Objective: Umbilical hernia is a common condition in infants and children, caused by the incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth. Although this issue often resolves spontaneously by the age of two, in some cases it persists and may require surgical intervention. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), grounded in humoral theory and the rich diversity of Iran’s native flora, offers therapeutic approaches aimed at strengthening the abdominal wall and alleviating symptoms. These treatments may serve as low-risk, complementary options prior to surgical decision-making. Methods: This study is a narrative review based on authoritative sources in Traditional Persian Medicine, including The Canon of Medicine by Avicenna, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi by Seyyed Esmaeil Jorjani, Tohfat al-Mu’minin, Makhzan al-Adwiyah, and other reputable printed and digital texts. Keywords such as "hernia," "umbilicus," "medicinal plants," and "topical treatment" were used to extract relevant data. Findings: The review identified several medicinal plants traditionally recommended for managing umbilical hernia and strengthening abdominal muscles. These include chamomile, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, apple, licorice, aloe vera, castor oil, carrot, spinach, onion, cabbage, broccoli, jujube, frankincense, anise, myrtle, mastic, chickpea, bean, coriander, olive, and artichoke. These herbs have been used either topically or orally to alleviate symptoms and reinforce abdominal integrity. Conclusion: According to TPM sources, the use of herbs with astringent, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-toning properties may help improve local blood circulation, reduce bloating, and strengthen abdominal structures. As such, they hold potential as adjunctive therapies before resorting to surgery. However, due to the scarcity of experimental and clinical studies in this field, scientific research is essential for standardizing formulations and evaluating the safety and efficacy of these traditional treatments.
Objective: For centuries, medicinal plants, essential oils, and natural extracts have been used as alternative therapies to alleviate pain, particularly in the context of post-operative care for children. Despite their historical use, many of these treatments have not been rigorously examined through modern scientific inquiry. However, initial findings and classical sources of traditional medicine suggest that certain herbal remedies may offer significant analgesic benefits. This observation underscores the necessity of a more structured and evidence-based approach to their evaluation. The aim of this review is to explore the longstanding application of natural therapies—especially medicinal oils and herbs—in the relief of post-surgical pain, with a particular focus on their efficacy and safety in paediatric populations. Methodology: This study adopts a narrative review methodology, drawing upon authoritative sources within Iranian traditional medicine, including Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, Zakhireh Kharazmshahi, Tohfeh-ye Hakim Momen, and Makhzan al-Adviah, among others. Supplementary data were retrieved from indexed academic databases using keywords such as “pain,” “surgery,” “children,” and “medicinal plants.” Results: The review identified a range of medicinal plants traditionally used to mitigate surgical pain. These include borage (Borago officinalis), turmeric, ginger, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, parsley, black seed (Nigella sativa), clove, sage, rose, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), castor, olive, and aloe vera. These have been applied in various forms—such as oils, gels, essential oils, and aromatherapy—according to traditional practices. Conclusion: The evidence reviewed highlights a rich tradition of employing medicinal plants to ease post-operative pain in children, with specific emphasis on chamomile, lavender, marshmallow, aloe vera, and peppermint as both safe and frequently utilised agents. While traditional sources and preliminary scientific data support their potential efficacy, the absence of rigorous clinical trials remains a significant obstacle to their full integration into evidence-based paediatric care. Further experimental and clinical research is strongly recommended.
