Efficacy of Topical Chamomile Oil for Mild and Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Hashempur MH^{1, 2} ; Ghasemi MS³ ; Daneshfard B^{2, 4} ; Ghoreishi PS^{4, 5} ; Lari ZN^{4, 5} ; Homayouni K⁴ ; Zargaran A⁶ Show Affiliations
Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Published:2017

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of topical chamomile oil in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Method Eighty six patients with electrodiagnostic criteria of mild and moderate CTS were enrolled in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and received wrist splint plus topical chamomile oil or placebo for 4 weeks. They were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study regarding functional and symptomatic scores, dynamometry, and electrodiagnostic indexes. Results Dynamometry, functionality, and symptom severity scores of the patients were significantly improved in the chamomile oil group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.040, P = 0.0001, P = 0.017, respectively). Additionally, compound latency of the median nerve in the chamomile oil group significantly decreased (P = 0.035) compared to the placebo group. Other electerodiagnostic measurements did not change significantly. Conclusion Complementary treatment with topical chamomile oil may have some benefits for patients with mild and moderate CTS, both subjectively and objectively. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd