Chamomile is best known for its traditional use as a mild sedative and aid for relaxation.
Evidence · Grade D
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research
A daisy-like flower that has been studied for mild sedative and digestive effects.
Chamomile refers to several daisy-like plants, with German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) being the most commonly used for medicinal purposes. It has a long history of traditional use for relaxation, digestive complaints, and skin irritations. People typically consume chamomile as a tea, often before bedtime, or as an oral supplement in extract or capsule form. It is also found in topical preparations.
Quick answer
What it is: Chamomile refers to several daisy-like plants, with German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) being the most commonly used for medicinal purposes.
The B grade for chamomile is supported by a combination of traditional use, a substantial body of preclinical research, and a growing number of human clinical trials, including some randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies often investigate its effects on anxiety, sleep quality, and digestive discomfort.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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Dietary protocols studied for the conditions this remedy is associated with.
Low-FODMAP Diet
A short-term elimination diet that restricts fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) to identify food triggers in irritable bowel and other functional gut conditions.
FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They draw water into the gut and are rapidly fermented by colonic bacteria, producing gas and bloating in sensitive people. The Monash University protocol uses a 2–6 week strict low-FODMAP elimination, followed by a structured reintroduction phase to identify personal triggers.
Foods to emphasize
Low-FODMAP vegetables: carrot, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, cucumber, lettuce
High-FODMAP fruit: apple, pear, watermelon, mango, stone fruit
Wheat-based bread, pasta, and cereals (during the elimination phase)
Most legumes (chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils in large portions)
Lactose-containing dairy
Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol)
High-fructose corn syrup
Key principles
Use the Monash FODMAP app to check serving sizes — many foods are dose-dependent
Do not stay in strict elimination longer than 8 weeks (microbiome impact)
Reintroduce one FODMAP subgroup at a time
Best done with a FODMAP-trained dietitian
Typical duration: 2–6 week strict elimination, then 6–8 weeks of structured reintroductions, then a long-term personalized diet.
Why it may help
Indigestion: Strong RCT evidence (Monash University) for symptom reduction in IBS and functional dyspepsia, with 60–80% of patients responding during the elimination phase.
Not intended as a long-term diet. The goal is to identify personal triggers and liberalize as much as possible.
Ketogenic Diet
Very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating pattern that shifts the body into ketosis, using ketones from fat as a primary fuel.
A classical ketogenic diet typically provides ~70–80% of calories from fat, ~15–20% from protein, and only ~5–10% (often 20–50 g/day) from carbohydrates. The metabolic shift to ketosis lowers blood glucose and insulin, raises ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate), and is being studied for neurological and metabolic conditions. Variants include the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT).
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Pasture-raised eggs
Avocado and olives
Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil
Grass-fed meat and poultry
Full-fat dairy (butter, ghee, hard cheeses)
Nuts and seeds (macadamia, pecan, walnut, chia, flax)
Low-carb leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Bone broth and electrolyte-rich foods
Foods to avoid
Sugar and sweetened beverages
Grains and starches (bread, pasta, rice, cereal)
Most fruit (except small portions of berries)
Legumes and beans
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas)
Low-fat or sweetened dairy
Vegetable seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower) in excess
Most processed and packaged foods
Key principles
Carbohydrate intake usually 20–50 g net carbs per day
Adequate protein (~1.2–1.7 g/kg) — not high-protein
Most calories from whole-food fats
Track electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent "keto flu"
Best initiated with clinician guidance if on medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or seizures
Typical duration: Often 3–6 months minimum to assess response; medically supervised protocols (e.g. for epilepsy) may be maintained for years.
Why it may help
Headache: Ketogenic and modified Atkins diets have shown reductions in migraine frequency in several small clinical studies, likely via stabilizing neuronal excitability and reducing CGRP-related inflammation.
Autism Spectrum: A handful of small trials report improvements in behavioral and cognitive scores on ketogenic or modified Atkins diets in children with autism, though evidence is preliminary.
Ketogenic therapy is a medical intervention when used for seizure disorders or oncology — work with a clinician or registered dietitian experienced in ketogenic therapy. Not recommended in pregnancy, type 1 diabetes without supervision, pancreatitis, certain fatty-acid oxidation disorders, or active eating disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Reduces inflammatory drivers of acne, rosacea, and eczema; commonly recommended alongside topical care.
Anxiety: Anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean-style diets are associated with lower depression and anxiety scores in meta-analyses.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Eliminating dairy has reduced acne severity in clinical studies; whole-food vegan diets push this further with high antioxidant intake.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
A strict elimination version of paleo designed to calm autoimmune flares and identify food triggers through structured reintroduction.
The Autoimmune Protocol removes foods commonly implicated in immune activation and gut permeability — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol, and additives — for a 30–90 day elimination, followed by careful one-at-a-time reintroduction. It is most studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Foods to emphasize
Quality meat, poultry, and seafood (especially wild-caught fatty fish)
Organ meats once or twice weekly
A wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables and leafy greens
Nuts and seeds (including seed-based spices like cumin, coriander)
Refined sugar and sweeteners
Alcohol
NSAIDs and food additives where possible
Key principles
Pair the elimination with sleep, stress management, and movement
Track symptoms in a journal during reintroductions
Reintroduce one food every 5–7 days and watch for symptom changes
Most people do NOT need to stay strict long-term — the goal is a personalized maintenance diet
Typical duration: 30–90 day strict elimination, then a structured staged reintroduction over weeks to months.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Used as an elimination protocol for chronic eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune skin conditions where food triggers are suspected.
AIP is restrictive and best done with a practitioner familiar with the protocol, especially when active autoimmune disease is involved or in pregnancy/lactation.
Carnivore Diet
An all-animal-foods elimination diet consisting of meat, fish, eggs, and (optionally) dairy, with zero plant foods.
The carnivore diet is the most aggressive elimination diet — it removes every plant food (and therefore every fiber, lectin, oxalate, gluten, and FODMAP source) to isolate animal-food tolerance. Proponents use it primarily as a short-term diagnostic elimination to surface food triggers in autoimmune, gut, and inflammatory conditions. Long-term safety data is limited and observational.
Foods to emphasize
Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, bison) — emphasized for nutrient density
Pasture-raised eggs
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Organ meats (liver, kidney) once or twice weekly
Bone broth and bone marrow
Animal fats (tallow, butter, ghee)
Salt to taste
Optional: aged hard cheeses, heavy cream
Foods to avoid
All grains, legumes, and seeds
All vegetables and fruit
Nuts and plant oils
Sugar and sweeteners
Most processed foods
Alcohol
Key principles
Eat to satiety — no calorie counting
Salt food liberally to maintain electrolytes
Prioritize fattier cuts over lean meats
Reintroduce foods one at a time after the elimination window to identify triggers
Best tracked with a clinician given the radical nature of the change
Typical duration: Typically run as a 30–90 day elimination, then food reintroductions one at a time.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Reported anecdotally to clear chronic skin inflammation by removing common food triggers; used as a short diagnostic elimination, not a long-term plan.
Long-term effects on cardiovascular markers, bone health, and the gut microbiome are not well established. Avoid in chronic kidney disease, gout flares, or active eating disorders without medical supervision.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Vitamin D
Fat-soluble vitamin
Hormone-like vitamin central to immune function, mood, bone, and thyroid health.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Autism Spectrum: Lower 25(OH)D levels associated with autism; supplementation trials show modest behavioral improvements.
Insomnia: Low vitamin D status is associated with poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration.
Anxiety: Low vitamin D correlates with higher anxiety and depression scores.
Skin Care: Supports skin barrier and immune balance.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
B-vitamin
Essential for nerve myelination, red blood cell formation, and methylation.
Deficiency is common in vegetarians/vegans, older adults, and those on PPIs or metformin. Strongly implicated in neurological symptoms (MS-like presentations), fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
An estimated 50% of adults consume below the EAR. Low magnesium is linked to insomnia, anxiety, migraines, muscle tension, and poor blood sugar regulation.
Common symptoms
Muscle cramps or twitches
Poor sleep
Anxiety, irritability
Headaches/migraines
Constipation
Food sources
Pumpkin seeds
Dark leafy greens
Almonds and cashews
Dark chocolate (85%+)
Black beans
Avocado
Lab markers to discuss
RBC magnesium (more sensitive than serum)
Serum magnesium
Reference intake: 310–420 mg/day RDA depending on age and sex.
Supplementation notes: Glycinate for sleep/anxiety, citrate for constipation, threonate for cognitive/brain effects. Avoid magnesium oxide (poorly absorbed).
Why it matters here
Headache: Magnesium prophylaxis reduces migraine frequency; AAN/AHS gives it Level B.
Insomnia: Improves sleep latency and quality, particularly in older adults.
Anxiety: Magnesium modulates the HPA axis and NMDA receptor activity; deficiency is linked to anxiety symptoms.
Indigestion: Helps motility and is depleted by chronic PPI/antacid use.
Autism Spectrum: Often combined with B6 in ASD support protocols.
Zinc
Trace mineral
Required for immune function, wound healing, skin integrity, and thyroid hormone synthesis.
Low zinc is linked to recurrent infections, acne, slow wound healing, leaky gut, and impaired taste/smell. Often deficient in vegetarians and those with gut malabsorption.
Common symptoms
Frequent colds/infections
Acne or slow-healing skin
Loss of taste or smell
Hair loss
White spots on nails
Food sources
Oysters
Beef and lamb
Pumpkin seeds
Cashews
Lentils and chickpeas
Lab markers to discuss
Plasma or serum zinc
Zinc/copper ratio
Reference intake: 8–11 mg/day RDA.
Supplementation notes: Take away from iron and calcium. Long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper — pair with ~1 mg copper if dosing >30 mg/day.
Why it matters here
Skin Care: Low zinc is implicated in acne, eczema, and slow wound healing.
Indigestion: Needed for HCl production; low zinc perpetuates hypochlorhydria.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Fat-soluble vitamin
Required for epithelial integrity, immune defense, vision, and skin renewal.
The therapeutic effects of chamomile appear to be primarily due to its chemical constituents, particularly flavonoids and terpenoids. These compounds may interact with various biological pathways in the body, potentially influencing the central nervous system.
How it works in more detail
Apigenin, a prominent flavonoid in chamomile, has been studied for its potential to bind to benzodiazepine receptors, which are part of the GABA-A receptor complex in the brain. This interaction is hypothesized to modulate neuronal excitability, potentially leading to anxiolytic and sedative effects. Other compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, found in chamomile essential oil, are also studied for anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, though much of this research is preclinical.
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.
Editorial guidance
Suggested dosage
Research studies and product labels commonly feature chamomile dosages ranging from 220 mg to 1600 mg of extract daily, or multiple cups of tea. It is important to note that individual needs may vary and consulting a qualified healthcare professional is advisable before beginning any new supplement regimen.
Research dosage range
220-1600 mg/day of dried extract or 3-4 cups of tea per day
Typical onset
Chamomile's relaxing effects may be experienced relatively acutely, often within 30-60 minutes after consuming a tea, especially for immediate relaxation or sleep onset. For more persistent concerns like generalized anxiety, consistent use over several weeks may be suggested in some studies.
Typical forms
tea, capsule, tincture, topical cream
Quality markers
A quality chamomile product may specify the species used (e.g., German chamomile), the concentration of key compounds like apigenin, or be standardized to a particular flavonoid content. Look for products that have undergone third-party testing for purity and contaminants, and consider organic certifications to ensure absence of pesticides.
Medication interactions
sedatives (may potentiate effects)
anticoagulants (potential for interaction, consult physician)
Avoid if
allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums
pregnant or breastfeeding (consult physician)
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
Research studies and product labels commonly feature chamomile dosages ranging from 220 mg to 1600 mg of extract daily, or multiple cups of tea. It is important to note that individual needs may vary and consulting a qualified healthcare professional is advisable before beginning any new supplement regimen.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene, matricin.
Nutritional contents
Trace minerals; primarily consumed as an herbal tea with negligible calories.
Traditional use
Traditional use suggests chamomile has been brewed for centuries in Europe and Egypt to ease restlessness and stomach upset.
Safety
Safety warnings
Rare allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed family plants.
Avoid if
allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums
pregnant or breastfeeding (consult physician)
Medication interactions
sedatives (may potentiate effects)
anticoagulants (potential for interaction, consult physician)
Reported side effects
allergic reactions (especially in those sensitive to Asteraceae family plants)
drowsiness (in high doses)
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade (D)
The B grade for chamomile is supported by a combination of traditional use, a substantial body of preclinical research, and a growing number of human clinical trials, including some randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies often investigate its effects on anxiety, sleep quality, and digestive discomfort.
Turk MA, Liu Y, Pope JE · Autoimmunity reviews · 2023
To investigate the role of non-pharmaceutical therapies on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis through systematic review and meta-analysis.
A review of Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed from inception until March 26, 2019. Only randomized controlled trials which assessed oral, non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. diets, vitamins, oils, herbal remedies, fatty acids, supplements, etc.) in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, that presented clinically-relevant outcomes (defined as pain, fatigue, disability, joint counts, and/or disease indices) were included in our meta-analysis. Data were analyzed as mean differences between active and placebo and forest plots were performed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I-squared statistics while funnel plots and Cochrane's risk of bias assessment evaluated bias.
8170 articles were identified in the search and 51 were RCTs were included. The mean difference in DAS28 was significantly improved in e
Zhang W, Yan Y, Wu Y, Yang H, Zhu P, Yan F · Pharmacological research · 2022
Anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric illness. Medicinal herbs have become a field of interest in the treatment of anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and acceptability of all possible medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety.
A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted for adults with diagnosed or subthreshold anxiety in randomized controlled trials identified in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, searched between Jan 1, 1987, and Dec 31, 2021. The outcomes included efficacy (measured by endpoint Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA] Scores) and acceptability (discontinuation by ineffectiveness, worsening of the symptoms, or adverse events).
A total of 29 trials were reviewed, comparing 12 medicinal herbs. Silexan (mean difference [MD]: -3.84, 95% credible interval [CrI]: -6.31 to -1.34) displayed a significant effect on anxiety, and possibly benefitted the treatment of depression (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.37, 95% confide
Hieu TH, Dibas M, Surya Dila KA, Sherif NA, Hashmi MU, Mahmoud M · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2019
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study the efficacy and safety of chamomile for the treatment of state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorders (GADs), sleep quality, and insomnia in human. Eleven databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Central, and Scopus were searched to retrieve relevant randomized control trials (RCTs), and 12 RCTs were included. Random effect meta-analysis was performed by meta package of R statistical software version 3.4.3 and RevMan version 5.3. Our meta-analysis of three RCTs did not show any difference in case of anxiety (standardized mean difference = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.46, 0.16], P = 0.4214). Moreover, there is only one RCT that evaluated the effect of chamomile on insomnia and it found no significant change in insomnia severity index (P > 0.05). By using HAM-A scale, there was a significant improvement in GAD after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (mean difference = -1.43, 95% CI [-2.47,
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(2)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Manouchehri A, Abbaszadeh S, Ahmadi M, Nejad FK, Bahmani M, Dastyar N · JBRA assisted reproduction · 2023 · n=15
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs.
The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021.
A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, a
Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, Haviland I, Gubili J · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2018
Anxiety and depression are prevalent among cancer patients, with significant negative impact. Many patients prefer herbs for symptom relief to conventional medications which have limited efficacy/side effects. We identified single-herb medicines that may warrant further study in cancer patients. Our search included PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Embase, and Cochrane databases, selecting only single-herb randomized controlled trials between 1996 and 2016 in any population for data extraction, excluding herbs with known potential for interactions with cancer treatments. One hundred articles involving 38 botanicals met our criteria. Among herbs most studied (≥6 randomized controlled trials each), lavender, passionflower, and saffron produced benefits comparable to standard anxiolytics and antidepressants. Black cohosh, chamomile, and chasteberry are also promising. Anxiety or depressive symptoms were measured in all studies, but not always as primary endpoints. Overall,
Ebrahimi H, Mardani A, Basirinezhad MH, Hamidzadeh A, Eskandari F · Explore (New York, N.Y.) · 2022 · n=183
Considering the prevalence of mental health problems in older adults, this study aims to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils on depression, anxiety, and stress of community-dwelling older people.
A three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design was used in this study. 183 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 61): the lavender, chamomile, and control groups. The participants in the experimental groups inhaled three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils for 30 nights. The participants in the control group inhaled only distilled water in a similar fashion. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis.
Statistically significant improvement occurre
Amsterdam JD, Li QS, Xie SX, Mao JJ · Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) · 2020 · n=179
Objectives: This exploratory analysis examined the putative antidepressant effect of Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) extract in subjects with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with or without comorbid depression. It was hypothesized that chamomile extract would demonstrate similar anxiolytic activity in both subgroups, but superior antidepressant activity in GAD subjects with comorbid depression. Design: As part of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of chamomile extract for relapse prevention of GAD, 179 subjects received initial therapy with open-label chamomile extract 1500 mg daily for 8 weeks. Linear mixed-effect models were used to identify clinically meaningful changes in anxiety and depression symptoms between diagnostic subgroups. Settings/Location: The study took place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Subjects: Subjects were ≥18 years old with a primary DSM IV-TR diagnosis of GAD. They were subcategorized into two diagn
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2016 · n=12
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders treated in primary care, yet current therapies have limited efficacy and substantial side effects.
To evaluate long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) use for prevention of GAD symptom relapse.
Outpatients from primary care practices and local communities with a primary diagnosis of moderate-to-severe GAD were enrolled for this two-phase study at a large US academic medical center. During Phase 1, eligible participants received 12 weeks of open-label therapy with chamomile pharmaceutical grade extract 1500mg (500mg capsule 3 times daily). During Phase 2, treatment responders were randomized to either 26 weeks of continuation chamomile therapy or placebo in a double-blinded, placebo-substitution design. The primary outcome was time to relapse during continuation therapy, analyzed using Cox proportional hazards. Secondary outcomes included the proportion who relapsed, treatment-emergent adverse events
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(11)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Cabral MAL, Dutra SVO, Leal KCDS, Rojas YLG, Miranda ABSA, Santos CFD · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2026
Inadequate management of pain and anxiety can prolong hospitalization and increase healthcare costs. Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP) emerge as safe, accessible, and easily applied alternatives or complements to conventional treatments. Aromatherapy utilizing chamomile essential oil is highlighted for its sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties.
To map the existing knowledge regarding the use of chamomile essential oil aromatherapy in the management of pain and anxiety in hospitalized patients within hospital settings.
A scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and reported following the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
Seventeen studies were included in this review. The literature is predominantly recent (2020-2025) and geographically concentrated in Iran (41.1%). The most frequently represented clinical settings were obstetrics and cardiology (29.4% each). The most evaluated outcomes were anxiety and pain; reductions i
Teterovska R, Skotele RE, Maurina B, Sile I · Nutrients · 2025
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with increased gastric acid secretion, such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impair quality of life and present a substantial healthcare burden. Conventional therapies may have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safe complementary approaches. This study systematically identifies and reviews the medicinal plants used in food supplements (FSs) marketed in Latvia for digestive health, focusing on the conditions linked to excess gastric acid.
A structured literature search was conducted to identify European plant species with proven protective effects on the digestive system or the ability to influence gastric acid levels. A market analysis was performed using the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service FS Register.
A total of 218 FS-containing medicinal plants were identified, of which 15 species were included in at least ten products. The most frequently used pl
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind-body therapies, (2) biological practices, (3) manipulative and body practices, (4) energy medicine, and (5) whole medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. This review explores the role of biological practices utilizing aromatic plants, particularly through inhalation aromatherapy and massage with essential oils, as effective complementary strategies within health systems. The review compiles information on the most commonly used plants and essential oils for holistic health maintenance from a complementary and alternative perspective. Given their accessibility and relative safety compared to conventional treatments, these therapies have gained popularity worldwide. Fu
This NCCIH fact sheet provides an overview of chamomile, including its traditional uses, what the science says about its effectiveness for various conditions like insomnia, and potential safety concerns. It emphasizes that while some studies suggest a modest benefit for sleep quality, the evidence is not conclusive for chronic insomnia.
Government SourceNCCIHHigh Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(1)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether a herbal medicine called STW 5-II can help improve gut health and symptoms in adults recently diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD)-a condition that causes frequent stomach discomfort, especially after eating.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Can STW 5-II reduce certain immune cells (eosinophils) in the gut lining? Can it improve symptoms like severe postprandial fullness, bloating, epigastric pain, and improve quality of life?
Researchers will compare STW 5-II to a placebo to see if it helps reduce gut inflammation and ease symptoms.
Participants will:
Take either STW 5-II or a placebo for 8 weeks Provide small samples of gut tissue (via endoscopy) Answer questions about their symptoms and daily life An optional 4-week treatment with STW 5-II will follow for all participants.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: Current evidence for chamomile often suffers from limitations such as small sample sizes in human trials, heterogeneity in study designs and chamomile preparations used, and a need for more high-quality, long-term studies to confirm efficacy and safety across diverse populations. Publication bias and industry funding may also be present in some research.
Health Voice Perspectives
Independent of evidence grade
Approved mentions from health educators, physicians, and researchers across podcasts, videos, and articles. Educational context only — does not influence the scientific evidence rating above.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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