What is it?
Chamomile is a flowering herb in the daisy family, originally native to Europe and North Africa and now cultivated in many regions worldwide. Two species are most commonly used: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is the more extensively studied and is often considered more potent, while Roman chamomile is used for similar purposes.
Use it for:
Chamomile is traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, relieve diarrhea and infant colic, promote relaxation and better sleep, and support immune health. It also has topical uses—helping wound healing and reducing inflammation of conditions such as hemorrhoids. Some research indicates chamomile may have properties that discourage the growth of certain cancer cells, though more study is needed.
The science
Chamomile has a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek traditions, where it was used for fevers, ulcers, and general healing. Modern research supports several of these traditional uses. Studies have shown that chamomile can inhibit bacteria implicated in stomach ulcers and may help reduce stomach acid; animal research has even found effects comparable to some commercial antacids. Clinical and preclinical work indicate chamomile has mild sedative effects, likely through central nervous system modulation, which helps explain its sleep-promoting reputation.
Recent research has explored chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer potentials. For example, some laboratory and animal studies identify compounds in chamomile that interfere with cancer cell growth pathways, though human evidence remains limited and preliminary. Observational research has also linked chamomile tea consumption with certain health outcomes; one study observed an association between chamomile tea drinking and increased longevity in a specific population of women after adjusting for other factors. These findings are promising but not definitive, and more rigorous human trials are required to confirm long-term benefits.
How to take it
Common, safe ways to use chamomile include:
- Tea: Drinking one to three cups daily is a typical approach for general health, digestive support, and relaxation. A cup before bedtime can help with sleep.
- Capsules: For higher, standardized doses, chamomile is available in supplement form; some products provide doses up to about 1,600 mg daily. Follow product label directions and consult a healthcare provider when using higher doses.
- Topical preparations: Creams, ointments, or compresses containing chamomile can be applied to minor wounds, skin irritations, or inflamed areas such as hemorrhoids to support healing and reduce discomfort.
Side effects are uncommon but can include drowsiness and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, such as daisies, ragweed, and chrysanthemums. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and those on prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before beginning regular chamomile supplementation, as interactions or contraindications are possible.