German Chamomile

What Is German Chamomile?

German chamomile is an annual herb of the daisy family whose small white-and-yellow flower heads make one of the world’s most widely drunk herbal teas. It is used for sleep, anxiety and digestive upset, and on the skin for burns, wounds and eczema.

Matricaria chamomilla is native to Eurasia and is now grown commercially on every continent ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}. It has been a European remedy since classical times, when Hippocrates and Galen wrote about it ^{10Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}.

The flowers carry a blue essential oil rich in chamazulene and α-bisabolol, and a water-soluble fraction led by the flavone apigenin ^{17,20Reference 17Mekonnen A et al. · 2016In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus schimperi, Matricaria chamomilla, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalisView study →Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}. Trials have studied a standardised extract for anxiety, and chamomile preparations for blood sugar, mouth sores after cancer treatment, pain and sleep ^{1,2,5,6,7,8,9Reference 1Amsterdam JD et al. · 2009RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder — randomised controlled trialView study →Reference 2Mao JJ et al. · 2016RCTLong-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trialView study →Reference 5Chang SM · 2016RCTEffects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 6Deepa Y et al. · 2025RCTEffects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 7Valmy J et al. · 2025Meta-analysisAnti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →Reference 8Jakovlev V et al. · 1979Pharmacological investigations with compounds of chamomile: antiphlogistic effects of (−)-α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxides — animal studyView study →Reference 9Akhgarjand C et al. · 2024Meta-analysisThe effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →}.

German chamomile is a different plant from Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The two look alike and are used in similar ways, but they differ in chemistry.

How Is German Chamomile Used?

• Tea — an infusion of the dried flower heads, taken for sleep, nerves, digestion and colds.
• Standardised extract — capsules of a dried flower extract, the form used in the anxiety trials ^{1,2Reference 1Amsterdam JD et al. · 2009RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder — randomised controlled trialView study →Reference 2Mao JJ et al. · 2016RCTLong-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trialView study →}.
• Tincture or liquid extract — taken for the same uses as the tea.
• Essential oil — steam-distilled from the flower heads. It is used in cosmetics, inhaled, and applied in oils and creams ^{6,16,20Reference 6Deepa Y et al. · 2025RCTEffects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 16Amiri M et al. · 2025RCTTopical chamomile oil as a novel therapeutic intervention for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trialView study →Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.
• Topical preparations — strong infusions, salves, creams, gels and mouthwashes for burns, wounds, eczema and mouth sores ^{7,15Reference 7Valmy J et al. · 2025Meta-analysisAnti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →Reference 15Meneses AG et al. · 2025RCTComparison of liposomal gel with and without chamomile to prevent radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trialView study →}.

Traditional Uses

Western Herbal Medicine

Chamomile is one of the oldest documented remedies in European practice. Hippocrates, Galen and Asclepius all wrote about it, and historically the whole plant was used: aerial parts, flowers, roots and volatile oil ^{10Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}. Modern practice uses the flower head and the oil distilled from it.

Internally, it is given for gastrointestinal spasm, indigestion, colic, flatulence and diarrhoea; for neuralgia, toothache and period pain; and for the common cold and bronchitis ^{10,20Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}. Older sources add epilepsy and high blood pressure, and the oil was used for rheumatism ^{10Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}.

Externally, the flower heads are applied to skin disorders, including eczema and impetigo ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

The everyday form is a simple infusion of the dried flowers. The essential oil goes mostly into cosmetics rather than internal use ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

German chamomile is a European plant that entered Chinese use late, outside the classical materia medica. In China the flower heads are used to induce sweating and to relieve muscle spasm ^{23Reference 23Zhu et al. · 2011Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat, distribution and uses in China — floraView study →}.

In Chinese terms it is classed as a Qi-regulating herb, which moves stagnant Qi and relieves the constraint that stagnation produces. It is given to relax the nerves, relieve spasm and ease general pain ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

Indications

• Anxiety and nervous tension [flower; standardised extract]
• Insomnia and poor sleep [flower tea, inhaled essential oil] ⚠Caution: In postpartum women, the benefit of chamomile tea had gone by four weeks. Neither of the two sleep trials was blinded ^5,6.
• Indigestion, colic, flatulence and gastrointestinal spasm [flower]
• Diarrhoea [flower]
• Period pain [flower]
• Neuralgia and toothache [flower; European use]
• Colds and bronchitis [flower tea; European use]
• Elevated blood sugar in type 2 diabetes [flower tea]
• Mouth sores (oral mucositis) after cancer treatment [flower; mouthwash]
• Eczema, impetigo and other skin complaints [flower heads, topical]
• Burns and wounds [flower; topical infusion, salve or cream]
• Epilepsy and high blood pressure [flower; older European sources]

Botany

German chamomile is an annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It usually grows 8–60 cm tall, and it is aromatic when bruised. Its stems are erect or ascending and branch toward the top ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}.

The leaves are finely divided, two to three times pinnately lobed into narrow, linear segments ^{22,23Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →Reference 23Zhu et al. · 2011Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat, distribution and uses in China — floraView study →}.

Each flower head has 14–26 white ray florets, which soon bend back, around a yellow dome of several hundred tiny disc florets ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}. The receptacle under the flower head is conical and hollow ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}. This helps tell Matricaria apart from similar mayweeds, with which it is often confused ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}.

The seeds are tiny, tan and ribbed, under 1 mm long ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}.

Distribution

German chamomile is native to Eurasia ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}. In China it grows near fields and forests and above valleys in eight provinces, from Liaoning in the northeast to Sichuan and Xinjiang. It is also grown there as an ornamental ^{23Reference 23Zhu et al. · 2011Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat, distribution and uses in China — floraView study →}.

It has been introduced to North America, where it grows across much of Canada and the United States. It favours dry roadsides, railways and other waste places, from sea level to 2,700 m ^{22Reference 22Brouillet · 2006Matricaria chamomilla — species description, habitat and North American distribution — floraView study →}.

Growing Conditions

Cultivation snapshot for German Chamomile

LifeannualZoneUSDA 2–8

• Fast-growing annual; full sun; very cold-tolerant, grown as an annual across roughly USDA zones 2–8.

Grow it yourself

Farm Wiki is our cultivation-focused sister site, also run by Justin Cooke.

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Harvesting, Collection & Preparation

The essential oil is obtained by steam-distilling the dried flower heads. The flowers hold the most oil at the beginning of flowering ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

Drying the flowers at 40–45 °C is suggested to best preserve their constituents and give the highest-quality essential oil ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

Pharmacology & Research

German chamomile has been tested in randomised trials for several conditions.

The strongest human evidence is for anxiety. Two randomised trials of a standardised oral extract found a modest effect in generalised anxiety disorder ^{1,2Reference 1Amsterdam JD et al. · 2009RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder — randomised controlled trialView study →Reference 2Mao JJ et al. · 2016RCTLong-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trialView study →}.

Smaller but consistent human evidence covers blood sugar ^{9Reference 9Akhgarjand C et al. · 2024Meta-analysisThe effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →} and mouth sores after cancer treatment ^{7Reference 7Valmy J et al. · 2025Meta-analysisAnti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →}. The digestive and sedative uses rest mainly on animal and laboratory work ^{4,10Reference 4Avallone R et al. · 2000In vitroPharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla — in vitro / animal mechanistic studyView study →Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}.

1. Anxiety

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomised 57 outpatients with mild-to-moderate generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) to a standardised chamomile extract (identified as 1.2% apigenin, ~220–1100 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Total Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) scores fell significantly more on chamomile (P = 0.047), and the authors described the effect as modest ^{1Reference 1Amsterdam JD et al. · 2009RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder — randomised controlled trialView study →}.

A later trial gave 179 people with moderate-to-severe GAD open-label chamomile at 1,500 mg a day (a 500 mg capsule three times daily) for 12 weeks. The 93 who responded were then randomised to continue chamomile or switch to placebo for 26 weeks. Fewer relapsed on chamomile (15% against 26%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Anxiety symptoms stayed significantly lower on chamomile ^{2Reference 2Mao JJ et al. · 2016RCTLong-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trialView study →}.

A Bayesian network meta-analysis compared 12 medicinal herbs for anxiety. The clearest effects were for lavender oil (Silexan) and kava ^{3Reference 3Zhang W et al. · 2022Meta-analysisMedicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysisView study →}.

Gap: the anxiety evidence belongs to a standardised 1.2%-apigenin capsule, and tea is untested for GAD. The trials used a defined pharmaceutical-grade dose, not an infusion. The larger relapse-prevention study was also non-significant on its primary endpoint.

2. Anti-Inflammatory

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised clinical trials found that chamomile significantly reduced the severity and pain of oral mucositis, the mouth sores caused by cancer treatment ^{7Reference 7Valmy J et al. · 2025Meta-analysisAnti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →}.

The anti-inflammatory action is attributed mainly to the essential-oil sesquiterpenes. Chamazulene forms on steam distillation from the proazulene matricin, and α-bisabolol reduced experimentally induced inflammation in classic pharmacology studies ^{8Reference 8Jakovlev V et al. · 1979Pharmacological investigations with compounds of chamomile: antiphlogistic effects of (−)-α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxides — animal studyView study →}. The flavone apigenin adds NF-κB- and COX-linked suppression. Chamazulene gives the distilled oil its blue colour.

Most of the human work is on mouthwashes for mucositis. Systemic anti-inflammatory benefit from drinking chamomile, for conditions such as arthritis, has only been shown in animals.

3. Glycemic Control

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled four human randomised trials. Chamomile lowered fasting blood glucose (SMD −0.65, 95% CI −1.00 to −0.29) and HbA1c (SMD −0.90, 95% CI −1.39 to −0.40), with low heterogeneity for fasting glucose ^{9Reference 9Akhgarjand C et al. · 2024Meta-analysisThe effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →}.

The animal studies in the same review showed a dose-dependent glucose-lowering effect ^{9Reference 9Akhgarjand C et al. · 2024Meta-analysisThe effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysisView study →}.

Most human trials used chamomile tea alongside standard diabetes care rather than on its own. The four trials were small and short, several were open-label, and none measured a hard clinical endpoint.

4. Antispasmodic & Digestive

A crude aqueous-methanolic extract had dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic effects in mice and relaxed isolated rabbit jejunum. The action worked mainly through K⁺-channel activation, with a weaker calcium-antagonist component ^{10Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}.

In children, a systematic review found promising evidence for a herbal compound preparation containing Matricaria chamomilla in treating diarrhoea, but chamomile was one of several herbs ^{11Reference 11Anheyer D et al. · 2017Systematic reviewHerbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic reviewView study →}. The functional-dyspepsia benefit usually cited comes from STW 5 (Iberogast), a multi-herb preparation, rather than chamomile alone ^{12Reference 12Melzer J et al. · 2004Meta-analysisMeta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast)View study →}.

Gap: no adequately powered trial has tested chamomile on its own for colic, dyspepsia or diarrhoea. The two supporting human results both come from multi-herb products — one of them Iberogast, which contains nine herbs — so chamomile’s own contribution is unmeasured. The strong mechanistic data are animal and in vitro.

5. Sleep Quality

Two small randomised trials found a mild, short-term sleep benefit from different preparations.

In 80 postpartum women with poor sleep, two weeks of drinking chamomile tea improved sleep problems linked to physical symptoms, and depressive symptoms, compared with usual care. By four weeks the difference between groups had disappeared ^{5Reference 5Chang SM · 2016RCTEffects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trialView study →}.

In 80 young adults with insomnia, 15 days of inhaling chamomile essential oil at bedtime reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index scores compared with a control group following their normal routine ^{6Reference 6Deepa Y et al. · 2025RCTEffects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trialView study →}.

No trial shows lasting improvement. The two positive results used different preparations, and neither was blinded.

6. Analgesic

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies found a potential analgesic effect of chamomile on musculoskeletal pain compared with placebo, and no significant difference from conventional painkillers. The included studies varied widely ^{13Reference 13Ahmadi M et al. · 2025Meta-analysisEffect of chamomile on musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsView study →}.

For period pain, a double-blind trial in 30 young women with primary dysmenorrhoea gave a chamomile and L-theanine drink for five days around menstruation. Pain scores fell by about 55–57% from baseline. The control drink was chamomile-flavoured, and the L-theanine makes it hard to credit the effect to chamomile alone ^{14Reference 14Soh Z et al. · 2025RCTEffects of chamomile and L-theanine beverage on menstrual pain, symptoms, mood and sleep quality in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyView study →}.

7. Skin & Wound Healing

A double-blind trial in 100 breast-cancer patients found that a chamomile liposomal gel did not significantly reduce radiation dermatitis compared with the same gel without chamomile (dry desquamation 6.0% vs 12.2%, P = 0.32). Itching was less common on chamomile in the first three weeks ^{15Reference 15Meneses AG et al. · 2025RCTComparison of liposomal gel with and without chamomile to prevent radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trialView study →}.

A 2025 double-blind trial in 72 patients with diabetic neuropathy found that topical chamomile oil, added to standard gabapentin, significantly improved neuropathy scores (Neurothesiometer, MNSI and DN4) compared with placebo ^{16Reference 16Amiri M et al. · 2025RCTTopical chamomile oil as a novel therapeutic intervention for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trialView study →}.

The essential oil’s α-bisabolol and chamazulene are the likely anti-inflammatory actives for skin.

Gap: the best-designed skin trial was null on its primary outcome. Chamomile gel did not prevent radiation dermatitis, and the positive result comes from a different condition in a different preparation — so topical efficacy here is formulation-specific rather than general.

8. Antimicrobial

In one laboratory study, a German chamomile essential oil showed weak or no antibacterial and antifungal activity. The authors linked this to its low α-bisabolol content, 4.1% of the oil, compared with about 57% in a sample reported elsewhere ^{17Reference 17Mekonnen A et al. · 2016In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus schimperi, Matricaria chamomilla, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalisView study →}.

Activity therefore varies with where and when the plant is grown and how the oil is prepared. There are no human infection trials.

Mechanisms

The essential-oil sesquiterpenes α-bisabolol and chamazulene have been studied for anti-inflammatory activity. Chamazulene forms from matricin during steam distillation, which is why the oil is blue ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

The flavone apigenin binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor but reduced GABA-activated currents in nerve cells. Its calming effect in rats was not blocked by a benzodiazepine antagonist ^{4Reference 4Avallone R et al. · 2000In vitroPharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla — in vitro / animal mechanistic studyView study →}. The crude extract relaxes gut muscle mainly through K⁺-channel activation ^{10Reference 10Mehmood MH et al. · 2015In vitroAntidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro studyView study →}.

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov lists roughly 70 registered studies mentioning chamomile, about 23 of them specifically for Matricaria chamomilla. They cover anxiety, sleep, oral mucositis, period pain and blood sugar. Most individual indications rest on one or two small trials, several unblinded or using combination products.

Last checked: July 2026.

Phytochemistry

German chamomile’s essential oil is built around the sesquiterpenes α-bisabolol and chamazulene. Chamazulene forms during steam distillation from the proazulene matricin in the fresh flower heads ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}.

The water-soluble fraction is dominated by flavone glycosides, up to about 8% of the dried flower, chiefly apigenin and apigenin-7-glucoside ^{20Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}. The flowers also contain the polyyne en-in-dicycloether, mucilage, coumarins and phenolic acids ^{17,20Reference 17Mekonnen A et al. · 2016In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus schimperi, Matricaria chamomilla, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalisView study →Reference 20Battaglia · 2003The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd ed.) — reference text}. The main coumarin is herniarin (7-methoxycoumarin).

α-Bisabolol occurs alongside its oxidation products, α-bisabolol oxide A and oxide B. Some populations are rich in bisabolol and others in the oxides, so figures for all three vary widely. In one oil sample, bisabolol oxide B made up about 51% and α-bisabolol about 4% ^{17Reference 17Mekonnen A et al. · 2016In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus schimperi, Matricaria chamomilla, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalisView study →}.

The flower also carries two guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones, achillin and its C-11 epimer leucodin. Neither has the α-methylene-γ-lactone group found in many sesquiterpene lactones, and neither does matricin.

In laboratory work, apigenin bound the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor but reduced GABA-activated currents, and its sedative effect in rats did not run through that site ^{4Reference 4Avallone R et al. · 2000In vitroPharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla — in vitro / animal mechanistic studyView study →}. The anti-inflammatory action is attributed mainly to chamazulene and α-bisabolol ^{8Reference 8Jakovlev V et al. · 1979Pharmacological investigations with compounds of chamomile: antiphlogistic effects of (−)-α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxides — animal studyView study →}.

Constituent Summary

Essential-oil figures come from a single steam-distilled sample ^{17Reference 17Mekonnen A et al. · 2016In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus schimperi, Matricaria chamomilla, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalisView study →} and vary with origin and harvest time.

Dosage

German chamomile has been studied as a standardised capsule for anxiety, a tea for sleep and blood sugar, and a topical oil or gel for the skin. The doses used in the trials:

The anxiety trials used extracts with no published herb-to-extract ratio, and the tea, inhaled-oil and topical studies are different preparations again. These doses are not interchangeable with the traditional doses below.

Traditional Dosage

In Western herbal practice German chamomile is used as the whole flower, as a tea, tincture or liquid extract.

Safety & Pregnancy

German chamomile is very well tolerated, with only mild, short-lived side effects reported in trials. The main caution is allergy to the daisy family (Asteraceae), which in rare cases includes anaphylaxis. For that reason regulators warn against chamomile eye washes.

Full Safety & Interactions Detail

Tolerability. A 2025 systematic review covered 72 trials in which 2,896 patients received chamomile. It found 65 adverse events across 10 trials, mostly mild, self-limiting stomach upset and drowsiness. No allergic reactions were reported in any of the trials ^{18Reference 18Ostovar M et al. · 2025Systematic reviewChamomile: a systematic review of adverse eventsView study →}.

Allergy. Chamomile is a daisy-family (Asteraceae) plant. Of 11 published case reports, six described allergic reactions, three of them anaphylaxis, particularly in people already sensitised to other Asteraceae such as ragweed, mugwort or feverfew ^{18Reference 18Ostovar M et al. · 2025Systematic reviewChamomile: a systematic review of adverse eventsView study →}. Contact dermatitis has also been reported.

Eye washes. Chamomile tea poultices are a common folk remedy for eye inflammation. The European Medicines Agency and ophthalmic guidelines warn against them because of possible allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, and the risk of contamination in home-made preparations ^{19Reference 19Rák T et al. · 2025ReviewReevaluating the safety of chamomile poultices in ophthalmic care — reviewView study →}.

Sedatives. Chamomile’s mild sedative effect may add to that of sedatives or alcohol.

Drug metabolism. In laboratory tests, chamomile essential oil and its constituents inhibited the drug-metabolising enzyme CYP1A2, and to a lesser degree CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 ^{24Reference 24Ganzera M et al. · 2006In vitroInhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes — in vitro studyView study →}. In rats drinking chamomile tea for four weeks, liver CYP1A2 activity fell to about 40% of normal, with no change in CYP2D or CYP3A ^{25Reference 25Maliakal PP · 2001AnimalEffect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats — animal studyView study →}. No human pharmacokinetic study has been done.

Anticoagulants and glucose-lowering drugs. A 70-year-old woman taking warfarin was admitted to hospital with internal bleeding after using chamomile tea and lotion ^{26Reference 26Segal R · 2006Case reportWarfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla — case reportView study →}. Additive effects with glucose-lowering drugs are possible on mechanistic grounds.

References

1. Amsterdam JD, et al. (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder — randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19593179/
2. Mao JJ, et al. (2016). Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27912875/
3. Zhang W, et al. (2022). Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35378276/
4. Avallone R, et al. (2000). Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla — in vitro / animal mechanistic study. Biochemical Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10751547/
5. Chang SM, Chen CH. (2016). Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26483209/
6. Deepa Y, et al. (2025). Effects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39545336/
7. Valmy J, et al. (2025). Anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmaceutical Biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40665590/
8. Jakovlev V, et al. (1979). Pharmacological investigations with compounds of chamomile: antiphlogistic effects of (−)-α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxides — animal study. Planta Medica. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/419180/
9. Akhgarjand C, et al. (2024). The effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932814/
10. Mehmood MH, et al. (2015). Antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation — animal / in vitro study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25886126/
11. Anheyer D, et al. (2017). Herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Pediatrics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28562281/
12. Melzer J, et al. (2004). Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15606389/
13. Ahmadi M, et al. (2025). Effect of chamomile on musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41394268/
14. Soh Z, et al. (2025). Effects of chamomile and L-theanine beverage on menstrual pain, symptoms, mood and sleep quality in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525193/
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