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Chamomile

Europe and western Asia; Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), a daisy-family annual now grown worldwide.

DigestionImmunitySkinStress & Sleep

ChamomileChamomileChamomileChamomile

Names in Different Languages

EnglishChamomile
Urduبابونہ
Hindiबबूना
Farsiبابونه
UnaniBabuna
FrenchCamomille
GermanKamille

Traditional Uses

In European folk medicine, Ayurveda and Unani medicine, chamomile flowers have long been drunk as a calming bedtime tea for sleep, anxiety, stomach upset and colic, and used externally for skin irritation.

Modern Research

Apigenin is the main studied compound. A 2019 meta-analysis of 12 trials found better sleep-quality scores, but the only trial measuring insomnia severity found no change, and NCCIH states there is very little information on chamomile for insomnia. Preliminary studies suggest a standardized extract might help generalized anxiety disorder, but evidence is early, based on small trials, and tea itself has not been tested for anxiety.

Uses

  • Sleep and calm support (tea)
  • Digestive support (indigestion, gas)
  • Skin care (traditional, external)
  • Anxiety support (extract, traditional)

Benefits of Use

  • Stress-sleep support: may modestly improve self-rated sleep quality and ease mild anxiety symptoms
  • Digestive support: traditional use for indigestion, gas and stomach cramps (EU monograph dose for minor gut complaints)
  • Skin support: traditional external use for minor skin irritation and rashes
  • Calm support: apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors, which may explain its mild sedative effect

Safe Dose & Overdose (mg/g)

Raw Herb Form

Safe: 2,000-4,000 mg/day dried flowers as tea (1.5-4 g per cup, 3-4 times daily per EU traditional-use monograph; commonly 1-3 cups/day).

Overdose: No formal overdose limit established; excessive amounts may cause vomiting, and high doses may increase bleeding risk.

Extract Form

Safe: 220-1,500 mg/day standardized extract (anxiety trials used 1,500 mg/day; sleep trials used 400-540 mg/day, divided into 2-3 doses).

Overdose: Not established

Side Effects

  • Allergic reactions, including severe reactions (anaphylaxis), especially in people allergic to ragweed, daisies or marigolds
  • Nausea and dizziness in some users
  • Skin rash from topical use in sensitive people
  • Vomiting with excessive amounts

Interactions

  • Blood thinners (warfarin): reported interaction, including a case of internal bleeding
  • Sedatives and benzodiazepines: may add to drowsiness
  • Birth control pills: preliminary studies suggest chamomile may make them less effective
  • Liver-processed drugs (CYP450 substrates) and immunosuppressants: chamomile may alter their levels

Sources

Disclaimer

General information only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

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#Chamomile#Digestion#herbal medicine#Immunity#Skin#Stress & Sleep

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