Herb library · Herb · Matricaria recutita
Chamomile
A daisy-family flower usually drunk as a tea. Its studies have been small and often mixed, so NCCIH cannot yet rate its usefulness for any condition.
Traditional use
German chamomile was an important medicinal herb in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today it is promoted for colds, indigestion, anxiety, sleeplessness, infant colic, coughs, skin complaints, and as a mouthwash.
What studies show
- Limited
Anxiety: some preliminary studies suggest a chamomile supplement might help with generalized anxiety disorder and the low mood that goes with it; NCCIH calls this preliminary.
- Insufficient
Sleep: very little information exists. A 2019 review found one insomnia study, with no benefit, and NCCIH's sleep page finds no conclusive trial evidence either way.
- Limited
Mouth irritation from cancer therapy: small studies suggest chamomile mouthwashes might ease mouth swelling or irritation caused by radiation, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplantation.
- Limited
Infant colic and children's diarrhea: some research found herb blends including chamomile may help, but chamomile alone has not been shown to, and blend studies cannot isolate its part.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteLikely safe in tea and food amounts; possibly safe short term by mouth, on the skin, or as a mouth rinse. Uncommon side effects: nausea, dizziness, and eye irritation if used near the eyes.
- AllergySevere allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are more likely if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
- InteractionInteractions with warfarin and some liver-processed drugs have been reported; sedatives are a theoretical concern. Preliminary studies suggest it might lessen the effect of birth control pills.
- ConditionIt might act somewhat like estrogen and worsen estrogen-sensitive conditions such as breast or uterine cancer.
- PregnancyLittle is known about safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“A matricaria patient is restless, irritable, discontented, and impatient, and, if a child, is only appeased when continually carried.”
“It is thick, somewhat viscid, opaque in bulk, but in layers transparent, and has a rich, dark-blue color which, on exposure to air and light, gradually becomes green, and, lastly, brown.”
Sources
- Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 15, 2026
- Sleep Disorders and Complementary Health Approaches: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 15, 2026
Reviewed September 15, 2026.