“AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF

LEMONGRASS TEA IN ALLEVIATING DYSMENORRHEA SYMPTOMS”

A Research Paper

Presented to

The Faculty of St. Albert the Great School

Dagupan City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 3

By:

Andaya, Chinna

Bruno, Joegie

Calicdan, Andrea Ylaissa

Cinchez, Camille Ruth

De Vera, Irish Mae

Natividad, Lexis John

Siapno, Miguel
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL SHEET

THESIS ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

General Objective

Significance of the Study

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Research Hypothesis

Conceptual Framework

Definition of Terms

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

 Dysmenorrhea

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

Abdominal Pain and Cramps

Dizziness

Nausea

Back Pain

Irritability

Uses of Lemongrass

Lemongrass in the Philippines

Lemongrass in other Countries

Effectiveness of Lemongrass Tea in

Alleviating Dysmenorrhea Symptoms In Terms Of Dosage

Drinking Lemongrass Tea during Menstrual Period

Side Effects of Drinking Lemongrass Tea

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Locale
 Respondent

Statistical Treatment

Data Collection Technique

Data Gathering Procedure

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of Pre-Test Questionnaires

Results of Post-Test Questionnaires

5. FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, and RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings

Conclusions

Recommendations

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

A. LETTER OF PERMISSION

TO CONDUCT THE STUDY

B. QUESTIONNAIRE

Pre-test

Post test
 St. Albert the Great School
Malued District, Dagupan City

APPROVAL SHEET

This research paper entitled AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ABOUT THE

EFFECTS OF LEMONGRASS TEA IN ALLEVIATING DYSMENORRHEA

SYMPTOMS prepared and submitted by ANDAYA, CHINNA MAE, BRUNO,

JOEGIE, CALICDAN, ANDREA YLAISSA, CINCHEZ, CAMILLE RUTH, DE

VERA, IRISH MAE, NATIVIDAD, LEXIS JOHN and SIAPNO, JAYVEE MIGUEL, in

partial fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 3 has been examined and

hereby recommended for acceptance and approval of Oral Defense.

______________________
Ms. Ann Cua
Research Adviser

Oral Defense Panel

Approved by the Oral Defense Committee:

_________________________ _______________________
Mrs. Realyn Mejia Mrs. Ma.Teodora Domingo
SHS Assistant Principal Academic Coordinator

_________________________
Ms. Kristine Carvajal
Guidance Facilitator/School Psychologist
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 3.
 ABSTRACT

The research paper entitled “An Experimental Research about the Effects of

Lemongrass Tea in Alleviating the Dysmenorrhea Symptoms” is to determine the

effectiveness of the Lemongrass tea in alleviating the dysmenorrhea symptoms during the

first three days of menstruation among female Grade 11 students.

The researchers hypothesized that drinking lemongrass tea 2 cups a day during the

first three days of menstruation of Grade 11 female students will help alleviate symptoms

of dysmenorrhea.

To gather the information needed to determine its effects, the researchers selected

ten respondents through Heterogeneous sampling under Purposive sampling who suffer

mild dysmenorrhea symptoms during their menstruation and provided them two tests,

namely pre-test and post-test and then answered by the chosen respondents. The data is

then interpreted and analyzed to conclude, and eventually create a recommendation to use

its potential as a remedy to synthetic medicines.

The results proved that lemongrass tea can help alleviate dysmenorrhea

symptoms. Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps were the symptoms that were

alleviated the most by drinking the lemongrass tea 2 cups a day during the first three days

of their menstruation.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to every single person

who have greatly encouraged and unselfishly assisted us directly and indirectly in the

process of completing and finalizing this study.

First and foremost, praises and gratitude to our Almighty Father, Who, have given

us strength, guidance and wisdom that we needed and therefore made our research

possible to accomplish.

We would like to give recognition to Ms. Annabelle Cua for guiding us and

giving us vital pieces of advice we ought to know and being patient all throughout, and

more importantly, being there whenever we need her.

We would also like to appreciate Mr. Jennifer Caoile for opening our eyes on the

world of research through teaching us Practical Research 1 and giving us some advice

that we needed.

To Mrs. Adelaida G. Carvajal, principal of St. Albert the Great School, we would

like to thank her for her benevolently generous cooperation which made the gathering of

data for the study possible.

We also appreciate the kind gesture of Ma’am Kristine G. Carvajal for sharing us

her knowledge on how to further improve our research.

To the faculty of St. Albert the Great School, we would like to thank them for

their guidance and supervision, and for providing information that is necessary regarding

this research.

To all our respondents, who have shared their time and genuine support in the

making of our study, your cooperation is very well appreciated.

 To all our friends and families, for the moral, emotional and financial support in

the fulfillment of the study, we are in debt.

 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Lemongrass is an herb that is native to Sri Lanka and South India but it grows in

many countries around the world. (Wilson, 2018) Lemongrass is a natural sedative and it

produces a calming effect that can ease pain during menstruation. Lemongrass tea or the

tea which is extracted from the plant of Lemongrass is commonly used in relieving

muscle contractions. Myrcene present in Lemongrass is an analgesic or painkiller.

(Sharma, 2015) Citranellol is also present in Lemongrass, which exhibits antinociceptive

(process of blocking the detection of an injurious stimulus by sensory neurons) action and

provides relief for menstrual pain. Lemongrass also acts as a mood enhancer and

alleviates discomfort due to having cramps. (Journal of Medicinal Food, 2011)

According to Cleveland Clinic (2014), a non- profit academic medical center

which provides clinical and hospital care and is a leader in research, almost all women at

some point in their life experience discomfort in the pelvis during their menstrual period

and for some women, the pain can be frequent and severe. Considering the number of

changes that a woman's body goes through each month, it is not surprising that problems

sometimes accompany these changes.

Dysmenorrhea is the cramping pain in the lower abdomen before and during the

menstrual period. (Mayo Clinic, 2018) Dysmenorrhea tends to begin after ovulation when

an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. (Wilson, 2017)

Dysmenorrhea or the difficulty in menstrual flow’s incidence has been reported to be

92% of females. (Schroeder, 1999)

 According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015), a

professional association of obstetrics and gynecology, there are two types of

dysmenorrhea namely, primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea, but primary

dysmenorrhea is the most common among women.

Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps that are recurrent and are not

due to other diseases. Pain usually begins 1 or 2 days before, or when menstrual bleeding

starts. Symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs and can range from

mild to severe, which typically last from 12 to 72 hours, and can be accompanied by

nausea, fatigue, and even diarrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea is worse than primary

dysmenorrhea since it is caused by a disorder in the woman's reproductive organs, such

as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or infection. The pain is not typically

accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea.

Women who experience menstruation at an early age are more likely to suffer

dysmenorrhea during their period. It is relatively uncommon for a woman to have her

first painful menstruation after the age of twenty. Dysmenorrhea that is not caused by

another condition tends to lessen with age and improve after giving birth. (Mayo Clinic,

2019)

The basic complaint of women with primary dysmenorrhea is cramps in the pelvic

area, but there may also be backache, spasmodic cramps, sharp or dull ache that radiates

to the low back and thighs and general discomfort. Dysmenorrhea may be classified as

painful to intensely painful, especially during the first 48 hours. (Oxford Academic,

2015)
 Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common causes of absenteeism among female

Senior High School students resulting in an average loss of two or more days a month.

According to a study entitled “Dysmenorrhea and its Effects on School

Absenteeism and School Activities among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in

Ibadan, Nigeria” (2017), prevalence of dysmenorrhea and school absenteeism was 73%

and 13.1%. The severity of dysmenorrhea is at 37.5%, for mild, 43.8% for moderate and

18.8% for severe dysmenorrhea. This affects the student’s class participation as well as

their social and sports activities.

One-year prevalence of dysmenorrhea among high school students in Kuwait was

found to be 85.6 % of the participants, 26% of which visited a public or private clinic for

their pain and 4.1% were hospitalized for their menstrual pain. Furthermore, 58.2% of

students with dysmenorrhea missed at least one day in school. (Al-Matouq et al, 2019)

St. Albert the Great School’s medical record shows that there are approximately

3-4 female students a day who approach the school nurse because of their dysmenorrhea.

This means that there are more than 60 female students who go to the school clinic

monthly because of menstrual pain.

It cannot be denied that many students suffer dysmenorrhea, which results to

absence, due to pain that is severe enough to interfere with their normal activities for a

few days every month. (Mayo Clinic, 2019)

The researchers have read a past research entitled “Therapeutic Effects of

Lemongrass Tea in Relieving Menstrual Pain” that is about the power of lemongrass tea

in alleviating menstrual pain. The researchers aim to elaborate this further by conducting
a study which will provide clearer answers to the questions about the effectiveness of

lemon grass in relieving the menstrual pain.

It is for this reason that researchers thought of conducting a research that would

determine the effects of Lemongrass Tea in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms in terms

of two cups per day during their first three days of menstruation.

Since the researchers were in direct contact with female Grade 11 students who

are having dysmenorrhea symptoms, they decided to conduct a study about the

effectiveness of lemongrass tea in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms among Grade 11

female students in St. Albert the Great School as their initial respondents.

However, due to Covid-19 pandemic, two researchers of the team who also

experiences mild dysmenorrhea symptoms became the respondents of the study as it does

not let the initial study to continue.

Statement of the Problem

This study has determined the effects of Lemongrass tea in alleviating

dysmenorrhea symptoms of the initial respondents or the selected Grade 11 students of

St. Albert the Great School (SAGS) and the two researchers who were turned into

respondents.

Specifically, it has sought to answer the following problems:

1. What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea with regards to their experiences as

perceived by the initial respondents and the two researchers who were turned into

respondents based on the following:

 a. Abdominal pain

b. Abdominal cramps

c. Dizziness

d. Nausea

e. Back pain

f. Irritability

2. How effective is the lemongrass tea in alleviating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea

when two cups as taken per day?

3. What are the effects of drinking two cups of lemongrass tea per day during

menstrual period?

General Objective

The researchers determined the effectiveness of the Lemongrass tea in alleviating

the symptoms of dysmenorrhea during the menstruation of the initial respondents and the

two researchers who were turned into respondents.

Significance of the Study

The researchers believed that the research studied would ultimately benefit the

following:

1. Females suffering from dysmenorrhea - The results of this study has informed

females who experience symptoms of dysmenorrhea during their menstruation,

that Lemongrass tea could help alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms.

 2. School nurses - School nurses have also realized that with regards to general

care, students who are suffering from dysmenorrhea may also take Lemongrass

tea to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. School nurses may also prepare it

and make it available for those who suffer symptoms of dysmenorrhea, with the

approval of the school administration and the consent of the parents of the

students and the students themselves.

3. Department of Education (DepEd) - The results of this study have given the

Department of Education information on the effect of Lemongrass tea in

alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms as well as its procedure and may include it in

the minimum learning competencies in Health.

4. Future researchers - The results of this study has served as a baseline of

information which may be used as a reference in conducting a new research that is

related to this study.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study covered the effectiveness of Lemongrass tea in alleviating

dysmenorrhea symptoms of the initial respondents and the two researchers who turned

into respondents.

Its effectiveness has been determined by conducting an experiment specifically on

the initial respondents and to the two researchers who turned into respondents who suffer

primary dysmenorrhea during their menstruation. The study has delimited on the effects

of the Lemongrass tea to those female Grade 11 students who suffer secondary

dysmenorrhea.
 Research Hypothesis

The researchers have hypothesized that Lemongrass Tea can alleviate

dysmenorrhea symptoms among the initial respondents and to the two researchers who

turned respondents in this study.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Grade 11 students with

symptoms of Data Analysis of with
dysmenorrhea such as: and without the
administration Effects of
a. Dizziness Lemongrass Tea in
Lemongrass tea
b. Nausea Alleviating
procedure plus the
c. Abdominal pain Dysmenorrhea
pre-test and post test
d. Abdominal cramps Symptoms
given to the
e. Back pain
respondents.
f. Irritability
OUTPUT

INPUT PROCESS
Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

This study premised on the symptoms of dysmenorrhea which are common

to most women, as it started specifically in the age range of high school students. It is

then imperative that research on this subject has undertook to help the young women
alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea during their monthly period and has make the

researcher aware of the condition of their female classmates during these periods.

The paradigm shows the Input, Process and Output of the study. The input indicates

the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. The process shows the method of the research in

collecting the data, which is by the given questionnaires to the respondents about with

and without the administration of Lemongrass tea to determine its effectiveness. The

output presents if the Lemongrass Tea is effective in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Definition of Terms

To facilitate understanding of this study, the following terms are defined

operationally and conceptually:

Decoction. It is the act of boiling to extract some desired substance or preparation

made by boiling a substance in water or other liquid; extract obtained by boiling.

Dysmenorrhea. It is known as the painful menstruation due to the release of

prostaglandin in response to tissue destruction during the menstrual cycle.

Dysmenorrhea Symptoms. It refers to the symptoms of dysmenorrhea such as

nausea, back pain, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps and irritability.

Lemongrass Tea. It is an herbal tea made from extracting lemongrass plant used

to alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms among Grade 11 female students.

Primary dysmenorrhea. It is a type of dysmenorrhea caused by contraction of

the muscles of the uterus.

 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In this chapter, the researchers presented some related studies and professional

literature conducted and completed which have bearing on the present research work.

These related studies and professional literature provided the researchers some insights

and directions in the conduct of the research work as well as knowledge of certain

constraints and limitations of this study.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by pain that occurs shortly before menstrual flow

and persists for one to several days of menses. Pain associated with menstruation is a

common experience among women. (Grandi et.al, 2012) It is the medical term for

menstrual cramps, which are caused by uterine contractions. (Cleaveland Clinic, 2020)

Some women have mild to moderate abdominal cramps a few days before or

during menstruation. This discomfort accompanies with dysmenorrhea, results from

contractions of the uterus and it is usually normal. (Health Guide, 2019)

During the days before menstruation begins, some women experiences emotional

and physical symptoms. (The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada,

2019)
 Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their life. Most

women experience some discomfort during menstruation, especially on the first day. But

in 5% to 10% of women, the pain is severe enough to disturb their life. (Grandi et. al,

2012).

SYMPTOMS OF DYSMENORRHEA

Abdominal Pain and Cramps

Menstrual cramps, mild to intense abdominal cramping begins within 24 hours of

the start of the menstruation and continues for days. It is caused by the elevated

production of prostaglandins, a hormone produced by the uterus that causes it to contract.

(Davidson, 2018)

Prostaglandins, or chemicals that form in the lining of the uterus during

menstruation, causes muscle contractions and cramps that are similar to pains during

child labor. They can also contribute to nausea and diarrhea. The contractions inhibit the

blood flow to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium. It may also happen because there

are high levels of leukotrienes (hormones that cause tightening of airway muscles and the

production of excess mucus and fluid during menstruation.) (Peter Crosta, 2017)

Menstruating people experience it, with some estimates saying as much as 84%.

(Sullivan, 2018)

Dizziness
 For about 5% of adolescent girls, the symptoms of their dysmenorrhea is

dizziness lasting one or two days at the start of their menstrual period, which is severe

enough to interfere with their normal activities. (Beydoun, 2017)

One of the most common causes of dizziness in menstruating women is iron-

deficiency anemia. If you have an average menstrual flow, you lose about 30mL or

roughly about two tablespoons of blood every month. Usually, that is not enough blood

loss to cause symptoms unless you already have an underlying condition causing you to

be anemic. On the other hand, if you have really heavy periods month after month, it is

possible for you to become anemic just from your menstrual blood loss.

Acute or quick blood loss will usually cause more symptoms because the body

doesn’t have time to make other adjustments to compensate for the loss of the oxygen-

carrying RBCs. If your blood loss is more chronic or slower over time, it might take

longer for you to notice the symptoms of anemia- especially the dizziness. (Tracee

Cornforth et. al, 2019)

Period-related migraine is also one of the causes of dizziness that affects

approximately 60 percent of women who have migraine. They are caused by fluctuating

levels of estrogen, and can happen right before, during or after menstrual periods. Like

other types of migraine, period-related migraine causes a one-sided, throbbing attack that

causes dizziness. (Carly Werner, 2019)

Nausea
 Nausea is a part of the menstrual period. One of the hormones released during

your cycle is called prostaglandin. Though most of it sheds with the uterine lining, some

gets into your bloodstream. This can cause nausea to vomiting. (WebMD, 2017) Around

20% to 50% of women experience nausea before their period. (Villines, 2018)

Sometimes, nausea is caused by mild hormonal changes, which prompts the

stomach to overproduce gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid. This can also cause

mild heartburn, or, in extreme cases, vomiting. The stomach can be provoked to secrete

more gastric juice after menstrual cramping. Menstrual period may also come with a

migraine, which can also be nauseating. (Flo, 2020)

Back pain

Low back pain can range from a subtle annoyance to weakening pain during days

of menstruation. The pain experienced is located along the center portion of the low back.

Back pain for most women will begin a few days prior to a menstrual cycle and usually

subside after. (Virginia Spine Institute, 2016).

As your body contracts to rid of the uterine lining, it can sometimes press on

blood vessels in the area, limiting or cutting off the supply of oxygen to the uterine

muscles. (Amatulli, 2016)

Menstrual period cramps can radiate through the entire lower and upper back.

According to a study entitled “Menstrual Characteristics and Prevalence of

Dysmenorrhea in College-going girls”, their research has found that more than 84 % of

women aged 18-25 from the 300 respondents are experiencing dysmenorrhea and 16% of

them experienced back pain. (PubMed Central, 2015)

Irritability

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including mood swings, occur during

the last (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle, which starts after ovulation-typically day 14

to day 28 of a woman’s monthly cycle. Once menstruation starts, mood swings usually

disappear.

The emotional disturbances are thought to be connected to the rise and fall of

hormones, specifically estrogen, throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels begin to

rise slowly just after a women’s period ends, and it peaks two weeks later. These

hormonal peaks and valleys are thought to cause mood swings and other menstrual

symptoms. (Sheehan, 2010)

According to Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (2019), in their study entitled

“The Relationship of Premenstrual Syndrome and Anger”, anger and irritability are one

of the most severe and persistent symptoms of PMS that adversely affect women. It is

reported that women frequently complain anger and irritability before their menstruation.

It is known that women who are able to control anger in daily life lose their anger

management ability in the premenstrual period.

USES OF LEMONGRASS

Studies indicate that Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) that possesses various

pharmacological activities such as anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, ant filarial,

antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects like antimalarial,

antimutagenicity, antimycobacterial, antioxidants, hypoglycemic and neurobehavioral

have also been studied. (Kluwer, 2011)

Popular for its citrus flavor with a trace of ginger, lemongrass has been

traditionally used in folkloric herbal medicine to various medicine condition including

rheumatism, fever, acne, anxiety and many more. (Medical Health Guide, 2016)

Lemongrass tea is used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating, and

hot flashes. (Olsen, 2017) Lemongrass also increases the secretion and discharge of

urine. The infusion of the grass, when mixed with black pepper, is given in painful and

difficult menstruation. Raw juice or decoction of the grass may be taken in such a

condition. Researchers have found that Lemongrass does hold antidepressant, anti-

oxidant, astringent, bactericidal, fungicidal, nervine and sedative properties.

(http://www.inriodulce.com/links/lemongrass.html)

LEMONGRASS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Lemongrass, known as “tanglad” in the Philippines is planted in most parts of the

country for its fragrant leaves. The grass is a native in tropical Asia and is widely

distributed in civilization. (Pinoy Entrepreneur, 2015) It is popular among barrio folks

who put the leaves in rice being cooked to enhance the aroma and flavor of the said staple

food. It has also been used as tea to remove the free radicals from the body or even to

cool up the body during scorching summers. (Philippine Star, 2006)

Among the known therapeutic properties of lemongrass are as astringent, tonic,

calmative, anti- infectious, diuretics, digestive, anti-parasitic and anti-high blood

pressure. Belen Abalos, who has been at the frontline for promoting crops in our country,
said that researches showed that massaging with lemongrass essential oil for general body

treatment produces the following effects: improved blood circulation at the head and

body extremities; relief from nervousness, stress and tension.

In the Philippines, lemongrass tea is used to soothe stress, alleviate colds, fevers,

and gastrointestinal distress, and manage pain and arthritis however, in other countries

like Indonesia and Brazil; they use to treat bladder disorders including inflammatory

conditions of the urinary tract. (American Botanical Council, 2017)

According to Salamat Dok (2017), a Philippine medical television program, in

one of its episodes; lemongrass’ scent has a calming effect for the mind that helps in

relieving stress due to its anti- depressant properties. It is also rich in vitamins and

minerals like vitamin A and C, folic acid, folate, iron, magnesium and even potassium. Its

uses are found effective for lowering blood pressure, stomach ache and constipation, by

drinking tea extracted from its leaves. It has diuretic properties that promotes urination

and therefore helps in cleansing and detoxifying the liver and kidney.

LEMONGRASS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Herbalists have used lemon grass for centuries in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is

used in teas to combat depression and bad moods, fever, as well as nervous and digestive

disorders. Studies show that lemon grass has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Its

aroma can use in aromatherapy as a relaxant. Lemongrass is also used as the basis of a

popular drink in the tropics and as a tea. (Gilbert, 2011)

Lemongrass is used in traditional Indian medicine for infectious illnesses, fever

and can be used as an insect repellent and deodorizer, to relieve muscular pain,
headaches, nervous exhaustion and other stress related problems. There have been recent

research in India which shows that lemon grass acts as sedative on the central nervous

system. (Herbal Gram, 2017)

Lemon grass is also cultivated in Sri Lanka. It is used in herbal teas and other

nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, and confections. Lemon grass is one of the spices

that is used in Thai food, and other various Southeast Asian dishes. (Goodwin, 2019)

EFFECTIVENESS OF LEMONGRASS TEA IN ALLEVIATING

DYSMENORRHEA SYMPTOMS IN TERMS OF DOSAGE

According to British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open (2019), a medical journal

addressing research questions in clinical medicine, women who drank tea daily

experience lesser pain during their period. Those who consumed 3-5 cups a day of tea for

2-3 days during their menstruation were 51% less likely to report having mild

dysmenorrhea than non-drinkers.

However, Dr. Rima Chatterjee (2016), a gynecologist of Pearl Clinic in India

advises to drink at least one cup of lemongrass tea because the heat from the tea serves up

some much-needed comfort to your distressed muscles. Drinking 1-2 cups of hot brewed

Lemongrass tea will be beneficial to your health. (Dsouza, 2018)

It was found out by the researchers of Philippine College of Science and

Technology of Calasiao with their research entitled “Therapeutic Effects of Lemongrass

tea in Relieving Menstrual Pain”, that taking 2 cups of Lemongrass Tea for 2 days is

effective in alleviating abdominal pain, leg pain and back pain while it is not effective for

vomiting.
DRINKING LEMONGRASS TEA DURING MENSTRUAL PERIOD

Lemongrass has a cooling energy which helps in soothing the stomach. It contains

75% citral, the active ingredient in lemon peel, citral is known as a great analgesic, which

means it can lessen pain. Citral is said to aid digestion as well as relieve spasms,

abdominal cramps, muscle cramps, rheumatism and headaches. (Evina Natural, 2017)

Lemongrass is generally considered safe to use in amounts such as amounts used

to make tea. (Olsen, 2017) If you have the habit of taking tea every day, lemongrass tea

can be one very good alternative. One or two cups of lemongrass tea a day is safe and

enough to alleviate menstrual pain. (Tadimalla, 2019)

Natural ingredients that help ease menstrual pain are safe and effective.

According to a renowned naturopath, Dr. H K Bakhru in his book “Herbs that Heal”,

lemongrass tea is one such effective remedy for menstrual problems. An infusion of the

Lemongrass is given in painful and difficult menstruation. Raw juice or decoction

(process of boiling) of Lemongrass may be taken in such a condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DRINKING LEMONGRASS TEA

There are potential side effects when drinking lemongrass tea. Consuming large

amounts of lemongrass may cause, dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth, excess urination,

and it will increase your food intake. (Frey, 2019)

Excessive and improper use of Lemongrass can lead to allergic reactions in some

people. (Dilmahtea, 2020) Some possible allergic reactions are rashes, difficulty in

breathing and rapid heart rate. (Olsen, 2017)

 Lemongrass tea is generally a safe and healthy herbal drink. It’s easy to grow or

find at most natural food stores. Animal and laboratory research have shown that

lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Lemongrass

may also help protect your stomach lining. (Olsen, 2017)

Inflammation is a factor in many adverse health conditions, including pain like

menstrual problems and heart disease. As such, lemongrass tea could be a beneficial

drink for people to incorporate into their diet.

 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, respondents of the

study, data collection technique and data collection procedure.

Research Design

Experimental research design under the quantitative type of research was the most

appropriate method used by the researchers in knowing the effectiveness of Lemongrass

Tea in Alleviating Dysmenorrhea among Grade 11 female students of St. Albert the Great

School.

Research Locale

The study among the 10 initial respondents was conducted in Grade 11 Einstein

room St. Albert the Great School’s high school building in Malued District, Dagupan

City, Pangasinan while the new study was conducted in the house of the two researchers

in Lasip Grande, Dagupan City and Calasiao in Pangasinan respectively.

Respondents

The Heterogeneous sampling were utilized on this study under Purposive

sampling on 10 female respondents from Grade 11 students of St. Albert the Great

School for the school year 2019-2020 who suffered mild menstrual cramps. There were

five (5) students from Grade 11- Taylor, four (4) from grade 11- Einstein and one (1)
from Grade 11- Pasteur. The new study on the other hand was covered by two (2) female

researchers as respondents from Grade 11- Einstein class in St. Albert the Great School.

Statistical Treatment

The data gathered were interpreted using frequency and percentage count to answer

problem number 1 which is about the symptoms of menstrual cramps to female grade 11

students, it is also used to answer problem number 2 which is about the effectiveness of

Lemongrass Tea in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Thus, the weighted means was used to answer the effectiveness of Lemongrass Tea

on first, second and third day of menstruation in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms to

the grade 11 female students.

The mean values were interpreded as:

Numerical Values DescriptiveEquivalent Statistical Limits

3 Very Effective(VE) 2.34-3.00

2 Effective(E) 1.67-2.33

1 Not Effective(NE) 1.00 -1.66

The following formula have been used:

1. Percentage % = F/N x 100

Where:

% = percentage

F = Frequency

N= no. of respondents
 f 1 X 1+ f 2 X 2+ fk Xk
2. Weighted Mean=
N

Data Collection Techniques

There were two kinds of techniques used in the research namely the observation

and experimentation technique.

The observation technique is essential, because the researchers want to know the

status of the respondents without the intake of lemongrass tea.

The second technique that was utilized was the experimental technique, because

the researchers want to know the effectiveness of the lemongrass tea as first aid for

menstrual cramps through letting the respondents drink it.

Data Collection Procedures

Following the experimental research design, the researchers will use

Heterogeneous Sampling under Purposive Sampling. Heterogeneous sampling is a

method wherein the selection of respondents is according to the researcher’s judgment. It

is also done in a small group of population.

There will be two sets of questions, one pre-test and one post-test. The first test to

be given is the pre-test; wherein respondents need to indicate what kind of menstruation

do the respondents’ experience, choose what dysmenorrhea symptoms that the

respondents feel during their period and rate the dysmenorrhea symptom according to the

pain categorical scale. In three months, the researchers will observe the respondents in

taking the Lemongrass Tea in their first three days of their menstruation. After the three-
month long experiment, respondents will be given post test questions that will indicate

the findings of the study.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

J Adv Pharm Technol Res(2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon
citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217679/.

Medical Health Guide (2016). Lemon grass Herbal Medicine, Health Benefits, Side
Effects. Retrieved from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/lemongrass.htm

Lock, K. (2012). Did you see that in Rio Dulce? Retrieved from
http://www.inriodulce.com/links/lemongrass.html

Gilbert , L. (2012).Lemon Grass. Retrieved from

https://sallybernstein.com/food/columns/gilbert/lemon_grass.htm

Bauman H. & Davis M. (2017) Food as Medicine: West Indian Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon citratus, Poaceae). Retrieved from
http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume14/10October/FoodasMedicine_Lemongrass.html?
ts=1580610438&signature=985c76897ac70e0db3f32fd32782c995

Modak,T. & Mukhopadhaya, A.(2018). Lemon Grass Benefits | Lemongrass Tea Benefits
| Dilmah Infusions Tea. Retrieved from https://www.dilmahtea.com/herbal-infusion-
tea/herbal-tea-benefits/lemon-grass.html

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zMGJhYWh6jXdGholt99hUL_amp.html
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Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_lemongrass/drugs-condition.htm#

Lacovides, S. et.al (2015). What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical
review. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/21/6/762/628858
Davidson, J. (2018). 7 Reasons Your Period Might Be Painful. Retrieved from
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/reasons-your-period-might-painful/

Beydoun, H. (2017). Prevalence, Impact, and Management Practice of Dysmenorrhea

among University of Gondar Students, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijrmed/2017/3208276/

Nall, R. (2018). Lemongrass tea: Benefits, uses, and recipe. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321969.php

Mcdermott, A. (2017). Lemongrass Tea: 10 Benefits. Retrieved from

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lemongrass-tea

Cornforth, T. (2019). How Blood Loss During Your Period Can Lead to Dizziness.
Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/dizziness-why-do-i-feel-dizzy-2721914

Shield, W. (2019). Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment. Retrieved
from https://www.medicinenet.com/abdominal_pain/symptoms.htm#

Klepchukova, A. (2020). Nausea during period: why you get sick during menstruation.
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cycle/health/period/nausea-period

Crosta, P. (2017). Menstrual cramps: Causes and management. Retrieved from

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157333#symptoms
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supplements.htm

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Painful-Periods?IsMobileSet=false
 APPENDIX A
February 12, 2020
Mrs. Adelaida G. Carvajal, Ma. Ed.
The Principal
St. Albert the Great School

Dear Mrs. Adelaida G. Carvajal:

We, the Grade 11 students of St. Albert the Great School, under the STEM strand are
conducting a research study entitled "The Effects of Lemongrass Tea in Alleviating
Dysmenorrhea Symptoms”.
In this connection, may we request your good office to permit us to conduct the
experiment among Grade 11 female Senior High School students at Grade 11 – Einstein
room in St. Albert the Great School, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, during their menstrual
period. The experiment will be conducted between February 13, 2020 until March 25,
2020.
The pre-test along with the experimentation process will be conducted, and then the post
test will follow. We assure you that all information will remain confidential.
Attached on this paper are the pre – test and post - test questions for your reference.

Thank
Chinnayou
MaeforC.your generous approval to this request.
Andaya

Irish Mae M. De Vera

Respectfully yours, Noted:

Camille Ruth P. Cinchez

Ms. Ann Cua
Research Adviser
Andrea Ylaissa T.

Calicdan Mrs. Ma. Teodora Domingo

Academic Coordinator
Jayvee Miguel D. Siapno
Mrs. Realyn Mejia
Lexis John L. Natividad SHS Assistant Principal
 Approved:

PRE-TEST
Mrs. Adelaida G. Carvajal, Ma. Ed.
Questionnaire
The Principal
To the Respondents,

This questionnaire aims to gather data about “The Effects of Lemongrass Tea in
Alleviating Dysmenorrhea Symptoms”. In this connection may we request you to answer
this questionnaire to provide the researchers with enough information?

All of your answers are correct as long as you answer it honestly. We appreciate
very much your answer for every item which will contribute to the success of this study.

PERSONAL DATA

Name: _____________________________ Age: _______

1. Are you experiencing menstruation regularly?

a. Yes
b. No

2. When was your last menstruation? ____________________

3. What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea that you feel during your menstrual
period?
 Dizziness
 Nausea
 Abdominal pain
 Abdominal cramps
 Back pain
 Irritability
 Others, please specify__________________________
 4. Rate the pain you feel when experience the symptoms of dysmenorrhea during the
first three days of your menstruation.

Rate according to the following illustration.

Menstrual Symptoms First Day Second Day Third Day

A. Dizziness

B. Nausea

C. Abdominal Pain

D. Abdominal Cramps

E. Back Pain

F. Irritability

G. Others, please
specify:
______________
 POST TEST

Questionnaire

To the Respondents,

This questionnaire aims to gather data about “The Effects of Lemongrass Tea in
Alleviating Dysmenorrhea Symptoms”. In this connection may we request you to answer
this questionnaire to provide the researchers with enough information.

PERSONAL DATA

Name: _____________________________ Age :_______

Rate according to the following:

3 – Very Effective (the symptoms were gone)

2 – Effective (the symptoms were lessened)

1 – Not Effective (still had the symptoms)

Dysmenorrhea Symptoms First Day Second Day Third Day

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

A. Dizziness

B. Nausea

C. Abdominal Pain

D. Abdominal Cramps

E. Back Pain

F. Irritability

G. Others,please specify:
________________