Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of traditional use for its calming and anxiolytic effects, particularly as an herbal tea or extract. While chamomile is not specifically documented in historical records as a treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—a diagnosis only established in recent decades—it has been used for centuries in various cultures to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness, which are core components of PTSD. Traditional herbal medicine texts from Europe and the Middle East often reference chamomile for its soothing properties and its ability to promote restful sleep and relaxation.

Scientific research on chamomile’s efficacy in PTSD specifically is limited. Some modern clinical studies suggest that chamomile extract may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and improve sleep quality, likely due to its flavonoid content (notably apigenin) acting on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. However, there are currently no robust clinical trials specifically evaluating chamomile for the treatment or support of PTSD. Its use in PTSD is therefore extrapolated from more general research on anxiety and insomnia, as well as longstanding traditional use for stress-related symptoms. Thus, while chamomile is not an evidence-based primary treatment for PTSD, it continues to be used as a complementary approach, primarily justified by its traditional anxiolytic reputation rather than direct scientific validation for this specific condition.

More about chamomile
More about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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