, have side effects including nausea, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal bleeding and itching [7]. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines using herbal remedies, aromatherapy, massage therapy, vitamins, oral supplements, acupuncture, music therapy, relaxation and yoga, whose application is increasingly important in parallel with the increasing financial burden of health care in different countries [8]. Since the complementary medicine is particularly important for early pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section as an easy, available and inexpensive therapeutic approach with low side effects, the present study aimed to systematically review studies on complementary medicine in this area, and to summarize the outcomes of the clinical trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) checklist to provide materials ranging from analysis and interpretation, problem determination to study, and data collection [9]. the search process was performed to search the articles evaluating the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section on databases of Magiran, SID, Iran Medex, Scopus, Pub Med, Science direct, Medline and Cochrane library using keywords of cesarean, pain, wound healing, treatment, herbal, herbal extract, Herbal medicine, acupressure, massage, complementary medicine, alternative medicine and their Persian equivalent and all possible combinations, from inception until February 2020, without any time constraints. Additionally, the references listed in all related articles were reviewed manually for finding further possible literature to maximize the search integrity.

Inclusion criteria for this structured review included clinical trials aiming at the evaluation of pain intensity and wound healing with appropriate tools. The study participants included women who used various complementary medicine techniques for pain relief and early wound healing after cesarean section. The outcomes were wound healing rate and reduced pain intensity. Irrelevant, duplicate, overview or letter to editor articles were excluded. If the full manuscript of the article was unavailable, the information in the abstract would be used and if the abstract did not provide essential information, the article would be excluded from the study. Fig. 1 shows the selection process of searched articles.

Figure 1.

Study selection procedure (PRISMA flowchart).

The Jadad scale was used to perform Quality assessment of searched articles, which reviews articles based on clinical trial design, randomization, blinding, follow-up and study methodology, with a minimum score of 1 and a maximum score of [10]. According to this scale, the articles with a score of at least 3 were enrolled in our study.

RESULTS

28 articles (with a sample size of 3,245) scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale were included into the analysis. This article reviewed 13 articles on medicinal herbs {Mentha piperita, (n = 1), Cuminum (n = 1), Lavender (n = 4), Calendula (n = 1), Honey (n = 3), Dill (n = 2), Hypericum perforatum (n = 1), Grape Seeds (n= 1), Orange Blossom (n = 1), Aloe Vera (n = 2), Rosa (n = 1), Chamomile (n = 1), Flax Oil (n = 1), Turmeric (n = 1)}, 4 articles on massage, 1 article on reflexology, 2 articles on acupressure (Table 1).

Table 1.

Studies on the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean

Author/year (reference number)	Location	Variables	Research sample	Intervention group	Control group	Tool	Complica­tions	Results and outcomes	Jadad scale
Fazel et al., 2004 [12]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 107	40 drops of mint essential oil in 30 ml of water (n = 60)	Placebo (n = 47)	VAS	Not mentioned	Mint essential oil is more effective than placebo in reducing the post-cesarean section pain intensity.	3
Fazel et al., 2008 [14]	Iran	Pain intensity of bloating after cesarean section	N: 124	40 drops of cumin essential oil in 30 ml of water (n = 66)	Placebo (n = 58)	VAS	Not mentioned	Cumin essential oil is more effective than placebo in reducing pain intensity of bloating after cesarean section.	4
Sobhani et al., 2002 [16]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 480	Inhalation of 4 drops of Lavender solution (n = 240)	Inhalation of Lavender Perfume, not palliative (n = 240)	VAS	Not mentioned	Aromatherapy with lavender significantly reduces post-cesarean section pain.	4
Ebrahimi Houshyar et al., 2015 [17]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 150	Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil (n = 50), TENS unit (n = 50)	Placebo (n = 50)	VAS	Not mentioned	The TENS unit significantly reduces pain compared to the lavender essential oil and control groups.	5
Najafi et al., 2016 [18]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 80	Inhalation of 2 drops of Lavender essential oil (n = 40)	Inhalation of placebo (n = 40)	VAS	Not mentioned	Lavender essential oil significantly reduces post-cesarean section pain intensity and painkiller need.	5
Olapour et al., 2013 [19]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 60	Inhalation of 3 drops of Lavender (n = 30)	Inhalation of placebo (n = 30)	VAS	Not mentioned	Lavender essential oil significantly reduces post-cesarean section pain intensity and painkiller need.	3
Samadi et al., 2010 [21]	Iran	Healing post-cesarean wound and relieving pain	N: 125	Hypericum cream (n = 47)	Placebo cream (n = 44), No intervention (n = 34)	VAS REEDA	Not mentioned	Hypericum cream is more effective than placebo in healing post-cesarean wound and relieving pain.	4
Lavagna et al., 2001 [24]	Italy	Healing post-cesarean wound	N: 24	70% Hypericum ointment and 30% Calandula twice daily for 16 days (n = 12)	Wheat germ ointment (n = 12)	Surface Perimeter Area (SPA)	Not mentioned	The topical combination of 70% Hypericum ointment and 30% Calandula is more effective than Wheat germ ointment in healing post-cesarean wound.	3
Nikpour et al., 2014 [26]	Iran	Wound healing	N: 75	25% honey gel (n = 37)	Placebo (n = 38)	REEDA	No	The use of topical honey is effective in accelerating wound healing.	5
Shirvani et al., 2013 [27]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 138	25% honey gel (n = 37)	Placebo (n = 47), No intervention (n = 54)	VAS	Not mentioned	Topical use of honey gel is more effective than placebo in relieving pain and reducing painkiller need.	5
Heidari et al., 2013 [28]	Iran	Healing post-cesarean wound and relieving pain	N: 124	Honey (n = 44)	Placebo (n = 40), Control [no intervention (n = 40)]	REEDA VAS	Not mentioned	Honey has no effect on reducing pain and improving post-cesarean wound.	5
Shakeri et al., 2017 [30]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 102	Oral dill essential oils (n = 51)	Placebo (n = 51)	VAS	No	Dill essential oils are effective in reducing post-cesarean section pain.	4
Fazel et al., 2017 [31]	Iran	Pain intensity of bloating after cesarean section	N: 118	Oral dill essential oils (n = 60)	Placebo (n = 58)	VAS	No	Dill essential oils are effective in reducing bloating and pain after cesarean section.	5
Soorgi et al., 2016 [33]	Iran	Wound healing	N: 125	Group A: 2.5% grape seed ointment (n = 41), Group B: 5% grape seed ointment (n = 42) every 12 hours	Placebo (n = 42)	REEDA	Not mentioned	Topical use of 5% grape seed ointment can accelerate post-cesarean wound repair and shorten its closure time.	4
Sharifpour et al., 2017 [36]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 120	Inhalation of 3 drops of orange blossom (n = 40), Inhalation of 3 drops of Salvia officinalis (n = 40)	Inhalation of normal saline (n = 40)	VAS	Not mentioned	Inhalation of Salvia officinalis and orange blossom are both effective in relieving post-cesarean section pain.	3
Molazem et al., 2014 [39]	Iran	Wound healing	N: 90	Topical Aloe Vera gel immediately after surgery (n = 45)	Routine dressing (n = 45)	REEDA	No	Aloe vera gel is effective in improving post-cesarean wound.	5
Schmidt et al., 1991 [40]	America	Wound healing	N: 21	Aloe Vera gel	Routine dressing	Observation	Not mentioned	The use of aloe vera gel was associated with a significant delay in wound healing compared to the control group.	3
Gharabaghi et al., 2011 [42]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 92	400-mg capsule 15 minutes before anesthesia (n = 46)	Placebo (n = 46)	VAS	No	Rosa extract is effective in reducing post-cesarean section pain.	3
Najafi et al., 2017 [44]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 80	Inhalation of 2 drops of chamomile essential oil (n = 40)	Inhalation of normal saline (n = 40)	VAS	Not mentioned	Chamomile essential oil was more effective than placebo in reducing post-cesarean wound and pain.	4
Mahmudi et al., 2015 [46]	Iran	Wound healing	N: 162	Turmeric ointment twice a day for 14 days (n = 55)	Placebo (n = 54), Control (n = 53)	REEDA	Not mentioned	Turmeric ointment accelerates wound healing after cesarean section.	4
Soleimani et al., 2019 [47]	Iran	Wound healing	N: 120	5% Vaseline-based flaxseed ointment twice daily for 8 days (n = 40)	Vaseline (n = 40), Routine hospital care (n = 40)	REEDA	No	Flaxseed oil is effective in improving post-cesarean wound.	5
Rezaei et al., 2017 [49]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 156	Hand and foot massage (n = 52), Foot massage (n = 52)	Control (n = 52)	VAS	Not mentioned	Hand and foot massage relieves post-cesarean section pain.	4
Najar et al., 2013 [50]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 80	Hand and foot massage (n = 40)	Control (n = 40)	VAS	Not mentioned	Hand and foot massage relieves post-cesarean section pain.	5
Irani et al., 2015 [51]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 80	Hand and foot massage (n = 40)	Control (n = 40)	VAS	Not mentioned	Hand and foot massage relieves post-cesarean section pain.	5
Saatsaz et al., 2016 [52]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 156	Hand and foot massage (n = 52), Foot massage (n = 52)	Control (n = 52)	VAS	Not mentioned	Foot reflexology relieves post-cesarean section pain.	5
Razmjoo et al., 2012 [53]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 61	Foot reflexology	Control	VAS	Not mentioned	Foot reflexology relieves post-cesarean section pain.	5
Ramezani et al., 2016 [55]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 108	LI4 point acupressure (n = 54)	Touch a point without pressure (n = 54)	VAS	Not mentioned	LI4 point acupressure is not effective in relieving pain and reducing painkiller need.	4
Negahban Bonabi et al., 2018 [56]	Iran	Post-cesarean section pain	N: 96	LI4 point acupressure (n = 32), SP6 point acupressure (n = 32)	Touch a point without pressure (n = 32)	VAS	Not mentioned	LI4 point acupressure is better than SP6 point acupressure in relieving post-cesarean section pain.	3

1. Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita is a medicinally important plant in which belongs to the Family Lamiaceae. In addition, there are some reports of the uses of Mentha piperita extract for relief of dysmenorrhea and tension headaches [11]. In a study by Fazel et al. (2004), the intervention group received orally 40 drops of mint essential oil 20 minutes after serum withdrawal three times. The control group received placebo in this manner. The pain levels were assessed at the first, the second and the third 20 minutes and at 120 minutes after the intervention. The level of pain intensity in the intervention group was significantly decreased at the second 20 minutes, the third 20 minutes and at 120 minutes after the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.001) [12].

2. Cuminum cyminum

Cuminum cyminum is a small annual and herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Cuminum has also been widely used in medicine to treat a variety of diseases including eupeptic, antispasmodic, astringent and used in the treatment of mild digestive disorders, flatulence, colic, dyspeptic headache and bloating [13]. In another study, Fazel et al. (2008), using a similar methodology, investigated the effect of oral cumin essential oil on pain intensity caused by bloating of cesarean section compared with placebo (a drop at a concentration of 0.1% cumin extract). Results showed that the pain intensity level was significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the placebo at the second 20 minutes, the third 20 minutes and at 120 minutes after the intervention (p < 0.001) [14].

3. Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia is a plant of Lamiaceae family, with many therapeutic properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anxiolytic, sedative activities and anti-inflammatory for skin care [15]. In a study of Sobhani et al. (2002), two drops of lavender solution diluted with distilled water in a ratio of 0:1 were poured onto the palms of the intervention group and were advised to breathe for 3 minutes. The lavender essential oil and lavender perfume (without palliative effect) were administered in three stages (6-8 h after first stage), and the pain intensity was measured before and 30 minutes after each intervention. The results showed that the pain intensity in all three stages was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001) [16].

In a study of Ebrahimi Houshyar et al. (2015), the control group used a deactivated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit and inhalation of 3 drops of placebo, the intervention group used the TENS unit (100-150 Hz excitation for 30 minutes) and inhalation of 3 drops of placebo, and lavender essential oil group used deactivated TENS unit and inhalation of 3 drops of 10% lavender essential oil. The pain levels were measured at 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively. Levels of pain reduction between Lavender and TENS unit groups were higher than control group. In addition, this difference was significant compared to Lavender essential oil and TENS unit groups, so that the use of TENS unit reduced pain to a higher level (p < 0.001) [17].

Najafi et al. (2016) divided the study units randomly into two groups of inhalations of two drops of lavender essential oil and inhalation of placebo (two drops of normal saline). The pain intensity, before and after the intervention, was measured. The pain intensity in patients treated with lavender essential oil was significantly lower than in the placebo group (p < 0.001) [18].

Olapour et al. (2013) used inhalation aromatherapy using lavender essential oil (for 5 minutes) in the intervention group and similarly used placebo in the control group; 4, 8 and 12 hours later, the pain score was measured using the VAS. The Lavender group reported less postoperative pain at 4 hours (p = 0.008), 8 hours (p = 0.024), and 12 hours (p = 0.011) after the intervention compared with the placebo group [19].

4. Hypericum perforatum

Numerous bioactivities of Hypericum perforatum was described in the pharmacological studies other than the antidepressant activity, including wound-healing, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti- mycobacterial [20]. In a study of Samadi et al. (2010), participants were randomly divided into three groups; 24 hours after the cesarean section, the intervention group received H. perforatum ointment and the placebo group received placebo ointment three times daily for 16 days. The control group received no intervention. They evaluated post-cesarean wound at 10 days after cesarean section and measured pain levels at 40 days after cesarean section. There were significant differences in wound healing on the 10th day (p < 0.005) and 40th day (p < 0.0001) postpartum between treatment group with placebo and control groups. However, the placebo group had no differences in wound healing (p = 0.93) with the control group. In addition, A lower pain score was observed on the 40th day post cesarean in the treatment group (p < 0.0001) [21].

5. Calendula

C. Officinalis is an annual herb belonging to Asteraceae. It contains different types of compounds including triterpenoids, saponins, coumarines, and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, it has been used for the treatment of wound healing and jaundice, and considered an anti-spasmodic [22, 23]. Lavagna et al. (2001) assigned the study participants in two groups of topical combination of 70% Hypericum + 30% Calendula extract and Wheat germ ointment and asked to continue their treatment twice daily for 16 days. The treatment of episiotomy incision with Hypericum-Calendula mixture reduced the area of incision by 37.6 ± 9.9% versus 15.83 ± 4.64% in the control group [24].

6. Honey

Honey has been used for the treatment of various disorders including burns and chronic wounds as a traditional medicine for centuries by different cultures [25]. In a study of Nikpour et al. (2014), mothers were given similar gels with a specific code in both intervention (honey gel 25%) and control groups (similar free-honey gel) twice daily for 14 days. Redness, edema and hematoma in the drug group were significantly lower on the 7th (p = 0.008) and 14th (p = 0.002) days [26].

Similarly, Shirvani et al. (2013) randomly divided the subjects into three groups of intervention (honey gel), placebo and control (no intervention). The mothers were asked to apply the gel twice a day for 14 days on the post-cesarean wound site and allow it to remain in site for 15 minutes. The pain intensity was measured on days 7 and 14 after cesarean section. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the three groups in pain intensity at days 7 and 14 postpartum (p < 0.05) [27].

Heidari et al. (2013) divided the subjects randomly into three intervention groups (honey gel), placebo and control (no intervention). Mothers were asked to apply the drug on the post-cesarean wound site twice daily for 16 days. Results showed no significant difference in pain intensity at 24 hours, 10 days and 40 days after cesarean section (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean REEDA score at 10 days after cesarean section between Three groups (p > 0.05). The mean REEDA score at 40 days after cesarean section showed a significant statistical difference between placebo and control groups, honey and control groups, but no significant difference was observed between honey and placebo groups (p = 0.76) [28].

7. Anethum graveolens

Anethum graveolens (Dill), from Apiaceae family, is a traditional herb that has various medical indications worldwide. its seeds have 3-3.5% essential oil and are used for treatment of stomach illnesses, food digestion, stopping hiccup, flowing of milk in nursing mothers, relieving of pain and as anticonvulsant and antivomiting [29]. In a study of Shakeri et al. (2017), the intervention group received 10% Dill seed essential oil at 60 minutes and 30 minutes before spinal anesthesia and then at 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after spinal anesthesia. The control group was also given placebo at the same intervals. The pain intensity was assessed at 4 and 12 hours after cesarean section. There was a significant difference in the pain intensity between the two groups (p < 0.01) [30].

In the study of Fazel et al. (2017), the intervention group received 40 drops of oral dill essential oil every 20 minutes up to one hour (three times) and the placebo group received no dill essential oil. The pain intensity was assessed at the end of every 20 minutes. Although the severe intestinal pain level was significantly reduced in both groups, this decrease was three times greater in the dill group at 20 minutes after the third dose (p < 0.001) [31].

8. Grape

Grape seed extract is rich in powerful antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and Polyphenol. Phenolic compounds helps preserve skin moisture and accelerates wound healing [32]. In a study of Soorgi et al. (2016), Group A received 2.5% grape seed ointment and Group B received 5% grape seed ointment and Group C received placebo. Mothers were asked to apply 1 g of ointment on the post-cesarean wound site every 12 hours. The wound site was evaluated at 6 and 14 days after the intervention, which showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.02) [33].

9. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis (Common sage) belongs to the family of labiatae whose essential oil is widely used in the perfume, food and pharmaceutical industries due to its antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and sedative properties [34].

10. Orange blossom

The flowers of this plant are used in the treatment of neurological diseases such as seizures and neurasthenia. In addition, it is known as a sedative, hypnotic drug, appetizer and heart palpitation lifter [35]. In the study of Sharifipour et al. (2017), the subjects were randomly divided into three groups: Salvia officinalis, orange blossom and control. The intervention groups inhaled three drops of the essential oil for 5 minutes immediately, 4 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours after the onset of pain, and then pain scores were assessed 30 minutes after each intervention. The control group performed aromatherapy with normal saline. The mean pain was significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group in all four stages (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the orange blossom and Salvia officinalis groups (p > 0.05) [36].

11. Aloe vera

Aloe vera (family Liliaceae) is from the group of flowering plants. In previous studies, many pharmacological properties of Aloe vera have been demonstrated such as the burn wound healing, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-ulcer [37, 38]. In a study of Molazem et al. (2014), the post-cesarean wound in the intervention group was coated with Aloe Vera gel and then dressed. In the control group, dressing was done using dry gauze alone. The wound healing was assessed at 24 hours and 8 days postoperatively. The results showed a significant difference in the REEDA score at 24 hours after surgery between the two groups (p = 0.003) but this difference was not significant after 8 days (p = 0.283) [39].

Schmidt et al. (1991) asked the intervention group to cover the wound site with Aloe Vera gel after each dressing change. The routine dressing was used in the control group, and examination was performed daily. The duration of healing was 53 ± 24 days in the control group and 83 ± 28 days in the intervention group, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003) [40].

12. Rosa damascena

Rosa damascena, as a herbal medicine, has antitussive, relaxant, antioxidant, hypnotic, antibacterial and anti-diabetic effects. In addition, the Rosa essence has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects which lead to reduced pain [41]. Gharabaghi et al. (2011) randomly assigned the subjects into two intervention (400 capsules of R. damascena extract) and placebo (starch) groups. Then, two capsules along with 30 ml of water were administered to the research units in the operating room 15 minutes before anesthesia. The pain intensity was assessed after transfer to ward at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. There was a statistically significant difference in the pain intensity between the two groups at the time points of examination (p = 0.001) [42].

13. Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal effect and topically used for treating skin inflammation, hemorrhoids, ulcers of the leg, and cracked nipples. It also has an effective role in reducing the pain and repairing damaged tissues [43]. Najafi et al. (2017) evaluated the effect of chamomile extract on post-cesarean section pain. Six hours after the cesarean section, inhalation of two drops of chamomile essential oil was used in the intervention group, and inhalation of two drops of normal saline was used as placebo in the control group. The pain was re-measured after 15 minutes. The pain intensity in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001) [44].

14. Turmeric

Turmeric is known as Auruk-e-Sufr. This spice is obtained from the root of Curcuma longa L which is a member of ginger family. There are many recommendations in traditional medicine that suggest the use of turmeric as an antiseptic therapeutic agent is beneficial in treating the skin injuries and healing of wounds, as well as improving rash, and scabies [45]. Mahmudi et al. (2015) evaluated the efficacy of turmeric cream on post-cesarean wound. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups of intervention (Turmeric) and placebo (Vaseline) and control (no intervention). The patients were instructed to apply the cream sufficiently to cover the suture area the day after surgery and not to dress the wound for 15 minutes and continue this procedure twice daily for 14 days. The wound healing was assessed on days 7 and 14 after cesarean section. According to the results, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean REEDA score between the intervention and placebo groups (p = 0.027) and between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.003), but this difference was not significant between the control and placebo groups [46].

15. Flaxseed

Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids of omega-3 and omega-6, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Soleimani et al. (2019) randomly assigned participants to three groups of flaxseed oil, placebo and control. According to the results, there was a statistically significant difference in cesarean section wound healing at days 4 and 8 between the flaxseed oil and placebo groups as well as between the flaxseed oil and control groups (p < 0.001) [47].

16. Therapeutical massage

Massage is one of the oldest therapeutic methods. It can relax muscles, improved sleep and blood circulation and relief of muscular aches and pains [48].

Rezaei et al. (2017) assigned the research units randomly into three groups of hand and foot massage, foot massage and control. The pain intensity was measured 4 hours after receiving the last dose of diclofenac suppository. In the intervention group, in addition to routine care, hand and foot massage was performed without any special equipment. The massage was carried out in the forms of petrissage, kneading and friction. The duration of massage for each limb was 5 minutes. The pain intensity was measured immediately and 90 minutes after the end of the massage to determine the duration of the massage effect. The results showed a significant decrease in pain immediately and 90 minutes after the massage in the intervention groups (p <0.001), but not significantly between the two groups (p = 0.98) [49].

In a study of Najar et al. (2013), hand and foot massage was performed without any special tools in the intervention group in addition to routine care. The massage was performed as petrissage, kneading and friction. The duration of massage was 5 minutes for each limb. The pain intensity was measured immediately and 90 minutes after the end of the massage to determine the duration of the massage effect. In the control group, the researcher was present on the patient’s bed for 20 minutes, but no massage was given. Results showed a significant decrease in pain immediately and 90 minutes after massage in the intervention group (p < 0.001) [50].

Irani et al. (2015) investigated the effect of hand and foot massage on post-cesarean pain. the pain intensity was measured four hours after surgery and then massage was applied in the intervention group. The massage was applied every 5 minutes for 20 minutes to the patient’s limbs. In the control group, the researcher was present in the patients’ bedside for 20 minutes but did not perform any massage. The pain intensity was measured immediately, 60 and 90 minutes after the end of the massage. The results showed a decrease in the pain intensity in the intervention group immediately, 60 and 90 minutes after the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.001) [51].

Saatsaz et al. (2016) similarly examined the effect of massage on post-cesarean section pain and reported a significant reduction in pain immediately and 90 minutes after massage in the intervention groups (p < 0.001) [52].

Razmjoo et al. (2012) evaluated the impact of foot reflexology on post-cesarean section pain. The reflexology (one session for 20 minutes on both legs) was performed for 10 minutes for the intervention group 2-3 hours postoperatively in addition to routine care and only routine postoperative care was provided for the control group. The pain intensity was measured 2 hours after intervention. The results showed a significant decrease in the intervention group (p = 0.004) [53].

17. Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment involves insertion of fine needles into different parts of the body to balance of energy in the body and the overall energy levels [54].

Ramezani et al. (2016) evaluated the effect of LI4 point acupressure on post-cesarean section pain. The intervention group experienced LI4 point acupressure for 10 seconds with 2 seconds rest for 20 minutes. The control group received a touch of point without pressure. According to the results, there was no significant difference in the pain intensity scores immediately, 60 and 120 minutes after intervention between groups (p < 0.05) [55]. In a study of Negahban Bonabi et al. (2018), research units were randomly divided into three groups: LI4 point acupressure, SP6 point acupressure and control (without pressure). Intervention was performed at the pressure points bilaterally, 10 seconds of pressure and 2 seconds of rest for 20 minutes consecutively. The pain intensity was determined before, immediately and one hour after the intervention. The LI4 point acupressure significantly decreased the mean pain score (p = 0.033) compared to control group, while the mean pain score did not differ significantly in the SP6 point acupressure group compared to the control and the LI4 point acupressure groups (p = 0.428) [56].

DISCUSSION

This study was designed to review the efficacy of complementary medicine on pain relief and accelerated wound healing after cesarean section. In three studies, the lavender essential oil had a greater effect in reducing the severity of post-cesarean section pain than placebo. Linalool and Linalyl acetate present in this plant are able to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and Linalyl acetate has a narcotic effect and Linalool in lavender acts as a sedative [57]. In a study of Ebrahimi Houshyar et al. (2015), the difference in pain level between two methods of TENS unit and aromatherapy with lavender essential oil in patients after cesarean section was significant in all three stages; the TENS unit group experienced less pain than lavender essential oil group, which may indicate that the TENS unit is more effective in reducing postoperative pain than in the lavender essential oil. Due to the absence of another study on the effect of the TENS unit on the relief of post-cesarean section pain, further studies are required to confirm these findings [17]. Three clinical trials were conducted to investigate the effect of honey on wound healing and pain relief after cesarean section. In a study of Nickpour et al. (2014), 25% honey gel accelerated wound healing after cesarean section [26]. In a study of Shirvani et al. (2013), 25% honey gel was more effective in relieving pain and reducing painkiller need than placebo [27], while Heidari et al. (2013) reported that the honey was ineffective in reducing pain and healing wound after cesarean section [28]. This difference in the results is justified by the difference in the time of intervention, the time of pain intensity measurement and the composition of honey gel. Two studies were found in the field of dill, the results of which showed the effect of dill essential oil on reducing post-cesarean section pain. Studies with a stronger methodology are recommended, given the limited studies available on the effect of dill on cesarean section pain. Molazem et al. (2014) reported the efficacy of Aloe Vera gel in wound healing after cesarean section [39]. In a study of Schmidt et al. (1991), using Aloe Vera gel had significant delay in wound healing compared to the control group [40]. Due to the limited study in this area, further studies are needed to confirm or reject the effect of Aloe Vera. Four studies demonstrated the effect of hand and foot massage on reducing post-cesarean section pain. Pain receptors are generally located beneath the skin and deep tissues of the limbs, so it is reasonable for hand and foot massage to be effective in reducing pain. The results of studies evaluating the effects of Mentha piperita, Cuminum, calendula, Hypericum perforatum, grape seed, orange blossom, Aloe Vera, Rosa, chamomile, reflexology, acupressure indicate their positive efficacy in pain relief and prevention and treatment of post-cesarean wound. Given the limited scope of each study and the lack of definitive conclusions, further research in this area may be helpful.

COCLUSION

Evidence indicates that most medicinal plants are effective in pain relief and wound healing after the cesarean section. Further studies are recommended to obtain more accurate evidence because of the limited number of articles on most plants. Hand and foot massage is one of the effective strategies to reduce post-cesarean section pain, which can be helpful as an effective nursing intervention in postoperative pain management and control.