Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments, including mild ear discomfort and earaches. Folk remedies in several cultures have recommended chamomile extracts, infusions, or oils—sometimes warmed and applied externally or used as a component of ear drops—for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mild analgesic effects. Traditional herbalists have valued chamomile for its reputed ability to calm irritation, reduce swelling, and combat infection, though its primary uses have been more focused on digestive and anxiety-related complaints.
However, scientific validation for the use of chamomile specifically in the treatment of ear infections (otitis media or externa) or earache is very limited. There are no high-quality clinical trials or robust scientific studies directly supporting chamomile as an effective treatment for ear infections. A few commercial herbal ear drop preparations may include chamomile as one of several ingredients, but evidence for their efficacy is mainly anecdotal or based on small, poorly controlled studies. Any observed benefits may be due to the general anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile, but these have not been rigorously tested in the context of ear health.
In summary, chamomile’s use for ear infections or earaches is supported primarily by traditional practices rather than scientific research, and the overall quality of evidence is weak.
More about Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
More about Ear Infection or Earache
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fleabane
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Guava
Garlic
Golden eardrops
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Cuts
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Menopause
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Restless Dreams
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress