Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has a long history of traditional use for treating colds, particularly those accompanied by fever. In European and Middle Eastern folk medicine, chamomile teas and infusions have been commonly recommended for respiratory tract infections, including colds. The soothing properties of chamomile are believed to help alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and fever by promoting relaxation and sweating (diaphoresis), which was historically thought to help reduce fevers. The traditional use is supported by references in herbal compendia such as the German Commission E Monographs, which recognize chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effects.

However, scientific validation for chamomile’s effectiveness against colds with fever is limited. Some in vitro studies indicate that chamomile possesses mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically be beneficial in respiratory infections. A small clinical trial (Srivastava et al., 2010) showed inhalation of chamomile vapor might relieve symptoms of the common cold, but robust clinical evidence is lacking. The plant contains compounds such as apigenin and chamazulene, which may contribute to its traditional uses but have not been definitively proven to impact the course of viral infections or fevers in humans. Thus, while chamomile remains popular in home remedies for colds, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence.

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