About Chamomile

A herb usually brewed as tea. Taken mostly for sleep, relaxation, and an upset stomach.

Effectiveness Scores

Sleep Quality: 7.0/10 (moderate evidence).
Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that attaches to the same calming receptors in the brain that help you wind down. The effect is gentle but noticeable.
Why this rating: Chamomile helps people sleep better, but it doesn't fix insomnia. A review of six trials found a clear improvement in sleep quality, mostly in older adults and new mothers who weren't sleeping well. The one trial in people with diagnosed insomnia found no real change. A cup or two of tea at night is a reasonable place to start. If you've struggled with sleep for months, it's unlikely to solve the problem on its own.
Anxiety Relief: 6.0/10 (moderate evidence).
Apigenin, the same compound behind chamomile's effect on sleep, acts on the brain's natural calming system. It may also help lower stress hormones over time.
Why this rating: Results depend on the kind of anxiety. In people with long-lasting, everyday anxiety, trials found symptoms eased after two to four weeks, though the change was modest. For general or situational anxiety, like nerves before an event, a review of three trials found no difference from placebo. These studies used concentrated capsules, often 500 to 1,500 mg a day, not tea. It's a gentle option to try alongside other support, not a replacement for anxiety treatment.
Skin Health: 5.0/10 (moderate evidence).
Applied to the skin, chamomile's compounds bisabolol and chamazulene help calm itching, redness, and swelling. They may also help small wounds heal.
Why this rating: In one study of 72 people with irritated skin around a colostomy opening, a chamomile compress helped the skin heal in about 9 days on average. That's a promising result, but patients were matched rather than randomly assigned, and it's one very specific use. Older studies of chamomile cream for eczema are small. Good for mild irritation, not a replacement for a prescribed skin treatment.
Digestive Health: 4.0/10 (moderate evidence).
Chamomile relaxes the muscles of the gut, which may ease cramping and gas. It's been used for upset stomachs for centuries.
Why this rating: Most of the human research tested chamomile mixed with other herbs, so there's no way to know how much chamomile itself did. On its own, the evidence is mostly lab studies and tradition. A cup of tea after a heavy meal is low risk and may help. It just hasn't been properly tested by itself.

Understanding Effectiveness Scores

What does this mean?

Our effectiveness scoring system is based on scientific research and evidence. Each health outcome is rated on a scale of 1-10, with higher scores indicating stronger scientific support for the supplement's effectiveness.

1/10: Scientific evidence concludes that supplement is ineffective for purpose
2/10: No scientific evidence supports effectiveness
3/10: Inconclusive results regarding effectiveness
4/10: Minimal research on effectiveness
5/10: Limited evidence of effectiveness; may have potential benefits, but more research is needed
6/10: Some evidence supports the supplement's effectiveness, but research is mixed
7/10: Moderate evidence shows the supplement is effective for certain purposes, with limited population studies
8/10: Solid evidence suggests the supplement is effective, but research is not as extensive as higher levels
9/10: Strong scientific evidence supports the supplement's effectiveness, but some minor gaps in research remain (e.g., limited long-term studies or specific populations).
10/10: Ample scientific research demonstrates that the supplement is both highly effective and safe for long-term use.

Form Variations

Tea
Dried flowers steeped in hot water. The most common form, and the one used in some of the sleep research.
Best for: sleep, relaxation, occasional upset stomach
Standardized extract (capsules)
Concentrated chamomile with a set amount of apigenin, the main active compound. This is what the anxiety trials used.
Best for: anxiety, or anyone who wants a consistent dose
Note: look for apigenin content on the label; around 1.2% is the standardization for trials.

Dosage & Timeline

Standard Dosages

Tea: 1-4 cups
Capsule: 250-1500 mg w/ minimum of 1.2% apigenin content
Condition-Specific Dosages:
- Anxiety Relief: 220 mg once daily, increased weekly up to 1,500 mg maximum
- Sleep quality: 270 mg twice daily (540 mg total)

Results Timeline

Anxiety: trials measured improvement at 2 and 4 weeks
Sleep: trials measured improvement over 2 to 4 weeks of regular use

All other outcomes may be noticed after extended use or lack enough studies to establish an effectiveness timeline.

Safety Information

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: A cup of tea is generally considered fine. Avoid capsules and high doses, since chamomile may stimulate the uterus. There isn't enough safety data for large amounts while breastfeeding.

Blood thinners: Chamomile can interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Those on anticoagulant therapy should consult with a healthcare provider before using chamomile.

Allergies: People with allergies to ragweed, daisies, or other members of the Asteraceae family should avoid chamomile, as it could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.

Sedation: Due to its calming effects, chamomile should be used with caution if combined with other sedatives or alcohol, as it may enhance the sedative effects of these substances.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

Mild drowsiness
Allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to ragweed or daisies
Nausea, though uncommon

Rare side effects:

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in people with ragweed or daisy allergies
Increased bleeding when taken with blood thinners

Most side effects are mild and subside once the herb is discontinued. Chamomile is generally well-tolerated, though allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

Usage Information

Most people use chamomile to sleep better and feel calmer. It's also used for upset stomachs and, on the skin, for mild irritation.

User Experience

Gathered from reviews and forum posts, not from studies. What people report tells you what to expect. It does not tell you whether something works.

Most people say they feel more relaxed, less anxious, and sleep a little better. Digestive relief, like less bloating or indigestion, varies a lot from person to person. On the skin, people notice the biggest difference with mild irritation. Long-lasting skin conditions take longer, if they respond at all.

Alternative Names

Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita

Chamomile