The Science-Backed Secret of Chamomile’s Power in Postoperative Pain Relief

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Postoperative pain is a major concern for millions of patients worldwide. While medications like opioids are commonly prescribed, their side effects—such as nausea, constipation, and addiction—have led many to seek safer alternatives.

Chamomile, a gentle herb with anti-inflammatory properties, is gaining attention as a natural way to ease pain after surgery.

A 2025 review of 11 clinical trials, published in Heliyon, confirms that chamomile can play a meaningful role in postoperative recovery.

Why Postoperative Pain Management Matters

Managing pain after surgery is critical not just for comfort but also for healing. Severe pain can slow recovery, increase stress, and even lead to complications like infections or blood clots.

Studies show that up to 75% of patients experience inadequate pain relief after surgery, and traditional painkillers like opioids often cause unwanted side effects. For example, opioids can slow breathing or lead to dependency.

This has created a growing demand for natural solutions like chamomile, which offers pain relief without these risks. Chamomile is affordable, widely available, and has been used safely for centuries in traditional medicine.

How Chamomile Reduces Postoperative Pain

Chamomile contains active compounds like apigenin and flavonoids, which fight inflammation and calm the nervous system. Apigenin binds to receptors in the brain that reduce anxiety and muscle tension, while flavonoids block enzymes that cause swelling and pain.

Additionally, chamomile’s antioxidants protect damaged tissues during healing. In the Heliyon study, researchers analyzed data from 902 patients who used chamomile after surgeries like cesarean sections, heart operations, and dental procedures.

They found that chamomile consistently reduced pain scores, especially when inhaled or applied directly to wounds. For example, women recovering from cesarean sections who inhaled chamomile oil reported a 2.8-point drop in pain on a 10-point scale.

Key Findings from the 2025 Heliyon Study

The study combined results from 11 clinical trials to assess chamomile’s effectiveness. Overall, patients using chamomile experienced mild but meaningful pain relief compared to those given placebos.

The strongest effects were seen in cesarean section patients, where chamomile reduced pain by an average of 1.6 points on a standardized scale.  However, results varied depending on how chamomile was used.

For instance, inhaled chamomile oil worked faster and more effectively than creams or teas. On the other hand, chamomile creams provided steady relief for episiotomy wounds but were less potent.

The researchers also noted that chamomile worked best when used for short periods (under four days), as longer use reduced its effectiveness.

Chamomile vs. Traditional Painkillers: Pros and Cons

While chamomile cannot replace strong painkillers for severe pain, it offers several advantages. First, it has no serious side effects, unlike opioids, which can cause dizziness or addiction.

Second, chamomile is cost-effective—creams and oils are far cheaper than prescription medications. For example, a tube of chamomile cream costs around 10,while a single opioid pill can cost 50 or more.

However, chamomile’s pain relief is milder, making it better suited for moderate discomfort or as a supplement to other treatments. Combining chamomile with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen may provide better results than using either alone.

Best Ways to Use Chamomile After Surgery

The method of using chamomile significantly impacts its effectiveness. For rapid relief, inhaling chamomile oil through a diffuser or cotton ball is ideal, as the compounds enter the bloodstream quickly through the lungs.

Patients recovering from cesarean sections or dental surgery benefited most from this approach. For localized pain, such as episiotomy wounds or surgical incisions, topical creams or gels can be applied directly to the skin.

Chamomile tea is another option for general relaxation and mild pain relief, though it works more slowly. It’s important to note that chamomile should not replace medical advice, and patients should always consult their doctors before trying new treatments.

Who Benefits Most from Chamomile?

Chamomile is particularly helpful for specific groups. Women recovering from cesarean sections or episiotomies saw the most consistent pain reduction, likely because these procedures involve soft tissue injuries that respond well to anti-inflammatory treatments.

Patients undergoing minor surgeries, like dental extractions or tonsil removals, also benefited. However, chamomile may be less effective for major surgeries involving bones or joints, where pain is deeper and more intense.

The study also highlighted that chamomile is safe for most adults, though people with allergies to ragweed or daisies should avoid it.

Limitations of the Research

Despite promising results, the Heliyon review has some limitations. Nearly all the studies were conducted in Iran, raising questions about whether the findings apply to other populations.

Cultural differences in pain perception or chamomile preparation methods could influence outcomes. Additionally, most trials tracked patients for only a few days, so chamomile’s long-term effects on chronic pain remain unknown.

Finally, some studies lacked clear descriptions of their methods, making it harder to confirm their accuracy. Future research in diverse regions and over longer periods will help address these gaps.

How to Safely Incorporate Chamomile into Recovery

Patients interested in chamomile should start with small doses to check for allergies. For topical use, apply a pea-sized amount of cream to a small skin area and wait 24 hours for reactions.

For inhalation, diffuse a few drops of chamomile oil in a well-ventilated room. Chamomile tea can be brewed with 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of hot water.

It’s best to use chamomile for no more than four days in a row to avoid reduced effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider about any natural remedies you’re using, as chamomile may interact with blood thinners or sedatives.

Future Directions for Chamomile Research

The Heliyon study opens the door for deeper exploration of chamomile’s potential. Researchers recommend studying how chamomile interacts with other painkillers, such as whether it can lower opioid doses without sacrificing relief.

Trials in Europe and North America could confirm if chamomile works equally well across different ethnic groups. Another key area is long-term use—can chamomile prevent pain from becoming chronic after surgery?

Lab studies are also needed to pinpoint exactly how chamomile’s compounds block pain signals at the molecular level.

Conclusion: Chamomile’s Role in Modern Surgery Recovery

Chamomile is not a miracle cure, but it offers a safe, affordable way to ease postoperative pain for many patients. The 2025 Heliyon review confirms that chamomile works best for short-term, mild-to-moderate pain, especially when inhaled or applied topically.

While it can’t replace traditional painkillers entirely, it reduces reliance on opioids and minimizes their side effects. For healthcare providers, chamomile is a tool worth considering in holistic recovery plans.

For patients, it’s a natural option backed by growing scientific evidence. As research continues, chamomile may become a standard part of postoperative care worldwide.