Description

The use of chamomile has been described in medical texts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Over the centuries, it’s been used for:

• digestive upset, such as indigestion, nausea, or gas
• wound healing, including ulcers and sores
• anxiety relief
• easing skin conditions like eczema or rashes
• anti-inflammation and pain relief for conditions like back pain, neuralgia, or arthritis
• promoting sleep

Research is beginning to shine a light on the health benefits of chamomile oil and why it has been used as a remedy for various ailments over the years. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

1. Digestive upset

A 2014 animal studyTrusted Source evaluated the effects of German chamomile extract on diarrhea. The study’s authors found that the chamomile oil offered protection against diarrhea and fluid accumulation in the intestines.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source assessed the effect of topically applied diluted chamomile oil on bowel activity after a cesarean delivery. Researchers found that patients who had chamomile oil applied to their abdomen got their appetite back more quickly and also passed gas sooner than patients who didn’t use chamomile oil.

Another studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of Roman chamomile extract on sections of guinea pig, rat, and human intestine. They found that it had muscle-relaxing properties. This could help explain why chamomile oil has been used for digestive conditions like indigestion and cramping.

2. Wound healing

A 2018 articleTrusted Source investigated how Roman chamomile extract affected the healing of an infected wound in rats. Chamomile ointment had significantly higher wound healing and antibacterial activity compared to tetracycline ointment and placebo.

3. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

A 2017 studyTrusted Source assessed the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety using chamomile extract. Researchers found that after eight weeks, 58.1 percent of participants reported a reduction of their anxiety symptoms.

Low morning levels of a hormone called cortisol have been linked with anxiety disorders. A small 2018 studyTrusted Source found that chamomile therapy helped reduce anxiety symptoms and increased morning cortisol levels.

4. Depression

Depression and anxiety often occur together. One studyTrusted Source used oral German chamomile extract in people with anxiety and depression.

Researchers observed a significant reduction in depression symptoms after eight weeks of treatment in the group that were given chamomile extract.

However, it’s important to note that while chamomile extract can be taken orally, chamomile essential oil should not be ingested.

5. Skin irritation

Researchers in a 2010 studyTrusted Source assessed the effectiveness of German chamomile oil in relieving atopic dermatitis in mice by applying it to their skin.

They found that markers associated with allergy were significantly lower in the mice that received chamomile oil compared to those that didn’t.

6. Pain relief

A 2015 studyTrusted Source investigated the effectiveness of applying diluted chamomile essential oil to the skin for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The participants were asked to apply the oil three times a day for three weeks.

Researchers found that when compared to participants who didn’t use this treatment, chamomile essential oil significantly reduced the need for pain relief medication.

Another studyTrusted Source looked at the effectiveness of topical chamomile oil for carpal tunnel syndrome. After four weeks, symptom severity scores in the chamomile treatment group were significantly lower than the placebo group.

7. Sleep aid

Chamomile has long been associated with promoting a good night’s sleep, and research seems to back that up. Used as an herb, it’s often taken by mouth.

In a studyTrusted Source of 60 elderly people, the participants were divided into two groups. One group was given capsules of chamomile extract twice a day, while the others were given a placebo.

At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in the sleep quality of those who took the chamomile extracts when compared to the group who were given the placebo.

8. Anti-cancer properties

A 2019 studyTrusted Source assessed the effect that German chamomile extract had on cancer cells in culture. The researchers found that the cancer cells were more likely to die when they were treated with the extract.

The same study also found that treatment with chamomile extract reduced the ability of cancer cells to grow blood vessels, which is needed to keep tumors alive.

Another recent studyTrusted Source looked at a component of chamomile oil called apigenin. They found that apigenin both inhibited the growth of and induced cell death in a human cancer cell line.