Research Publications on Chamomile for Mood, Sleep, and Pain
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile) has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on various conditions related to mood and sleep disorders, as well as pain management.
Research indicates chamomile capsules can significantly reduce premenstrual mood symptoms, suggesting its effectiveness in treating emotional symptoms associated with menstruation. Although its efficacy in treating state anxiety remains inconclusive, chamomile has shown promise in improving symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and enhancing sleep quality, with a systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting its safety and mild adverse events.
Additionally, chamomile extract has been found to effectively reduce the pain of cyclic mastalgia, offering a well-tolerated and safe alternative for managing mild to moderate breast pain. These findings underline chamomile's potential as a natural remedy for managing mood disorders, improving sleep quality, and controlling pain, with further large-scale studies recommended to fully ascertain its therapeutic benefits.
The effect of Matricaria chamomile on menstrual related mood disorders; European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2021; Link
The study evaluated chamomile capsules' effect on premenstrual mood disorders in 118 female students, using a clinical trial design. Participants received chamomile or placebo capsules before their menstrual period. Results showed chamomile significantly reduced mood symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting its effectiveness as a treatment for premenstrual emotional symptoms.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials; Phytotherapy Research, 2019; Link
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated chamomile's effectiveness and safety for treating state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), sleep quality, and insomnia. Analyzing data from 12 randomized control trials (RCTs), the review found no significant difference in anxiety treatment but observed a significant improvement in GAD symptoms and sleep quality after chamomile treatment. One RCT on insomnia showed no significant change. Despite limited evidence on its effect on anxiety and insomnia, chamomile was deemed efficacious and safe for improving sleep quality and managing GAD, with only mild adverse events reported. Further large-scale RCTs are recommended.
Effectiveness of Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) extract on pain control of cyclic mastalgia: a double-blind randomised controlled trial; Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2018; Link
The study assessed chamomile's effectiveness in treating cyclic mastalgia in 60 patients through a double-blind trial. Significant pain reduction was observed in both chamomile and placebo groups, with chamomile proving more effective. Chamomile was safe, well-tolerated, and recommended as a potential alternative treatment for mild to moderate breast pain.