Chamomile: Anxiety, Sleep Evidence & Safety

Chamomile gets sold as if “calming” automatically means “proven for anxiety and sleep.” It does not. The human evidence is more promising for generalized anxiety disorder than it is for insomnia.

Quick answer

NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest chamomile supplements might help generalized anxiety disorder, but the findings are not conclusive. For insomnia, there is very little information, and the available clinical evidence has not shown a clear benefit.

Anxiety evidence

Small randomized trials of standardized chamomile extract have reported reductions in anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder. The studies are promising, but they are not enough to say chamomile treats anxiety disorders.

Sleep evidence

Chamomile tea is commonly used before bed, but clinical trials have not established chamomile as an effective treatment for insomnia. Feeling relaxed after a tea and demonstrating a treatment effect in an insomnia trial are not the same thing.

Evidence strength

Norene’s Farmacy rating: EARLY HUMAN EVIDENCE for generalized anxiety disorder; INSUFFICIENT / INCONCLUSIVE HUMAN EVIDENCE for insomnia.

Safety and interactions

Chamomile can cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Interactions with warfarin and some drugs metabolized by the liver have been reported, and sedative interactions are also possible.

Source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety; Anxiety and Complementary Health Approaches.

Dr. Village Reports is educational information and product guidance, not medical advice.