Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has a long history of traditional use in treating various skin conditions, including acne. In folk medicine, chamomile preparations—such as teas, compresses, or topical creams—have been applied to soothe skin irritations, reduce redness, and promote healing. The rationale for its use in acne management stems mainly from its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties, which are attributed to active compounds such as chamazulene, bisabolol, and apigenin.

Although some laboratory studies have demonstrated that chamomile extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and reduce inflammation in vitro, there is limited specific evidence regarding its effectiveness against Propionibacterium acnes (now called Cutibacterium acnes), the bacteria commonly associated with acne. Clinical trials examining chamomile's effects on acne in human subjects are scarce, and most available research focuses on its general benefits for skin irritation and inflammation rather than acne specifically. Therefore, while chamomile continues to be included in some acne skincare formulations based on its gentle, soothing qualities, its use for this condition is primarily supported by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, chamomile's reputation as a skin remedy is rooted in tradition and supported modestly by basic scientific findings on inflammation and microbial inhibition, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence specifically demonstrating its effectiveness for acne treatment.

More about chamomile
More about Acne

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Abuse and Trauma
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Anger (excessive)
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Bloodshot Eyes
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Bulimia
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Enteritis
Epilepsy
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hysteria
Indigestion
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Lesions
Lupus
Measles
Morning Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Nose Bleeds
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type P
Poison Ivy or Oak
Post Partum Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Rashes and Hives
Restless Dreams
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scratches and Abrasions
Seizures
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Sore Throat
Strep Throat
Stress
Sunburn
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Teething
Tension
Tickle in Throat
TMJ
Tonsillitis