Efficacy of topical chamomile oil for mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

•Chamomile oil improved dynamometry, functionality, and symptom severity scores.•Among electerodiagnostic parameters, only compound latency was improved.•No adverse effects were reported or observed.•Topical chamomile oil can be suggested as a complementary treatment.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of topical chamomile oil in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).MethodEighty 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.ResultsDynamometry, 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.ConclusionComplementary treatment with topical chamomile oil may have some benefits for patients with mild and moderate CTS, both subjectively and objectively.