Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in European and Middle Eastern cultures, for alleviating menstrual discomfort, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Traditional uses include consuming chamomile tea or extracts to reduce menstrual cramps, irritability, and mild anxiety—common PMS complaints. The rationale for its use comes from chamomile’s known properties as a mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic agent.

While chamomile has been widely used for centuries, scientific evidence directly supporting its effectiveness for PMS is limited but emerging. Some small clinical studies and laboratory research suggest potential benefits due to chamomile’s flavonoids (like apigenin) and volatile oils, which may reduce muscle spasms and exert calming effects on the nervous system. However, the majority of available studies are either animal-based or focused on general menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), not specifically PMS. For example, a few clinical trials have shown that chamomile extract can reduce menstrual pain severity, but robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials focusing on PMS as a whole are lacking.

In summary, chamomile’s use for PMS is primarily justified by tradition, with a modest and growing body of preliminary scientific evidence. It is considered generally safe for most people, but more high-quality research is needed to fully validate its effectiveness for PMS symptom relief.

More about chamomile
More about PMS (general)

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

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