By Sayer Ji
Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
Why risk using a pain killer with deadly side effects? Natural alternatives are often not only safer but at least as effective.
New research reveals that cinnamon powder is effective at reducing symptoms of painful periods (primary dysmenorrhea) in college age students.
Published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research and titled, “Comparative effect of cinnamon and Ibuprofen for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized double-blind clinical trial,” Iranian researchers evaluated the effect of either 420 mg of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), 400 mg of ibuprofen, or a starch placebo, in three groups of 38 females. Both pain intensity and duration were monitored in all groups, with the results reported as follows:
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“The mean pain severity score and mean duration of pain in Ibuprofen and Cinnamon were less than placebo group respectively (p< 0.001). Of 4 hours after the intervention there were no statistically significant differences between the Cinnamon and placebo group (p> 0.05). Of eight hours after the intervention, the mean pain severity in the cinnamon group was significantly lower than placebo group (p< 0.001). At various time intervals the mean pain severity in the Ibuprofen group were significantly less than Cinnamon and placebo groups (p< 0.001).”
The researchers concluded:
“Cinnamon can be regarded as a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. More researches are recommended to study the efficacy of Cinnamon on reducing menstrual bleeding.”
Discussion
Why do we consider cinnamon superior to ibuprofen? Considering the well known dangers of ibuprofen, which is estimated to kill several thousand a year from its cardiovascular side effects alone, cinnamon’s potential role as a natural alternative to this drug is highly promising. Unlike ibuprofen, cinnamon is not known to have cardiotoxic properties. To the contrary, it is known to have both blood pressure lowering and blood sugar lowering properties, both which may confer protection against cardiovascular disease.
As far as the question of its role in menstrual bleeding addressed in the conclusion above, a recent randomized, double-blinded clinical trial found that it actually reduced the severity of menstrual bleeding in women, making it a win-win as far as difficult or inconvenient menstruation symptoms go.
For more information about either cinnamon’s health benefits, or other natural interventions for painful periods, consult the following articles and database sections on Greenmedinfo.com:
- Fennel: Evidence-Based Drug Alternative for Menstrual
- Inhaling Lavender Oil Eases Menstrual Pain
- Thyme Oil Beats Ibuprofen for Relieving Menstruation Pain
- Cinnamon Health Benefits Database
- Natural Interventions for Dysmenorrhea
Previous articles by Sayer Ji:
- Coconut Water: A New Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment?
- Yoga’s Age-Defying Effects Confirmed by Science
- Turmeric’s ‘Smart Kill’ Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame
- 6 Evidence-Based Ways Drumming Heals Body, Mind and Soul
- Tylenol Kills Emotions As Well As Pain, Study Reveals
- Research: Plants Cure Cancer, Not Chemicals
- A Higher Level of Freedom – The Benefit of Cannabis to Health
- Amazing Discovery: Plant Blood Enables Your Cells To Capture Sunlight Energy
- Beet Juice Boosts Cognitive Function In One Dose
- 13 Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Coconut Oil
About the author:
Sayer Ji is an author, educator, Steering Committee Member of the Global GMO-Free Coalition (GGFC), advisory board member of the National Health Federation, and the founder of GreenMedInfo.com – an open access, evidence-based resource supporting natural and integrative modalities. His writings have been published and referenced widely in print and online, including Truthout, Mercola.com, The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, New York Times and The Well Being Journal.
In 1995 Sayer received a BA degree in Philosophy from Rutgers University, where he studied under the American philosopher Dr. Bruce W. Wilshire, with a focus on the philosophy of science. In 1996, following residency at the Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York, he embarked on a 5 year journey of service as a counsellor-teacher and wilderness therapy specialist for various organizations that serve underprivileged and/or adjudicated populations. Since 2003, Sayer has served as a patient advocate and an educator and consultant for the natural health and wellness field.
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