Symptom → Plant Sources
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) as a tool for helping with Menstrual cramps
inferred from antispasmodic action
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day. In this review we describe the use of chamomile in traditional medicine with regard to evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health.
5 sources supporting Chamomile for Menstrual cramps. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's antispasmodic action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
This review of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) summarises its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry (over 120 constituents, including alpha-bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids) and pharmacological properties — antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, sedative and antispasmodic — confirming its traditional uses.
This review of chamomile (Matricaria recutita, syn. M. chamomilla) tea summarises its bioactivity and potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mild sedative, antimicrobial and digestive (carminative) effects.
This review of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile) summarises traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, sedative and digestive effects, plus quality-control methods.