The Effects of Chamomile and Flaxseed on Pelvic Pain, Dyspareunia, and Dysmenorrhea in Endometriosis: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Chamomile and flaxseed are traditionally used medicinal plants to treat painful menstruation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of chamomile and flaxseed on pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea in endometriosis patients. Materials and Methods: A controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 102 endometriosis patients referred to Reyhane Infertility Center of Qom University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from July 2021 to March 2022. Patients were divided into three groups: chamomile, flaxseed, and placebo, using the block randomization method. Patients used 1000 mg capsules (three times a day) for 8 weeks. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the severity of pain. Pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea were assessed on three occasions Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, repeated measures ANCOVA, and ANOVA. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, or dyspareunia (p > 0.05). The mean score of pelvic pain (on one and two-month follow-ups) in the chamomile and flaxseed groups (F = 383.07, p < 0.001) was lower than that in the placebo group. The mean score of dyspareunia (on one and two-month follow-ups) in the chamomile and flaxseed groups was significantly lower than that in the placebo group (F2 = 479.34, p < 0.001). The mean score of dysmenorrhea on one and two-month follow-ups (F-2 = 385.67, p < 0.001) in the chamomile and flaxseed groups was lower than that in the placebo group. Conclusions: Chamomile and flaxseed may reduce pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea associated with endometriosis.