Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Rhinitis, Allergic

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has a long history of traditional use for a variety of inflammatory and allergic conditions, including rhinitis, though its use for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is less prominent than for ailments like insomnia or digestive upset. In traditional herbal medicine, chamomile has been valued for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and mild antihistamine-like effects, which may help alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, or irritation associated with allergic rhinitis. Preparations such as teas, inhalations, and topical applications have been used for centuries in European and Middle Eastern herbal medicine systems.

However, scientific evidence supporting chamomile’s efficacy specifically for allergic rhinitis is limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that chamomile contains flavonoids (such as apigenin) and essential oils that may exert anti-inflammatory and mild antiallergic effects by inhibiting histamine release and modulating immune responses. One small clinical study found that a nasal spray containing chamomile extract provided some relief in allergic rhinitis, but the data is sparse, and larger, high-quality human trials are lacking.

Overall, while chamomile’s use for allergic rhinitis is grounded in traditional practice and supported by a plausible anti-inflammatory mechanism, robust clinical evidence is insufficient. It may be considered as a gentle adjunct for mild symptoms but should not replace standard medical therapy for allergic rhinitis.

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More about Rhinitis, Allergic

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