Chamomile

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Chamomile
- German chamomile
- Roman chamomile
- Scented mayweed
- Wild chamomile
- Hungarian chamomile
- Manzanilla (Spanish)
- Camomille (French)

Latin Name: Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) — Asteraceae (daisy) family

Category: Herb

Potency Note: Chamomile's anti-inflammatory compounds apigenin and luteolin are more active than the pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories indomethacin and phenylbutazone. In clinical comparisons, standardized chamomile cream showed mild superiority over 0.5% hydrocortisone cream for eczema.

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Digestive complaints, flatulence, and colic - European folk medicine, centuries of use; given to teething infants
• Nervous disorders and restlessness - Traditional Western herbal medicine; used for irritability in children
• Sleep aid and mild sedative - European and American folk medicine
• Dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea - Traditional Western herbal medicine
• Fever reduction (diaphoretic) - Ancient Egyptian medicine; European folk tradition
• Eye complaints and inflammations - Traditional Western herbal medicine; used as eyewash
• Catarrhal conditions of nose, ears, and eyes - Traditional Western herbal medicine
• Topical for skin inflammations, hemorrhoids, mastitis, leg ulcers - Traditional Western and European medicine
• Earache relief - Traditional Western herbal medicine
• Rheumatic and neuralgic pain - Traditional Western herbal medicine
• Wound healing and antiseptic - Ancient Egyptian use; European folk medicine

Modern Uses

• Anxiety and stress relief | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Injection of the flavonoid apigenin demonstrated clear antianxiety activity and slight sedative activity without muscle relaxant effects. Chamomile's nervine and anxiolytic properties make it valuable for stress-related conditions. Roman chamomile essential oil is particularly effective for people under stress, depression, or emotional disturbance.

• Source citations: Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Coffman, S. – Herbal Medic; Whyte, M. – Essential Oils, Healing the Family

• Sleep support and insomnia | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Oral administration of chamomile tea induced a deep sleep in 10 of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, despite the pain and anxiety of the medical procedure. Two chamomile tea bags in 175 ml (6 oz) hot water, consumed in less than 10 minutes, produced this effect. Chamomile's sedative and nervine properties support restful sleep.

• Source citations: Duke, J.A. – Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs

• Digestive disorders and dyspepsia | Research quality: Moderate to Strong

• Key findings: Chamomile is effective for flatulent or nervous dyspepsia, travel sickness, nervous diarrhea, nervous disorders of the stomach and bowel, and flatulent colic with distention. Its bitter compounds stimulate healthy appetite when consumed before meals, while its antispasmodic properties ease digestive spasms, bloating, gas, and heartburn when taken after meals. Chamomile powerfully decreases inflammation, making it beneficial for inflammatory digestive problems including Crohn's disease, diarrhea, ulcers, and food intolerances.

• Source citations: Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs

• Infantile colic and childhood digestive complaints | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: A double-blind study on babies approximately 3 weeks old with infantile colic investigated an instant herb tea containing chamomile, lemon balm, vervain, licorice, and fennel. After 7 days, improvement in colic scores was significantly better in the herbal tea group, with more babies having their colic eliminated. In children aged 6 months to 6 years with acute diarrhea, a mixture of chamomile and apple pectin showed significant improvement compared to placebo.

• Source citations: Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs

• Gastric ulcer protection | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Chamomile extract and α-bisabolol demonstrated antiulcer activity in experimental models after oral administration. The compound (-)-alpha-bisabolol protects against the gastric effects of aspirin. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory action helps protect the stomach lining.

• Source citations: Duke, J.A. – Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs

• Eczema and dermatitis (topical) | Research quality: Moderate to Strong

• Key findings: Topical application of standardized chamomile preparations has shown benefit in treating eczema, varicose eczema, and varicose ulcers in controlled trials. Standardized chamomile cream showed mild superiority over 0.5% hydrocortisone cream in medium-degree atopic eczema. For maintenance therapy of eczema, chamomile cream showed similar efficacy to 0.25% hydrocortisone and was superior to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent 5% bufexamac. Researchers noted that using chamomile prevents the serious side effects of topical steroid use, such as thinning of the skin.

• Source citations: Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs

• Wound healing | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Standardized chamomile extract demonstrated statistically significant benefit on wound healing following tattoo dermabrasion in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Standardized chamomile cream was preferred over almond cream by patients for treating erythema and moist desquamation after radiotherapy. Chamomile ointment showed similar efficacy to 5% dexpanthenol cream in healing episiotomy wounds.

• Source citations: Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs

• Oral health and gingivitis | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Chamomile mouthwash demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties similar to the antiseptic chlorhexidine for bleeding gums associated with gingivitis. A standardized chamomile mouthwash was beneficial for treating chronic oral inflammations and oral mucositis caused by head and neck irradiation and systemic chemotherapy.

• Source citations: de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs; Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Duke, J.A. – Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

• Phlebitis (inflammation of veins) | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: In a clinical study, patients using chamomile compresses had a significantly shorter duration of phlebitis than those in the control group. No toxicity issues were reported, demonstrating chamomile's effectiveness and gentleness.

• Source citations: de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs

• Stoma skin care | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: A study compared topical chamomile compresses with 1% hydrocortisone cream for relieving itching and discomfort associated with skin lesions in people with stomas. Participants using chamomile compresses twice daily had significantly faster healing time and considerable decrease in pain and itching compared with those using the steroid cream.

• Source citations: de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs

• Eye irritation and minor infections (topical) | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Chamomile is traditionally used in poultices for tired eyes, minor eye injuries, sties, and minor eye infections. Caution: Eye washing with chamomile tea can induce allergic conjunctivitis in sensitive individuals; the pollen contained in infusions appears responsible. Using properly filtered or ethanolic extracts reduces this risk.

• Source citations: Coffman, S. – Herbal Medic; Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Gladstar, R. – Medicinal Herbs

• Respiratory support (inhalation) | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Chamomile inhaled as steam can support the sinuses, help them drain, and relieve inflammation. It is approved for inflammations and irritations of the respiratory tract when used as inhalation. Chamomile essential oil has been credited as a rare agent effective in relief of COPD in recent research.

• Source citations: de la Forêt, R. – Alchemy of Herbs; Brewer, S. – Encyclopedia of Vitamins; Schnaubelt, K. – The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils

• Minor skin irritations, burns, and sunburn (topical) | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: A cooling poultice of chamomile can relieve minor abrasions, mild burns and sunburn, rosacea, and skin irritation including minor poison ivy and poison oak. Chamomile is used externally to help reduce skin and mucous membrane inflammation.

• Source citations: Coffman, S. – Herbal Medic; Brewer, S. – Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Antimicrobial activity | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Chamomile oil was active against bacteria (especially Gram positive), fungi, and Candida albicans. Chamomile extract, essential oil, and isolated constituents have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in vitro.
• Source citations: Duke, J.A. – Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Bone, K. – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- α-Bisabolol (and bisabolol compounds) - Primary anti-inflammatory and antiulcer compound; responsible for much of chamomile's therapeutic activity; found in higher concentrations in German chamomile
- Chamazulene - Blue-colored anti-inflammatory compound formed during steam distillation; gives German chamomile oil its characteristic deep blue color
- Apigenin - Flavonoid with anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), mild sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties; COX-2 inhibitor (up to 0.8% concentration); more active than indomethacin
- Luteolin - Flavonoid with anti-inflammatory activity more potent than phenylbutazone
- Essential oil (1-1.7%) - Contains turmerone, atlantone, and various sesquiterpenes; analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, and fungicidal
- Coumarins - Contribute to therapeutic effects; may have anticoagulant properties
- Flavonoids - Including apigenin-7-glucoside; antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
- Bitter glycosides - Stimulate digestion and appetite
- Tannins - Astringent properties
- Polysaccharides (high molecular weight) - Immunostimulant; choleretic (bile-stimulating)
- Salicylates - Mild pain-relieving properties
- Minerals - Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus

Note on species: Roman chamomile contains unique esters giving it exceptional spasmolytic (muscle relaxant) power. German chamomile has higher chamazulene content for anti-inflammatory applications.

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Tea (infusion)
- Amount: 1 teaspoon dried flowers per cup of water; or 2 teaspoons fresh flowers per cup
- Frequency: 2-3 cups daily
- Steeping: 15-20 minutes covered for therapeutic strength; shorter steeping (5-10 minutes) for milder, less bitter taste

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Tea, tincture, or liquid extract
- Tea: 9-15 grams dried flowers per day; or 1 ounce dried (2 ounces fresh) per quart water
- Tincture (dried flowers): 1:5, 40% alcohol, 3-6 mL, 3 times per day
- Liquid extract: 1:2 high-grade extract, 3-6 mL per day (20-40 mL per week)
- Capsules: 2-3 (350 mg) capsules, 3 times per day
- Purpose: For anxiety, digestive complaints, inflammation, sleep support
- Duration: Can be used over several weeks for lasting effects; safe for extended use

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Generally well tolerated; highly concentrated hot tea in large amounts is reportedly emetic (may cause vomiting)
- Essential oil: Very low toxicity
- Warning threshold: Stop if signs of allergic reaction appear

Bioavailability Notes:
- Water extracts (tea) are effective for nervous system, digestive, and general calming effects
- Higher-alcohol extractions (tinctures) yield stronger medicinal concentrations better suited for pain and internal inflammation
- High-grade liquid extracts should contain not less than 0.4 mg/ml of bisabolol for therapeutic potency
- Fresh-flower preparations are considered more potent than dried

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best time of day: Morning for digestive support; evening for sleep and relaxation
- With food or on empty stomach? Can be taken either way; before meals to stimulate appetite (bitter action); after meals to ease digestive complaints
- Specific timing notes: For sleep support, drink 30-60 minutes before bed; for digestive benefits, drink with or shortly after meals; for anxiety, take as needed throughout the day

Special Preparations:
- Eyewash: Use distilled water only; filter thoroughly through cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove all plant particles; make fresh daily to avoid contamination
- Bath: Add handful of dried flowers to muslin bag under hot tap; good for stress relief and skin soothing
- Steam inhalation: Add flowers to bowl of hot water; inhale with towel tent for sinus and respiratory support
- Poultice/compress: Soak tea bags or cloth in strong infusion; apply to affected area

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Lemon Balm - Both calming nervines; traditional combination for colic, stress, and sleep | Combined in clinical infantile colic formula
2. Fennel - Both carminative (gas-relieving); synergistic for digestive complaints and colic | Traditional digestive combination
3. Lavender - Both calming and anti-inflammatory; lavender enhances chamomile's gentle character | Combine for relaxation, sleep, and skin care
4. Peppermint - Both support digestion; complementary actions for stomach upset and nausea | Traditional digestive tea blend
5. Rose Petals - Both support nervous system; enhance flavor and calming properties | Blend for stress and anxiety
6. Apple Pectin - Clinical combination for acute diarrhea in children showed significant improvement | Evidence-based pairing for digestive upset
7. Licorice - Part of clinical infantile colic formula with chamomile | Traditional digestive support combination
8. Vervain - Included in clinical colic formula; both nervine herbs | Traditional calming combination

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Iron supplements - Chamomile (like black tea) may inhibit iron absorption by 79-94% due to polyphenol content | Take separately; do not consume chamomile with meals or iron supplements if addressing iron deficiency or anemia

Drug Interactions:
1. Anticoagulants (Warfarin, blood thinners) - Chamomile contains coumarins which may interfere with anticoagulant therapy | Increased bleeding risk | Severity: Moderate
2. Sedatives and sleeping pills - Chamomile has sedative properties that may heighten side effects of pharmaceutical sedatives | Excessive sedation risk | Severity: Mild to Moderate - consult healthcare provider
3. Cyclosporine - Theoretical interaction based on chamomile's effects on drug metabolism | Consult healthcare provider | Severity: Moderate

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions known
- Note: Chamomile contains FODMAPs and may not be suitable for strict low-FODMAP diets for IBS

Allergy Cross-Reactivity:
- Ragweed and Asteraceae family plants - People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, or other aster family plants may experience cross-reactivity with chamomile
- Symptoms may include intense itching in the mouth, skin reactions, runny nose, itchy eyes/ears, scratchy throat
- Discontinue use immediately if allergic symptoms appear

Safety Information

Long-Term Use:
- Safety of prolonged use (6+ months): Generally considered very safe for extended use; one of the safest herbs available
- Can be used continuously; has lasting effects when used over several weeks
- Monitoring recommendations: Watch for signs of allergic reaction, especially in those with known plant allergies

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy: Use moderately as tea (1 cup daily maximum); avoid concentrated supplements or essential oil during pregnancy due to traditional concerns about uterine stimulation
- Lactation: Generally considered safe; no adverse effects expected
- Infants: Safe for infants and children; traditionally used for teething and colic
- Asteraceae allergy: Contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to plants in the daisy/aster family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds)
- Scheduled surgery: Due to potential mild anticoagulant effects from coumarin content, consider discontinuing 1-2 weeks before surgery

Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions: Rare but possible; includes contact dermatitis from topical use
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Can occur when chamomile tea is used as eyewash due to pollen content; properly filtered extracts reduce this risk
- Emetic effect: Very concentrated hot tea may cause vomiting

Safety Notes:
- Given the widespread global consumption of chamomile tea and very few reported adverse events, serious reactions are extremely rare
- Using ethanolic (alcohol) extracts denatures proteins and renders allergic reactions unlikely

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Anxiety and stress, sleep support, digestive upset (gas, bloating, colic), eczema and skin inflammation, wound healing

Secondary: Gingivitis and oral health, eye irritation, infantile colic, gastric ulcer protection, phlebitis, respiratory support, minor burns and sunburn

Sources

Local Library:
- Bone, Kerry – Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs (dosage recommendations, clinical studies on eczema/wound healing/colic/diarrhea/mucositis, traditional uses, iron absorption interaction, pregnancy safety, pharmacologic data, hydrocortisone comparisons)
- Brewer, Sarah – TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins (historical Egyptian/Greek/Roman use, external use approvals, pregnancy and children safety, respiratory inflammation use)
- Coffman, Sam – Herbal Medic (actions summary, medicinal uses, eye/skin applications, pregnancy caution, tincture dosing)
- de la Forêt, Rosalee – Alchemy of Herbs (tea and tincture dosing, digestive uses, phlebitis study, stoma study, gingivitis research, fever/sinus support, Asteraceae allergy note)
- Duke, James A. – Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (Class 1/2b classification, ragweed cross-reactivity, coumarin/anticoagulant interaction, COX-2 inhibitor data, apigenin/luteolin potency comparisons, sleep study, antimicrobial data)
- Gazzola, Alex – IBS (FODMAP content note)
- Gladstar, Rosemary – Medicinal Herbs (key constituents list, allergy warning, tea preparation, eye pack recipe)
- Jones, Marlene – Guide to Creating Oils, Soaps, Creams (Roman vs German chamomile distinctions, historical Egyptian use, chamazulene explanation)
- Lavabre, Marcel – Aromatherapy Workbook (Roman chamomile ester content, spasmolytic properties, chamazulene/bisabolol actions)
- Lawless, Julia – Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (chamazulene formation, species distinctions, infant use)
- Price, Shirley – Aromatherapy Workbook (essential oil yield, azulene formation, Asteraceae family information)
- Schnaubelt, Kurt – The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils (anti-inflammatory research, German chamomile cultivation, COPD research, bisabolol standardization)
- Whyte, Myrna – Essential Oils, Healing the Family (Roman chamomile for stress and emotional support)
- Worwood, Valerie Ann – The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (synergy with lavender, species distinctions, German vs Roman chamomile properties)

General Knowledge:
- Core Identification (common names, basic botanical information)
- Framework for Traditional Uses, Active Compounds structure, How to Take It timing guidance