Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Seizures

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) is traditionally used in various cultures for its calming and sedative effects, and it has a long history in folk medicine for treating anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous disorders. Its use for seizures specifically, however, is supported mainly by traditional and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific evidence. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records indicate that chamomile was sometimes used as a calming remedy for convulsions or nervous excitement, which could encompass seizures, especially before modern definitions and diagnostic criteria were established.

Some preclinical research suggests that chamomile extracts may have mild anticonvulsant effects in animal models, possibly due to its apigenin content—a flavonoid that can bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. However, these studies are limited and not sufficient to support its clinical use for seizure disorders. There are no large, well-controlled human studies demonstrating chamomile’s efficacy in preventing or treating seizures. Modern herbal medicine references typically do not list chamomile as a primary treatment for epilepsy or seizure disorders. Therefore, its use for this purpose remains rooted in tradition, with very weak supporting evidence.

In summary, while chamomile is sometimes mentioned in traditional medicine as a remedy for nervous system complaints, its specific application to seizures is not supported by strong scientific validation, and evidence is limited to historical use and a few animal studies.

More about chamomile
More about Seizures

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