Traditional Remedies in Modern Care: A National Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Saudi Women for Menstrual and Postnatal Management

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is integral to Saudi women’s reproductive health, yet safety and integration with conventional care need exploration. Aim: To assess CAM’s prevalence, types, and obstetric-gynecological applications among Saudi women, focusing on demographic associations. Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey of 2,306 Saudi women (March 2020–May 2022) was conducted at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh. A validated questionnaire assessed demographics (age, education, marital status) and CAM practices (30 herbs, modes of use, indications). Data were analyzed using SPSS v21, employing χ² tests and multivariate logistic regression (significance: p < 0.05). Results: CAM prevalence was 96.31%, with the highest use in Western Saudi Arabia (31.48%) and among married (57.18%), educated (70.46% university graduates), and parous women (55.61%). Cinnamon (98.58%), olive oil (58.07%), and black cumin (50.69%) were common, primarily ingested for menstrual pain (45.68–76.60%) and postnatal care (16.26–61.29%). Age (p < 0.001) and employment (p = 0.015) were key predictors. Conclusion: Cultural reliance on CAM necessitates guidelines for safe integration into healthcare. Education on herb-drug interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration are vital for evidence-based, patient-centered care.