Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Europe, for supporting digestive health and alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion). The herb has been consumed as a tea or extract to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and mild spasms. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document its use for digestive complaints dating back centuries.

Preclinical studies suggest that chamomile possesses mild antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative properties, which may help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce symptoms associated with dyspepsia. Some clinical evidence exists, but it is limited. For example, chamomile is a component of the German multi-herbal preparation STW 5 (Iberogast), which has shown efficacy in randomized controlled trials for functional dyspepsia. However, the benefits cannot be attributed to chamomile alone due to the presence of multiple active ingredients.

Overall, the primary justification for chamomile’s use in dyspepsia is traditional, supported by some pharmacological rationale and limited clinical data. Chamomile is generally regarded as safe when consumed as a tea or in moderate amounts, although robust, high-quality clinical trials evaluating its efficacy for dyspepsia as a single agent are lacking.

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