Chamomile
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Evidence Summary
Chamomile is a medicinal plant widely researched for its anxiolytic and sedative properties. Overall, the evidence suggests it is effective in reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and menstrual discomfort.
Evidence by Condition
Extensive meta-analyses and RCTs demonstrate that chamomile is effective in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and reducing state anxiety.
Research supports the use of chamomile, particularly through aromatherapy or oral extracts, to improve sleep quality and manage insomnia.
Some evidence suggests a putative antidepressant effect, especially in individuals with comorbid anxiety disorders.
Preliminary studies indicate that chamomile, when combined with L-theanine, may reduce menstrual pain and improve mood.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges were not specified in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Meta-analysis confirms the efficacy of chamomile on sleep and anxiety (PMID: 39106912).
- Chamomile extract may have an antidepressant effect in subjects with comorbid GAD and depression (PMID: 31808709).
- Aromatherapy with chamomile essential oil can reduce anxiety in preoperative patients and clinical nurses (PMID: 38300194, 32341707).
- Chamomile and L-theanine beverages may improve menstrual pain, mood, and sleep quality in young women (PMID: 41525193).
Limitations
Much of the evidence for specific applications, such as aromatherapy, is limited to small-scale trials or specific populations like the elderly or clinical nurses.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were reported in the provided research.
AI-generated summary from 16 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 97% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 73% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 2% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 1% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (16)
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep in this systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until August 2...
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 chamom...
BACKGROUND: Conventional drug treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are often accompanied by substantial side effects, dependence, and/or withdrawal syndrome. A prior controlled study of oral chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) extract s...
BACKGROUND: 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-dwellin...
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of insomnia increases with age. Chamomile is among the medicinal plants which are used as tranquilizer. Yet, there is inadequate experimental and clinical evidence regarding its hypnotic effects. This study sought to evalua...
OBJECTIVES: Dysfunctions in stress biology are hypothesized to contribute to anxiety disorders, and to be ameliorated during successful treatment, but limited clinical data exist to support this hypothesis. We evaluated whether increases in morning c...
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 Di...
PURPOSE: Patients who are awaiting emergency surgery experience high levels of anxiety and pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with damask rose and chamomile essential oil on the preoperative pain and anxiety associated with...
BACKGROUND: 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. PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomi...
Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints among young women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chamomile and 1-theanine beverage intake on menstrual symptoms, pain intensity, mood, and sleep quality in young adult females wi...
**Lopresti et al., 2020** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Lopresti Adrian L, Smith Stephen J, Drummond Peter D. Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies. Phytother Res. 2020-Oct;34(10):2493-2517. doi:10...
**Amsterdam et al., 2009** | J Clin Psychopharmacol | Rct Amsterdam Jay D, Li Yimei, ... Shults Justine. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. J ...
Nurses may be anxious due to critical and emergencies, and anxiety can affect their professional performance. Non-pharmacological interventions, as a safe method, can reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effect of music therapy and aroma...
BACKGROUND: Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) experience high levels of anxiety that may cause instability of hemodynamic indices, increased risk of ischemia, myocardial infarction and poor quality of life. Aromatherapy can affect patients'...
ObjectiveInsomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying sleep, or both. Aromatherapy is a commonly used complementary and alternative medicine practice by persons with insomnia. Previous studies have shown that use of chamomile oil d...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It was aimed to investigate the effects of massage with or without aromatherapy given to patients after colorectal cancer surgery on symptom management in the first three postoperative days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study w...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is chamomile and what is it used for?
Chamomile is a medicinal plant known for its calming and sedative properties. There is strong evidence for its use in reducing anxiety and moderate evidence for its ability to improve sleep quality.
Does chamomile help with anxiety?
Yes, there is strong evidence that chamomile is effective in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and reducing overall anxiety. This effectiveness has been observed through both oral extracts and aromatherapy.
Can chamomile help me sleep better?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that chamomile can improve sleep quality and help manage insomnia. This can be achieved through the use of oral extracts or chamomile essential oil in aromatherapy.
Can chamomile help with depression?
There is moderate evidence that chamomile may have an antidepressant effect, particularly in people who also suffer from anxiety disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm its effects for depression alone.
Does chamomile help with menstrual cramps?
There is weak evidence that chamomile, especially when combined with L-theanine, may help reduce menstrual pain and improve mood. These preliminary findings suggest a potential benefit for young women.
Is chamomile safe to take and are there any side effects?
No specific side effects or contraindications were reported in the reviewed research. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
Are there any drug interactions with chamomile?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for chamomile in the available research. It is important to note that a specific effective dose range was not established in the provided studies.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.