Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including the prevention and treatment of colds. Traditionally, chamomile is consumed as a tea or inhaled as a steam to help soothe symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and general malaise associated with upper respiratory tract infections. The rationale behind its traditional use centers on its perceived anti-inflammatory, mild antimicrobial, and calming properties, which are thought to support the immune system and provide symptomatic relief.

While there is a substantial body of anecdotal and ethnobotanical evidence supporting chamomile’s use for cold prevention, robust clinical evidence is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that chamomile contains bioactive compounds such as apigenin, bisabolol, and chamazulene, which exhibit mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, human trials specifically investigating chamomile for cold prevention or treatment are scarce and generally of low methodological quality. The majority of available studies focus on chamomile’s general anti-inflammatory or anxiolytic effects rather than direct antiviral actions or immune enhancement relevant to colds.

In summary, chamomile’s use for cold prevention is primarily supported by traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. Its mild soothing and anti-inflammatory actions may provide symptomatic relief, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy in preventing colds.

More about chamomile
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain

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