Evidence supporting the use of: German Chamomile
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has a long history of traditional use in managing a variety of menstrual complaints, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). In folk medicine systems, particularly those of Europe and the Middle East, chamomile teas and extracts have been used for their antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative properties, which are thought to help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Scientific evidence supporting the use of German chamomile specifically for dysmenorrhea is limited. A few small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that chamomile extracts may reduce muscle spasms and have anti-inflammatory effects, which could, in theory, help relieve menstrual pain. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in 2010 found that women who consumed chamomile tea reported less menstrual pain compared to a placebo group, though the sample size was small and the findings have not been widely replicated. Most reviews of botanical interventions for dysmenorrhea note chamomile’s traditional use but emphasize the need for larger, high-quality studies to confirm efficacy and establish dosing guidelines.
In summary, while there is a strong tradition of using German chamomile for dysmenorrhea and some preliminary scientific support, the overall evidence base is modest and not definitive. Its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by German Chamomile
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cold Sores
Colic (children)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Menopause
Migraine