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Types of Chamomile: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Standardized Chamomile Extract (1.2% apigenin)ModerateAnxiety support — the exact standardization used in Amsterdam and Mao clinical trials
Chamomile Tea (Dried Flowers)LowMild relaxation and bedtime ritual — traditional form, lower apigenin content than extract
Chamomile Essential Oil (Topical/Aromatherapy)Low (inhalation/topical)Aromatherapy relaxation — not for internal use, provides mild calming through olfactory pathways

Standardized Chamomile Extract (1.2% apigenin)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Anxiety support — the exact standardization used in Amsterdam and Mao clinical trials.

Chamomile Tea (Dried Flowers)

Bioavailability: Low. Best for: Mild relaxation and bedtime ritual — traditional form, lower apigenin content than extract.

Chamomile Essential Oil (Topical/Aromatherapy)

Bioavailability: Low (inhalation/topical). Best for: Aromatherapy relaxation — not for internal use, provides mild calming through olfactory pathways.

References

  1. RCTAmsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTMao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD (2016). Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTAdib-Hajbaghery M, Mousavi SN (2017). The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB (2012). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. PubMed
  5. Valmy J, Greenfield S, Shindo S, Kawai T, et al. (2025). Anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analyses.. Pharmaceutical biology. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisKazemi A, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Eskandarzadeh P, Hashempur MH (2024). Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  7. Maleki M, Mardani A, Manouchehri M, Ashghali Farahani M, et al. (2023). Effect of Chamomile on the Complications of Cancer: A Systematic Review.. Integrative cancer therapies. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Meta-analysisHieu TH, Dibas M, Surya Dila KA, Sherif NA, et al. (2019). Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  2. Ostovar M, Rezaee Z, Najibi SM, Hashempur MH (2025). Chamomile: A systematic review of adverse events.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  3. Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F, Varshosaz P, Jafari-Vayghan H, Alizadeh M, et al. (2020). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and diabetes mellitus, current knowledge and the way forward: A systematic review.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Rügge SD, Nielsen M, Jacobsen AS, Vang O, et al. (2010). [Evidence of dermatological effects of chamomile].. Ugeskrift for laeger. PubMed