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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has been used traditionally to relieve menstrual discomfort, including dysmenorrhea, and recent scientific studies provide preliminary validation for its use in this context. The antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative properties of chamomile are believed to help alleviate menstrual cramps and associated symptoms. Flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, as well as other constituents like chamazulene, may contribute to the reduction of uterine muscle spasms and inflammation.

Several small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have examined chamomile’s efficacy in dysmenorrhea. For example, a double-blind clinical trial published in 2010 found that chamomile capsules significantly reduced the intensity of pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea compared to placebo. Another randomized controlled trial in 2015 reported that chamomile tea, when consumed regularly during menstruation, was associated with decreased pain severity and less psychological distress in adolescent girls. Animal studies further support the antispasmodic effects of chamomile extracts on smooth muscle tissue.

However, while these results are promising, the overall quality and size of clinical studies are limited, and more robust, large-scale trials are needed to conclusively establish efficacy and optimal dosing. Therefore, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5): scientific, but not yet definitive. Chamomile remains a popular and generally safe complementary option for dysmenorrhea, especially for those seeking herbal alternatives or supportive therapies.

More about chamomile
More about Dysmenorrhea

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abuse and Trauma
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anger (excessive)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
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
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bloodshot Eyes
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Carbuncles
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
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
Ear Infection or Earache
Emotional Sensitivity