Synopsis

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

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use for treating colic in children, particularly in herbal and folk medicine traditions across Europe and the Middle East. Historically, chamomile tea has been given to infants to help soothe digestive discomfort, reduce gas, and calm crying spells characteristic of colic. The rationale is based on chamomile's reputed antispasmodic and calming properties, which are thought to help relax the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate discomfort.

Scientific evidence supporting chamomile's effectiveness for infant colic is limited but not entirely absent. Some small clinical studies have evaluated herbal combinations containing chamomile (often mixed with fennel, lemon balm, or other herbs) and reported some reductions in colic symptoms compared to placebo. However, these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, short durations, and use of multi-herb formulations that make it difficult to attribute effects solely to chamomile. Systematic reviews and pediatric guidelines generally conclude that the evidence is insufficient to recommend chamomile as a standard treatment for colic, though it appears to be relatively safe when used appropriately.

In summary, chamomile is widely used in traditional medicine for colic, with modest supportive evidence from small clinical trials of herbal mixtures. Strong, high-quality scientific validation is lacking, so its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust clinical research.

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