Chamomile
Matricaria chamomillaIts apigenin binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which may explain its calming effect.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Andes. Part used: flower heads.
What is Chamomile used for?
Traditional use: Drunk for stomach ache, gas and sleeplessness; used for eye washes and baby care. Scientific evidence: limited. The EMA recognises chamomile for mild digestive complaints, mouth and throat inflammation and skin irritation.
Is Chamomile safe?
Safety label: generally safe. Can cause allergy in people allergic to the daisy family. People on blood thinners should be careful.
Traditional use
Drunk for stomach ache, gas and sleeplessness; used for eye washes and baby care.
Manzanilla is one of the most common herbal teas in Peru and Bolivia, the first remedy for stomach upsets.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Dog fennel (Anthemis) and scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum) look very similar. Cut true chamomile’s flower head in half: it is hollow inside and smells of apple.
Preparation
Flowers are steeped covered for 5–10 minutes.
What science says
The EMA recognises chamomile for mild digestive complaints, mouth and throat inflammation and skin irritation. Small clinical trials on anxiety have had positive results.
How strong is the evidence?
Claims often repeated online about Chamomile, and what science says today.
| Claim | Evidence | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Helps mild stomach upsets and gas | Traditional only | Recognised by the EMA as traditional. |
| Reduces anxiety | Limited evidence | Benefit in mild anxiety disorder in small controlled trials. |
| Helps sleep | Limited evidence | Few studies, mixed results. |
| Treats eye inflammation | No evidence | Putting chamomile tea in the eye risks irritation and infection; not recommended. |
Common mistakes
- Drinking it if you are allergic to chamomile or related plants (ragweed, chrysanthemum).
- Dripping chamomile tea into the eye or using it as a compress.
- Giving babies chamomile tea sweetened with honey or sugar.
Frequently asked
Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Some people find it relaxing, but sleep study results are mixed.
Can I drink it every day?
Moderate amounts are considered safe. People on blood thinners should ask their doctor.
Can babies have chamomile tea?
Ask a paediatrician before giving herbal tea to babies under one year.
Safety
Can cause allergy in people allergic to the daisy family. People on blood thinners should be careful.
Similar plants
Sources
- EMA monographMatricariae flos: European Medicines Agency herbal assessment
- NCCIHUS National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: use and safety summary
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Matricaria chamomilla
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe