mental

Chamomile

There are two types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder. There's very little information on its effect on insomnia, and the one study a 2019 review found showed no benefit.

There are two types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile.

Research & evidence

Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.

Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder.

Limited evidenceSome support. The source hedges (“may” or “associated with”)

Study details

NCCIH: "Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder..."

Source: NCCIH, Chamomile (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source

Some research has found that products containing certain combinations of herbs that include chamomile may be of benefit for diarrhea in children and for infants with colic, but chamomile alone has not been shown to be helpful for these conditions.

Limited evidenceSome support. Shown only in certain groups, uses, strains or doses

Study details

NCCIH: "products containing certain combinations of herbs that include chamomile may be of benefit for diarrhea in children..." NCCIH: "But chamomile alone has not been shown to be helpful for these conditions."

Source: NCCIH, Chamomile (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source

Small studies suggest that mouthwashes containing chamomile might prevent or treat swelling or irritation in the mouth resulting from radiation therapy, chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.

Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials

Study details

NCCIH: "Small studies suggest that mouthwashes containing chamomile might prevent or treat swelling or irritation in the mouth..."

Source: NCCIH, Chamomile (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source

There's very little information on chamomile's effect on insomnia; a 2019 review found one study on insomnia, which found no benefit.

Not supported by current evidenceWeak or no support. Trials found no clear benefit

Study details

NCCIH: "There's very little information on chamomile's effect on insomnia."

Source: NCCIH, Chamomile (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source

Dosage

Form	Amount
Any form	No standard dose is listed by our sources.

Dosage varies by body weight, age, sex, existing health conditions, current medications, and pregnancy/breastfeeding status. The amounts above reflect commonly studied or commonly recommended amounts, not a personal prescription. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a chronic condition, or taking medication.

Side effects

Side effects are uncommon. They may include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, including severe ones (anaphylaxis); people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react. Chamomile might cause eye irritation if used near the eyes.

Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.

Effect	Frequency	When to stop
NauseaWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox	Uncommon	Stop and talk to a doctor if it persists.
DizzinessWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox	Uncommon	Stop and talk to a doctor if it persists. Don't drive if you feel dizzy.
Allergic reactions, including severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxisWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox	Uncommon	Stop and get medical help right away.
Eye irritation if used near the eyesWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox	Not stated	Stop using it near the eyes, and see a doctor if irritation persists.

Safety & interactions

Safety

NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in the amounts commonly found in teas and other foods, and possibly safe when used by adults and children orally for medicinal purposes over the short term. Using it on the skin or as an oral rinse for medicinal purposes is possibly safe at certain doses and over the short term. Chamomile might worsen any condition that is sensitive to exposure to estrogen, such as breast or uterine cancer.

Contraindications

NCCIH says chamomile might worsen any condition that is sensitive to exposure to estrogen, such as breast or uterine cancer. People are more likely to have an allergic reaction to chamomile if they're allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. Little is known about whether it's safe to use chamomile during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Birth control pillsDocumented

NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest that taking chamomile with birth control pills might decrease their effects.

Warfarin (a blood thinner)Documented

NCCIH says interactions between chamomile and warfarin (a blood thinner) have been reported.

Some drugs metabolized by the liverDocumented

NCCIH says interactions between chamomile and some drugs metabolized by the liver have been reported.

SedativesTheoretical

NCCIH says there are theoretical reasons to suspect that chamomile might interact with other drugs as well, such as sedatives.

Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.