Chamomile Oil Better Than Drugs for Osteoarthritis

This placebo-controlled, blinded study demonstrated that the topical application of chamomile oil has advantages over topical pharmaceutical analgesics for people with osteoarthritis. . . .

Chamomile is one of the most well known and used herbs. But, strangely, science has largely ignored this herb. There have been few studies of chamomile, but, when it is studied, it is its topical use, more than its use as a tea, that has been researched.

Chamomile is best known as a tea that is sipped to calm and relax. Many people also know of its digestive properties. Fewer people know that it is one of the best herbs for ulcers.

Studies have shown, though, that, used topically, chamomile is a great antiinflammatory. At least two studies have found chamomile cream to be effective for eczema (Meth Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1983; Z Hautkr 1985).

This latest study used a chamomile oil made from chamomile in a sesame oil carrier. It compared the chamomile oil both to a placebo and to a 1% diclofenac gel: diclofenac is a pharmaceutical non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). 84 people with osteoarthritis applied one of the three treatments three times a day for three weeks. They were allowed to use acetaminophen if needed for pain relief.

But the people applying the chamomile oil used significantly fewer acetaminophen than either the drug group or the placebo group. The drug group was no better than the placebo group at all. On the WOMAC osteoarthritis index, there was no significant difference between the three groups.

That means that chamomile oil was able to bring about the same relief of the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis as diclofenac with significantly fewer analgesics. This ability is very important when considering the significant side effect of the analgesics.

Complement Ther Clin Pract 2015;21:181-7