Key takeaways
- German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the most-studied variety.
- Traditionally used for sleep, mild anxiety, and digestive comfort.
- Best brewed covered — the active compounds are volatile.
- Rare allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed family plants.
What is chamomile?
Chamomile is the dried flower head of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). It has been drunk as a tea in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for over 3,000 years, primarily for calm and digestion.
Traditional uses
European folk medicine used chamomile for restlessness, sleeplessness, colic in infants, and mild stomach upset. Egyptian records mention chamomile in cosmetic and ritual preparations. Today it's the world's most-consumed herbal tea after peppermint.
Potential wellness benefits
Traditional uses and preliminary research — not medical claims. See safety notes below.
May support sleep quality
Small clinical trials suggest chamomile extract may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality in older adults.
May ease mild anxiety
An eight-week trial of chamomile extract showed modest reductions in generalized-anxiety symptoms compared with placebo.
Digestive comfort
Antispasmodic compounds in the flower have been traditionally used for gas, bloating, and mild indigestion.
Skin-friendly antioxidants
Apigenin and bisabolol are studied for anti-inflammatory activity in topical preparations.
Nutritional profile
- Apigenin (flavonoid)
- Bisabolol (essential oil)
- Chamazulene
- Coumarins and mucilage
How to brew chamomile
- 1
1–2 tsp dried flowers per 8 oz
Or one heaped tablespoon fresh. Use loose flowers for the fullest aroma.
- 2
Steep covered, 5 minutes
Covering the cup keeps the volatile aromatic oils from escaping — this is where most of the calming magic lives.
- 3
Sip 30–45 min before bed
Warm, unsweetened, or with a small spoon of raw honey. Skip milk — it dulls the aroma.
Safety information
Chamomile is very well tolerated. People with severe ragweed, chrysanthemum, or marigold allergies can rarely react — start with a small cup. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, talk to your provider before daily use.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This herb is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional about what's right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chamomile actually help you sleep?＋
Evidence is modest but consistent. Think 'gentle wind-down cue,' not sedative.
How much chamomile is too much?＋
3–4 cups a day is fine for most adults. Extracts and tinctures are more concentrated — follow label guidance.
Can I give chamomile to my child?＋
In diluted, cool tea amounts many cultures do, but talk to your pediatrician first, especially for infants.