Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Post Partum Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Chamomile has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for its calming, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting properties. In the context of postpartum depression (PPD), chamomile is not directly cited in major traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine) as a treatment specifically for PPD, but it has been widely used for general nervousness, insomnia, and mild depressive symptoms, which often accompany postpartum states. The rationale for its use is based on its reputed ability to soothe anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep, all of which are supportive for women experiencing emotional fluctuations after childbirth.

Scientifically, there is limited clinical research directly evaluating chamomile for postpartum depression. Some small studies and reviews suggest that chamomile extracts (usually Matricaria recutita) may have mild anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in the general population. These effects are thought to arise from flavonoids like apigenin, which may bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. However, there are no robust, large-scale trials specifically on postpartum women or on chamomile’s efficacy for PPD. Chamomile is generally considered safe when used as a tea or in moderate amounts, though it should be used cautiously during breastfeeding due to limited safety data.

In summary, chamomile’s use for postpartum depression is primarily justified by tradition and extrapolation from general calming and mood-supportive effects, rather than direct scientific evidence for this specific condition.

More about chamomile
More about Post Partum Depression

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