Common Names: chamomile, German chamomile

Scientific Names: Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria chamomilla

Background

• Chamomile comes in two main forms: German and Roman. This document concentrates on the German variety.

• This herb has a rich history and was mentioned in ancient texts related to medicine. It was widely valued in places such as ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

• Today, chamomile is used for various health issues, including colds, digestion troubles, stress, sleep difficulties, and infant colic. It may also help with respiratory ailments like bronchitis or cough when used by mouth or applied topically for skin concerns and mouth health.

Current Knowledge

• Research evaluating chamomile’s therapeutic value for specific health concerns is still limited and inconclusive. Additionally, many studies include chamomile alongside other herbs, making it hard to determine its unique impact.

What Research Shows

• Initial findings suggest that chamomile supplements could assist with generalized anxiety and perhaps mild depression.

• Some mixed-herb formulas that include chamomile have been linked to improvements in childhood diarrhea and infant colic, but there is no solid evidence that chamomile on its own brings these benefits.

• Certain small studies have indicated using chamomile-infused mouth rinses may help reduce pain or inflammation in the mouth due to cancer treatments.

• Research on its effect on sleep issues like insomnia is scarce. A 2019 overview found little evidence that chamomile benefits those with sleep problems.

Safety Information

• Consuming chamomile in common food amounts, such as in tea, is considered safe. Short-term medicinal use in appropriate doses by adults and children is also likely safe when taken orally or used on the skin or as a rinse.

• Side effects are infrequent but can involve stomach upset, dizziness, or allergies. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can occur. It may also irritate the eyes if applied nearby.

• Individuals allergic to plants like ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or daisies may react to chamomile.

• Chamomile might slightly mimic estrogen’s effects. Some early studies indicate it could lower the effectiveness of birth control or negatively affect hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine or breast cancers.

• Chamomile may interact with drugs broken down by the liver or those like warfarin (a blood-thinner). It might also intensify the effects of sedatives. Always consult a healthcare provider before using chamomile or any other herbal product, especially if you're on medication.

• There is limited information regarding its safe use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Things to Remember

• Stay proactive in managing your health. Discuss any herbal remedies or alternative therapies you use with your healthcare provider to make informed and collaborative choices.

• The way herbal products are regulated varies depending on their contents, use, and method of administration. Most are categorized as dietary supplements, where the rules are less strict compared to prescription medications.

• Unlike drugs, supplements do not require FDA approval before being sold. If safety issues arise, the FDA can act to protect the public. It’s the manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure that products are safe and accurately labeled before hitting the market.

Additional Resources

• Smart Use of Dietary Supplements

• Understanding How Medications and Supplements Interact

• Learning to Interpret Scientific Studies

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers information on complementary and integrative health practices. It provides educational materials and access to scientific and medical resources. It does not offer medical advice, referrals, or treatment suggestions.

Toll-free (U.S.): 1-888-644-6226

TRS: 7-1-1

PubMed®

PubMed® is provided by the National Library of Medicine, offering references and short summaries of studies published in scientific journals. It supports those researching health topics or treatments.

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH

The ODS works to expand understanding of dietary supplements through research, outreach, and educational materials. It offers insights on ingredients and supplement labels like those for vitamin D or multivitamins.

Selected Studies and Sources

• Amsterdam JD, et al. Studied the impact of chamomile on anxiety and depression. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020;26(9):813–819.

• Chamomile. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Reviewed February 2021.

• Chamomile. LiverTox Database. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, reviewed May 2022.

• Colombo D, et al. Discussed interactions between herbal supplements and cyclosporine. Journal of Toxicology, 2014.

• Dai Y-L, et al. Broad review of traditional use, chemical properties, and studies of chamomile. Molecules, 2022;28(1):133.

• German chamomile. NatMed Pro (Accessed August 8, 2023).

• Hieu TH, et al. Evaluated chamomile’s role in anxiety and sleep. Phytotherapy Research, 2019;33(6):1604–1615.

• Zick SM, et al. Pilot study on chamomile and primary insomnia. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011;11:78.

This content is in the public domain and can be freely reproduced.

Information provided by NCCIH is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for health decisions. Mention of any therapy or product does not imply endorsement.