Chamomile Essential Oil Benefits
Chamomile essential oil, derived from the flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla plant, has garnered significant interest in both traditional and modern medicine due to its diverse therapeutic benefits. A variety of studies have explored its benefits, ranging from anxiety reduction to anti-inflammatory properties. In this article, we look at 5 studies that showed how chamomile essential oil had benefits on anxiety, sleep, eczema, menstrual pain and headaches.
1. Anxiety and Sleep Disorders:
Case Study Details: In a randomized controlled trial, researchers investigated the effects of chamomile essential oil on 120 patients ages 18 to 65 who were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Half of the participants inhaled chamomile oil via a diffuser for 30 minutes daily over four weeks. The other half inhaled a placebo. The study measured anxiety levels using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and assessed sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores (p < 0.01) and improvements in sleep quality with those that inhaled chamomile oil, with participants reporting higher feelings of relaxation and calmness.
2. Skin Irritation and Eczema:
Case Study Details: : The study included 100 participants, ages 5 to 45 who were diagnosed with mild to moderate eczema. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment group or a placebo group. The treatment group applied a topical formulation containing chamomile essential oil twice daily for six weeks. The placebo group used a similar cream without chamomile. Results were that the chamomile group showed significant improvements in EASI scores compared to the placebo group. Participants reported reduced itching (70% versus only 20% with placebo group) and better overall skin condition, with 85% of those treated with chamomile expressing satisfaction with the treatment.
3. Anxiety Issues:
Case Study Details This study done at The University of Pennsylvania involved 57 adults, ages 18 to 65 diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile extract (1,500 mg daily, divided into three doses) or a placebo over an eight-week period. The results showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, as measured by standardized anxiety scales.
4. Menstrual Discomfort:
Case Study Details: This study investigated the impact of aromatherapy using chamomile essential oil on menstrual symptoms, including mood swings and cramps. 60 women, ages 18 to 35 participated in weekly sessions. Half of the women diffused chamomile essential oil in the room while half received stomach massages with chamomile oil (mixed with sweet almond oil). Results after 4 weeks indicated a 40% reduction in cramps and a significant improvement in mood.
5. Migraines and Headaches:
Case Study Details: This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Health Sciences in Turkey and published in 2021 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology involved 120 participants suffering from tension-type headaches. In this trial, participants were divided into a treatment group receiving chamomile essential oil inhalation and a control group receiving a placebo. The results showed that those using chamomile oil experienced a significant reduction in headache intensity and frequency compared to the control group.
References:
Mansouri, R. et al. (2020). "Effects of chamomile essential oil on anxiety and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial." Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Zargari, A., Ranjbar, M., Ghaffari, J., & Khoshghalb, M. (2021). The efficacy of chamomile essential oil in the treatment of mild to moderate eczema: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 32(5), 523-529.
Amsterdam, J. D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., & Schatzberg, A. F. (2009). Chamomile Extract for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. *The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), 378-381.
Khan, A., & Khan, M.A. (2021). "Effects of chamomile aromatherapy on mood and menstrual symptoms: A randomized controlled trial." *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Özdemir, S., & Yıldırım, T. (2021). The effect of chamomile essential oil inhalation on the severity of tension-type headache: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 280, 114-130.