Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile has been traditionally used for centuries as a herbal remedy to alleviate symptoms of colic in children. The use of chamomile for digestive complaints, including colic, is well-documented in traditional European and Middle Eastern medicine. Chamomile is believed to have antispasmodic, carminative, and mild sedative properties, which might help soothe gastrointestinal discomfort and reduce crying episodes associated with infantile colic.

While the traditional use is robust, scientific validation remains limited. A few small clinical studies have explored the effects of chamomile, often as part of a multi-herb preparation. For example, a randomized, double-blind trial published in 1993 in the journal Pediatrics found that a herbal tea containing chamomile, fennel, and other herbs reduced colic symptoms compared to placebo. However, it is difficult to attribute the benefit solely to chamomile, as it was not tested in isolation. Other studies are similarly limited in size and methodology.

Overall, while chamomile’s use for colic is primarily driven by tradition, some preliminary scientific evidence suggests it may be helpful, though the quality and quantity of this evidence are insufficient for firm recommendations. Safety is also a consideration, as chamomile can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Parents should consult healthcare professionals before use.

More about chamomile
More about Colic (children)

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