Benefits of Chamomile

Evidence-Based Benefits

• Generalized anxiety disorder — Amsterdam et al. (2009) conducted an 8-week RCT of 57 patients with mild-to-moderate GAD, finding 220mg chamomile extract (1.2% apigenin) produced significantly greater reduction in HAM-A anxiety scores compared to placebo
• Long-term anxiety management — Mao et al. (2016) extended this work with a 38-week study showing continued chamomile use significantly reduced GAD relapse rates compared to placebo, with sustained low symptom severity during treatment
• Sleep quality — chamomile tea or extract taken before bed provides mild sedation through apigenin-mediated GABA-A receptor activation, with a 2017 RCT by Adib-Hajbaghery & Mousavi in elderly nursing home residents showing significantly improved sleep quality
• Anti-inflammatory effects — chamomile contains chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which inhibit COX-2 and reduce inflammatory cytokines, providing systemic anti-inflammatory benefits alongside its calming effects
• Digestive comfort — chamomile relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract, reducing stress-related digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, and nausea

What the Research Says

Chamomile has demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing various health conditions, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Amsterdam et al. (2009) conducted an 8-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing chamomile extract to placebo, finding substantial reductions in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) scores among participants with GAD. This was further corroborated by Mao et al. (2016), who provided long-term data over 38 weeks, showing sustained anxiolytic effects and reduced relapse rates. Additionally, Amsterdam et al. (2012) highlighted chamomile's potential antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed individuals.

Recent studies have expanded on chamomile's benefits beyond anxiety. Kazemi et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials involving 772 participants, concluding that chamomile significantly improved sleep quality by reducing Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Furthermore, Valmy et al. (2025) reviewed 11 randomized clinical trials, finding that chamomile exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by decreased mucositis severity and pain levels.

Chamomile's safety profile has also been extensively studied. Ostovar et al. (2025) analyzed 72 trials involving 2,896 participants and 11 case reports, concluding that chamomile is generally safe with minor adverse events such as gastrointestinal issues and drowsiness. However, allergic reactions were reported in six cases.

In summary, chamomile has robust evidence supporting its use for anxiety, sleep improvement, and anti-inflammatory effects, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Related Conditions