Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of traditional use for a variety of ailments, including tension headaches. In many traditional European herbal systems, chamomile was employed as a calming agent and mild sedative, often in the form of teas or compresses. The rationale behind its use for tension headaches relates to its purported muscle-relaxing and anxiolytic effects, which may help relieve the muscle tension and stress commonly associated with this type of headache.

Scientific evidence for chamomile’s efficacy in treating tension headaches is limited. While some laboratory studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic, and muscle-relaxant properties of chamomile extracts, robust clinical trials specifically examining tension headache relief are lacking. One mechanism of action may be through chamomile’s flavonoids (such as apigenin), which can interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation. Nonetheless, most of the support for chamomile’s use in tension headaches is based on its longstanding traditional application and anecdotal reports rather than high-quality clinical evidence. Thus, while chamomile is generally considered safe, its effectiveness for tension headaches is best described as traditionally justified, with only modest supporting evidence.

More about chamomile
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

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