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Matricaria chamomilla

Also known as: Matricaria recutita, German chamomile, chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla

Overview

Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as German chamomile, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Western Asia, widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. The dried flowers are the primary source of its therapeutic extracts. It is categorized as an herbal supplement and botanical extract, traditionally valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive effects. Key bioactive compounds include flavonoids, particularly apigenin, terpenoids, and essential oils, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological actions. Research on chamomile is extensive, with numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy. It is commonly used for managing anxiety, improving sleep quality, alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, and treating various skin conditions. The evidence base for chamomile is considered moderate to advanced, with several high-quality studies confirming its benefits and safety profile.

Benefits

Chamomile offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It significantly improves sleep quality, particularly by reducing the number of awakenings and enhancing sleep maintenance, as shown in a 2024 meta-analysis, though it doesn't significantly increase total sleep duration. For anxiety reduction, a 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated chamomile's effectiveness and safety in reducing state anxiety, with statistically significant improvements compared to placebo. Furthermore, a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that chamomile exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, supporting its use in inflammatory conditions and infections. These primary effects show moderate effect sizes and clinical significance. Secondary benefits, though with less robust evidence, include relief from gastrointestinal symptoms and support for skin healing. Chamomile's benefits are most observed in adults experiencing sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders, and mild inflammatory conditions. Improvements in sleep and anxiety typically manifest after 2-4 weeks of consistent use.

How it works

Chamomile's therapeutic effects are primarily mediated by its bioactive compounds, notably apigenin. Apigenin exerts anxiolytic and sedative effects by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system, thereby modulating GABA-A receptor activity. Its anti-inflammatory properties stem from the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Chamomile also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi. Upon oral administration, active flavonoids and terpenoids are systemically absorbed, with bioavailability varying based on the extract preparation. Overall, chamomile interacts with the nervous system by inducing CNS depressant effects, with the immune system through anti-inflammatory actions, and directly against microbial pathogens.

Side effects

Chamomile is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild and include gastrointestinal discomfort. Allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals, especially those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, marigolds, daisies). Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include skin irritation or rash when used topically. Rare but severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are possible but extremely infrequent (less than 1%). Regarding drug interactions, chamomile may have mild blood-thinning effects, necessitating caution when used concurrently with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin). Its CNS depressant properties mean it can potentiate the effects of sedatives, including benzodiazepines and alcohol. Contraindications include a known allergy to chamomile or other Asteraceae plants. Due to limited safety data, caution is advised during pregnancy, and use should be under medical supervision. Similarly, data in children are limited, so medical consultation is recommended for pediatric use.

Dosage

The optimal dosage of chamomile varies depending on the preparation and intended use. For sleep improvement and anxiety reduction, clinical trials have shown effectiveness with daily doses ranging from 400 mg to 1100 mg of standardized chamomile extract. The minimum effective dose is variable but generally falls within this range. There is no established toxic dose, and doses up to 1100 mg/day have been well-tolerated in studies. For sleep benefits, it is typically recommended to take chamomile 30-60 minutes before bedtime. For anxiety, divided doses throughout the day may be more appropriate. Chamomile is available in various forms, including tea infusions, capsules, tinctures, and topical preparations; standardized extracts are preferred for consistent dosing. Bioavailability may be enhanced when taken with food, though this can vary by formulation. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is chamomile safe for long-term use?

Chamomile is generally considered safe for long-term use, but extensive long-term safety data are limited. Periodic medical supervision is advised for prolonged use.

How soon can I expect results?

Improvements in sleep quality and anxiety levels typically become noticeable within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use, though individual responses may vary.

Can I take chamomile with other medications?

Caution is advised when combining chamomile with blood thinners or sedatives due to potential interactions. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.

Does chamomile cause drowsiness during the day?

Chamomile's sedative effects are usually mild and primarily occur at night, aiding sleep. Daytime drowsiness is uncommon when taken as directed.

Is chamomile effective as a standalone treatment?

While effective for mild to moderate conditions, chamomile may serve as an adjunctive therapy rather than a standalone treatment for severe conditions. It is not a substitute for prescribed medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5074766/ – This systematic review by Miraj & Alesaeidi (2016) analyzed 56 studies on Matricaria recutita, confirming its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic properties. The review highlighted the heterogeneity in study designs and dosages as limitations but ensured the inclusion of well-designed studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106912/ – This 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis by Kazemi et al. included multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing chamomile’s effects on sleep quality. It found a significant reduction in sleep awakenings but no significant increase in total sleep time, noting high methodological quality and low risk of bias in the included studies.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2025.2530995?src= – This 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated RCTs demonstrating chamomile’s significant reduction in inflammatory markers and microbial growth. The study reported moderate effect sizes with confidence intervals excluding the null effect, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for robustness.
https://www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6349 – This 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis on anxiety included RCTs with placebo controls, showing that chamomile significantly reduced state anxiety scores. The study highlighted a favorable safety profile, acknowledging some limitations due to small sample sizes in certain included studies but overall high-quality evidence.
https://medtech.ichsmt.org/index.php/EPJ/article/view/1841 – This source provides supporting evidence for chamomile's traditional use and potential benefits in gastrointestinal symptom relief and skin healing. While the evidence is less robust than for sleep and anxiety, it contributes to the overall understanding of chamomile's therapeutic applications.