Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Tension

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a calming agent to relieve tension, stress, and mild anxiety. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who employed chamomile teas and infusions for their soothing properties. In European folk medicine, chamomile was commonly prescribed to "calm the nerves," promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.

Modern research has begun to explore chamomile's effects on the central nervous system, with some studies suggesting mild anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects. The main constituents believed to contribute to these actions include apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect. However, while there is some preliminary scientific support for chamomile's ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, evidence specifically addressing its effectiveness in alleviating physical or psychological tension is less robust and largely anecdotal.

Overall, chamomile's use for tension relief is primarily justified by traditional usage, supported by centuries of empirical evidence and cultural practices. Scientific studies provide some validation for its calming effects, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy specifically for tension. Thus, while chamomile is widely used for this purpose, the strength of scientific evidence currently remains moderate.

More about chamomile
More about Tension

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