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

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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 traditional use for alleviating symptoms of respiratory congestion. Historically, chamomile has been used in the form of teas, inhalations (steam), and topical applications to help soothe the respiratory tract during colds, flu, and allergies. The rationale for its use in congestion is based primarily on its mild anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and soothing properties, which may help reduce irritation in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

There is limited scientific research specifically evaluating chamomile's effectiveness in treating or relieving congestion. Some studies have suggested that inhaling chamomile steam may help relieve symptoms of the common cold by moistening and soothing irritated nasal passages, but the evidence remains largely anecdotal or based on small studies. Chamomile contains compounds such as apigenin and bisabolol, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings, but their direct impact on nasal congestion in clinical trials is not well established.

Overall, while chamomile is widely used in traditional and folk medicine for symptomatic relief of congestion, robust scientific validation supporting its efficacy for this specific use is lacking. The evidence is best characterized as traditional, with a low-to-moderate strength (2/5), and chamomile may be helpful as a gentle adjunct but should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for significant respiratory congestion.

More about chamomile
More about Congestion

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