Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the oldest, most widely used and well documented medicinal plants in the world (5). It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae).
The hollow, bright gold cones of its flowers are packed with florets which are ringed with about fifteen white ray or ligulate florets, widely represented by two known varieties viz. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) (6). Ten percent of the head is rich in amino acids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, while the flowers are 0.4-2% volatile or essential oils, such as terpenoids, and azulenes (7).
Chamomile can alleviate premenstrual pain
Chamomile has antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which can relieve the painful cramps associated with the menstrual periods (1). Apigenin, Matrisin, Metoxicomarin, Flavonoids, and Phytostrogenic, in chamomile tea work on the central nervous system, to suppress pain (2). It possesses anti-spasmodic properties, which can relieve painful cramps associated with menstrual period (2). Also, its tea helps modulate the actions of dopamine and serotonin, helping to offset or at least reduce the impact of depressive symptoms (2), which are associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Human studies have shown that chamomile tea can ease anxiety and irritability caused by PMS (3). Chamomile contains Spiroether, a very strong antispasmodic agent that relaxes aching, tense muscles and alleviates premenstrual pain (1). A research study of eight clinical trials demonstrated that chamomile tea has been deemed an effective treatment for premenstrual syndrome symptoms (4).