During pregnancy, women can be prone to various ailments, including aches and pains.
The best way to relieve aches and pains is to use olive oil, to which three to four drops of ginger essential oil can be added; ginger having been mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
If the aches and pains persist, it is then possible to add two to three drops of wintergreen essential oil.
There are many other plants useful for aches and pains, however they may be contraindicated during pregnancy.
What the science says: physical activity, pregnancy
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — these studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Physical activity
Regular exercise improves physical function, mood, and longevity according to numerous meta-analyses (J Sport Health Sci, 2021) (Biol Res Nurs, 2023); it protects against cognitive decline (JAMA Netw Open, 2024) and reduces depressive symptoms. The Prophet ﷺ walked briskly, raced with 'Aisha, and encouraged archery and swimming. Precaution: resume gradually after a long period of inactivity; seek medical advice before intense exertion after age 40 or in the case of a chronic illness.
Pregnancy
Ginger is the go-to natural remedy for pregnancy-related nausea (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2022) (J Am Board Fam Med, 2014); dates in late pregnancy facilitate labor (Explore, 2021); iron and folic acid levels are monitored (Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2023). Precaution: many plants are not recommended during pregnancy (essential oils, hormonal plants, purgatives, fenugreek) — do not take any supplement without the advice of a midwife or doctor.
