Synopsis

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

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use for alleviating headaches, particularly those associated with tension and stress. This use is primarily found in traditional European herbal medicine, where chamomile (usually Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) is consumed as a tea or applied as a compress to soothe headaches and promote relaxation. The rationale for its use is based on chamomile’s calming and mild muscle-relaxant properties, which are thought to help relieve the muscle tension and anxiety often associated with tension headaches.

Scientific studies directly evaluating chamomile’s efficacy in treating tension headaches in humans are limited. Some small studies and preclinical research suggest that chamomile extracts may possess anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic, and anxiolytic effects, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief. However, these findings are not robust or headache-specific. No major clinical trials have established chamomile as an effective treatment for tension headaches. Thus, while traditional use is well-documented and plausible mechanisms exist, scientific evidence remains limited. The evidence rating reflects the strong traditional support with weak but suggestive scientific rationale.

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