Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and mild analgesic properties, including the relief of headaches. In the context of sinus headaches—which are often caused by sinus inflammation and congestion—chamomile has been used in herbal medicine as an ingredient in teas, steam inhalations, and compresses intended to reduce discomfort. The traditional rationale is based on chamomile’s reputed ability to reduce inflammation and soothe mucous membranes, as well as its mild sedative effects, which may help with the overall headache experience.

While chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic actions are somewhat supported by laboratory studies (e.g., presence of flavonoids like apigenin), there is a lack of robust clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for sinus headaches in humans. Most available research focuses on chamomile’s effects on general anxiety, sleep, and minor pain, rather than targeted relief of sinus-related symptoms. Nonetheless, historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys widely document its use for headaches, including those attributed to sinus issues.

In summary, while chamomile is not strongly validated by modern science for sinus headaches, its traditional use is well established, and it may offer mild relief as part of a broader symptom management strategy. Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution.

More about chamomile
More about Headache (sinus)

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