Research shows that topical use of chamomile oil can have positive effects for people experiencing pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. As a natural and readily available substance, chamomile oil could be an inexpensive option for people suffering from this common condition.
Chamomile oil, a centuries-old herbal remedy used to treat a variety of conditions, may have a new use for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a fairly common condition caused by a pinched nerve in the arm or wrist and is characterized by tingling or numbness in the hand or arm.
The apparent efficacy of chamomile oil on CTS symptoms could significantly reduce the incidence of surgery and other invasive or expensive treatment options.
Chamomile oil for carpal tunnel syndrome
Research has shown that chamomile oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may be helpful in relieving pain associated with CTS for local use and combined with the use of a splint.
Eighty-six patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome participated in a study that found that chamomile oil can effectively reduce pain and increase functionality in patients with mild to moderate CTS after just four weeks.[i] This wasn’t the first study on the effects of chamomile oil on reducing CTS symptoms, and other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found similar results, even in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.[ii]
The two types of chamomile oil that have been most studied are Roman chamomile and German chamomile. It is believed that the 28 terpenoids and 36 flavonoids contained in the essential oil of the flower contribute to the herb’s therapeutic value.[iii]
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These compounds work synergistically when applied topically by reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and providing antimicrobial properties, among other benefits.[iv] Researchers believe that chamomile and other herbal remedies may be key to reducing the effects of neuropathy due to their lower complication rates compared to synthetic medications, and may have more protective effects.[v]
Current diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the three major nerves of the forearm and hand, becomes pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a small passageway near the wrist made of bone and ligaments.[vi]
CTS accounts for 90% of all neuropathies and can be very painful, making it difficult to perform daily tasks or sleep.[vii] Symptoms can occur during the day but are often most noticeable at night, and include:
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands
- Dull, aching, pricking or tingling pain in the hand, arm or elbow (also called ‘pins and needles’)
- Pain after repeated hand or wrist movements
- Pain in the hands or arms after sleeping
- Dryness of the skin of the hands
- Swelling in the hands[viii]
These symptoms can radiate to the affected arm and can also occur in the fingers, thumbs or upper arms.[ix] Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common in middle-aged women, but is also associated with occupations that require small repetitive movements, such as typing or working with vibrating tools.[x],[xi]
Conservative treatment options include alternative therapy, ice, splints, aerobic activity to induce weight loss in cases associated with obesity, or specific exercises, while more severe cases may be treated with cortisone injections or surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.[xii],[xiii]
Surgery can be expensive, require unpaid time off, and is associated with avoidable risks. That’s why researchers are eager to discover alternative and inexpensive therapies like chamomile to alleviate symptoms and halt the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Other methods for relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome
Chamomile isn’t the only oil that has been studied for its potential use in treating pain associated with CTS. One study found that flaxseed oil was more effective than hand splints when applied as a topical gel.[xiv] Lavender essential oil, when used topically, may be useful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and research is underway to test the effectiveness of cannabidiol extracts on neuropathic pain.[xv],[xvi],[xvii]
However, chamomile oil remains one of the most effective topical natural treatments researched to date. Additional conditions positively affected by topically applied chamomile oil include:
For those interested in herbal medicine or who have followed the progress of medical research over the past decades, it is not surprising that herbal medicines can have such positive and effective effects on conditions that are still often treated with synthetic medications.
The innate power and healing properties of plant-based medicines are a fascinating topic for many patients and researchers, and a more natural approach to pain relief could mean an increase in patient dollars saved, a reduction in side effects caused by synthetic medications and more. conventional treatments.
To learn more about the researched benefits of chamomile tea or chamomile essential oil, visit our website GreenMedInfo.com Chamomile Research Dashboard.
References
[i] Supplement to Ther Clin Practice. February 2017; 26:61-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.010. Epub November 30, 2016.
[ii] Supplement to Ther Clin Practice. 2015 Nov;21(4):223-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.08.001. Epub 2015 August 12.
[iii] Mol Med report. November 1, 2010; 3(6): 895-901.
[iv] Int J Mol Sci. January 2018; 19(1): 70.
[v] Iran J Basic medical science. April 2018; 21(4): 347-358.
[vi] Am Fam doctor. 2016 December 15; 94(12):993-999.
[vii] Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publisher; January 2020.
[viii] BMJ. August 18, 2007; 335(7615): 343-346.
[ix] Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publisher; January 2020.
[x] Ulster Med J. Jan. 2008;77(1):6-17.
[xi] Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publisher; January 2020.
[xii] Int J Clin Rheumtol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
[xiii] Am Fam doctor. 2016 December 15; 94(12):993-999.
[xiv] J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. July 2017; 22(3): 462-467.
[xv] J Hand Ther. 2018 Oct – Dec;31(4):437-442. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2017.07.004. Epub August 10, 2017.
[xvi] J Orthop Traumatol. December 2017; 18(4): 451-455.
[xvii] CMAJ. October 5, 2010; 182(14): 1494-1495.
[xviii] J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. January 2017; 22(1): 12-17.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its employees.