Herbal medicine and women's mental health

Herbal medicine is being increasingly used by women to prevent diseases, promote health and treat different diseases including a number of psychiatric disorders. The use of herbal drugs is increasing in the western world. The use of herbal drugs during pregnancy has been studied to various extents in different countries. However, more information is required regarding the impact of herbal medicine on conventional treatment, because such information can have important for public health and mental health care. This review focuses on herbal medicine and mental health of women in particular premenstrual syndrome and maternal depression

Treatment of addiction by medicinal herbs sellers in Tehran

The objective of this study is to assess the medicines and materials dispensed by medicinal herbs sellers in Tehran for treatment of drug addiction. This study consisted of a qualitative study and a chemical laboratory analysis. In-depth interviews with a sample consisting of 52 medicinal herbs sellers from 22 zones of Tehran's Municipality and 32 drug dependents or their family members were performed, and thin layer chromatography was done for 55 specimens from handmade anonymous materials sold by medicinal herbs sellers for treatment of addiction. Eighty five percent of the studied herb sellers were active in treatment of addiction. The prescribed herbs consisted of Lavandula, Valerian, Citrus, Bishop's weed fruit and sweet balm. Although only 20% of the herb sellers disclosed dispensing chemical compounds as well as herbals, but all of the analyzed specimens included at least one chemical. Ninety one percent of the specimens contained diphenoxylate and 58% included at least one opioid. The cost of treatment ranged from 100 thousand to two million Iranian Rials per patient. Seventy five percent of addicts of judged the dispensed medicines and material as either ineffective or addictive. Widespread and active involvement of herb sellers in prescription and selling of handmade chemical compounds for treatment of addiction, despite its illegality, aid the large public demand for such medicines pose a serious challenge for the concerned policymakers. Scientific approach to herbal medicine, supervision of Ministry of Health and Medical Education on their production, licensing their sale, development and application of supervisory regulations, systematic training of those involved in production, prescription, and sale of herbal medicines, and public awareness rising ale recommended

[Effect of hypericum performatum L. for treatment of premenstrual syndrome]

The premenstrual syndrome is characterised by Physical and Psychological symptoms apearing regularly during the week prior to menstruation and disappearing within a few days of its onset, causing disruption to occuptional, family and personal functioning. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Hypericum is useful in releving the symtoms of premenstrual syndrome, but as yet there has been no clinical investingation of this. To compare the efficacy of Hypericum with placebo to treat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. A double blind, placebo controlled, randomised design was used in the clinical study. 70 Students of Tehran University with premenstrual syndrome who were in otherwise good Physical and mental health, completed Daily symptom Ratings for two cycles. Then participants devided were in two groups [active 35, Placebo 35] and took Hypericum or placebo for two complete menstrual cycles [2 x 30 drops for 7 days before menstruation]. Hypericum obtained a mean reduction of%46.45, in symptoms and placebo%18.1. There were significant reductions in all symptoms between two groups. [p=0.000] Treatment was well tolerated and there was not any discontinuation or complication with Hypericum. Hypericum treats premenstrual syndrome, and offers a therapy limited to the luteal phase for at least two cycles