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Chamomile

Chamomile

Common Names

  • Hungarian chamomile
  • Wild chamomile

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For Patients & Caregivers

How It Works Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Chamomile may benefit those with anxiety disorder and insomnia. It has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.

Several studies have used chamomile extracts in animals to test their effects. They show that substances in chamomile can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, calm muscle spasms, inhibit the growth of polio and herpes viruses and cancer cells, and prevent the growth of ulcers. Several chemicals found in chamomile leaves are known to inhibit substances in the body that cause an inflammatory response. Apigenin, a compound isolated from chamomile, binds to brain cells in the same areas as well-known depressant drugs, which could explain chamomile’s sedative effects. 

Small clinical trials show that chamomile may have a modest effect on generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and in healing skin lesions after colostomy, a surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through the abdominal wall.

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Topically, as an antiseptic and to treat skin ulcers
    Studies in animals show that substances in chamomile can kill bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of ulcers. Clinical trials have not been conducted.
  • Topically, to reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids
    Animal studies show that substances in chamomile can reduce inflammation. Human data are lacking.
  • To relieve generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 
    Chamomile may have modest benefits for those with mild to moderate GAD.
  • Insomnia
    It has long been thought that chamomile tea can induce relaxation. However, clinical data are lacking.
  • As a mouthwash, to treat mucositis associated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy
    Clinical trials show conflicting results for this use. More research is needed.
  • To relieve flatulence
    No scientific evidence supports this use.
  • To alleviate muscle spasms
    Animal studies show that substances in chamomile can calm muscle spasms. Human data are lacking.
Do Not Take If Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • You are allergic to ragweed or flowers in the Compositae family.
  • You take warfarin or other blood thinners: Chamomile may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
  • You use sedatives: Chamomile may have additive effects.
  • You are taking cytochrome P450 substrate drugs: Chamomile may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs.
  • You are taking cyclosporine: Chamomile may increase the risk of side effects.
Side Effects Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Hypersensitivity allergic reactions, ranging from redness and swelling of the skin to anaphylactic shock

Case reports

  • Constriction of a small blood vessel that is important for circulation in the developing fetus: Following consumption of chamomile tea by the mother during pregnancy.
  • Life-threatening allergic reaction: In a 38-year-old Caucasian man, 1 hour after consuming chamomile tea. Symptoms improved followed emergency treatment with an intravenous antihistamine.
  • Multiple internal hemorrhages: In a 70-year-old woman following use of chamomile products along with warfarin. Her symptoms resolved after treatment with intravenous heparin.
  • Occupational allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: Runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and eyes, and watery eyes caused by inhalation of chamomile dried flowers.
  • Increased lactogenesis (production of milk) and breast tension: In a lactating woman after consuming chamomile
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For Healthcare Professionals

Scientific Name Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
Clinical Summary Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Chamomile, an aromatic annual herb, has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, stomach disorders, rheumatic pain, hay fever, and hemorrhoids. It is widely used in teas for its relaxing and calming effects. In vitro and animal studies indicate that chamomile extracts have anti-inflammatory (11), anti-hyperglycemic (12), antigenotoxic (13) and anticancer (14) properties. Apigenin, a flavone present in chamomile, has strong chemopreventive effects (15). Bisabololoxide A, another constituent, was shown to reduce the dose of 5-fluorouracil when used together against leukemic cells (19).

Clinical data suggest modest benefits of oral chamomile in improving chronic insomnia (20), and chamomile tea was shown to have positive effects on glycemic control in patients with diabetes (33). Multiple studies have reported that chamomile extracts are effective against mild-to-moderate (16) and moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder (37) (38), and may have antidepressant effects as well (30). Data also show that chamomile can improve the cortisol slope, a biological marker of chronic stress, in people with chronic anxiety (40). In another controlled trial, application of a chamomile compress was shown to be effective, and superior, to hydrocortisone ointment, in facilitating healing of peristomal skin lesions in patients following colostomy (21).

A chamomile mouthwash was found to reduce 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in hamsters (17), but data from human studies are conflicting (8) (9). More research is warranted.

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • GI disorders
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Infections
  • Inflammation
  • Insomnia
  • Mucositis
Mechanism of Action Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

The anti-inflammatory activity of chamomile involves the release of LPS-induced prostaglandin E(2) in RAW 264.7 macrophages via inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity (11). Methanol extracts of chamomile exert anti-allergic effects by inhibiting histamine release from mast cells (23). They also showed neuroprotective activity by decreasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and total thiol levels (24).

Topical chamomile has been shown to reduce the tissue levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in hamsters with oral mucositis (34). In another study, a chamomile extract was shown to afford gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulceration by increasing glutathione levels (25). Apigenin, a flavone component of chamomile, interacts with GABA (A) (gamma-aminobutyric acid)-benzodiazepine receptors in vitro and inhibits locomotor behavior in rats (5). Apigenin was also shown to affect alternative splicing of key mRNAs by inhibiting dimerization of hnRNPA2, a factor associated with many cellular malignancies and in mRNA metabolism and splicing (32).

Contraindications Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Individuals allergic to ragweed or members of the Compositae family, such as chrysanthemums, should avoid this product.

Adverse Reactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Hypersensitivity reactions including asthma, contact dermatitis, and anaphylaxis can occur following exposure to chamomile (26) (27).

Case reports
Premature constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus: Following consumption of chamomile tea by the mother during pregnancy (31).
Severe anaphylaxis with generalized urticaria, angioedema, and severe dyspnea: In a 38-year-old Caucasian man, 1 hour after consuming chamomile tea. Symptoms improved following treatment with an intravenous antihistamine (18).
Multiple internal hemorrhages: In a 70-year-old woman following concurrent use of chamomile products and warfarin. Her symptoms resolved after treatment with intravenous heparin (28).
Occupational allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: From the inhalation of chamomile dried flowers (36).
Increased lactogenesis and breast tension: In a lactating woman, a few hours after consuming chamomile (39).

Herb-Drug Interactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Chamomile may increase the anticoagulant effects and inhibit platelet activity due to its coumarin content (28).
Sedatives: Chamomile may increase the effects of sedatives  (4).
Cytochrome P450 substrates: Chamomile inhibits CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4, and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by these enzymes (29).
Cyclosporine: Concurrent use resulted in increased serum levels of cyclosporine (35).

Dosage (OneMSK Only) Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
References Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

  1. Blumenthal, et al. Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs, 1st ed. Austin: American Botanical Council; 2000.

  2. Newall C, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

  3. Tyler, V. Herbs of Choice, the Therapeutical Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton: Pharmaceutical Press; 1994.

  4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3rd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical; 2001.

  5. Avallone R, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol 2000;59:1387-94.

  6. Kyokong O, et al. Efficacy of chamomile-extract spray for prevention of post-operative sore throat. J Med Assoc Thai 2002;85(suppl):S180-5.

  7. Budzinski JW, et al. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82.

  8. Fidler P, et al. Prospective evaluation of a chamomile mouthwash for prevention of 5-FU-induced oral mucositis. Cancer 1996;77: 522-5.

  9. Carl W, et al. Management of oral mucositis during local radiation and systemic chemotherapy: a study of 98 patients. J Prosthet Dent 1991;30:395-6.

  10. Segal R, et al. Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. CMAJ. 2006 Apr 25;174(9):1281-2.

  11. Srivastava JK, Pandey M, Gupta S. Chamomile, a novel and selective COX-2 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity. Life Sci. 2009 Nov 4;85(19-20):663-9.

  12. Cemek M, Kaða S, Simþek N, Büyükokuroðlu ME, Konuk M. Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Nat Med. 2008 Jul;62(3):284-93.

  13. Hernández-Ceruelos A, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, de la Cruz C. Inhibitory effect of chamomile essential oil on the sister chromatid exchanges induced by daunorubicin and methyl methanesulfonate in mouse bone marrow. Toxicol Lett. 2002 Sep 5;135(1-2):103-110.

  14. Srivastava JK, Gupta S. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Nov 14;55(23):9470-8.

  15. Patel D, Shukla S, Gupta S. Apigenin and cancer chemoprevention: progress, potential and promise (review). Int J Oncol. 2007 Jan;30(1):233-45.

  16. Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 Aug;29(4):378-82.

  17. Pavesi VC, Lopez TC, Martins MA, et al. Healing action of topical chamomile on 5-fluouracil induced oral mucositis in hamster. Support Care Cancer. 2011 May;19(5):639-46.

  18. Andres C, Chen WC, Ollert M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to camomile tea. Allergol Int. 2009 Mar;58(1):135-6.

  19. Ogata-Ikeda I, Seo H, Kawanai T, Hashimoto E, Oyama Y. Cytotoxic action of bisabololoxide A of German chamomile on human leukemia K562 cells in combination with 5-fluorouracil. Phytomedicine. 2011 Mar 15;18(5):362-5.

  20. Zick SM, Wright BD, Sen A, Arnedt JT. Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Sep 22;11:78.

  21. Charousaei F, Dabirian A, Mojab F. Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2011 May;57(5):28-36.

  22. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Report. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901.

  23. Chandrashekhar VM, Halagali KS, Nidavani RB, et al. Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Sep 1;137(1):336-40.

  24. Ranpariya VL, Parmar SK, Sheth NR, Chandrashekhar VM. Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita against fluoride-induced stress in rats. Pharm Biol. 2011 Jul;49(7):696-701.

  25. Al-Hashem FH. Gastroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Chamomilla recutita against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Saudi Med J. 2010 Nov;31(11):1211-6.

  26. Vandenplas O, Pirson F, D’Alpaos V, et al. Occupational asthma caused by chamomile. Allergy. 2008 Aug;63(8):1090-2.

  27. Jacob SE, Hsu JW. Reactions to Aquaphor: is bisabolol the culprit? Pediatr Dermatol. 2010 Jan-Feb;27(1):103-4.

  28. Segal R, et al. Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. CMAJ. 2006 Apr 25;174(9):1281-2.

  29. Ganzera M, Schneider P, Stuppner H. Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life Sci. 2006 Jan 18;78(8):856-61.

  30. Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, et al. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Sep-Oct;18(5):44-9.

  31. Sridharan S, Archer N, Manning N. Premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus following the maternal consumption of camomile herbal tea.Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Sep;34(3):358-9.

  32. Arango D, Morohashi K, Yilmaz A, et al. Molecular basis for the action of a dietary flavonoid revealed by the comprehensive identification of apigenin human targets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Jun 11;110(24):E2153-62.

  33. Rafraf M, Zemestani M, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Effectiveness of chamomile tea on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.J Endocrinol Invest. 2014 Sep 7. [Epub ahead of print]

  34. Curra M, Martins MA, Lauxen IS, et al. Effect of topical chamomile on immunohistochemical levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2013 Feb;71(2):293-9.

  35. Colombo D, Lunardon L, Bellia G. Cyclosporine and herbal supplement interactions. J Toxicol. 2014;2014:145325.

  36. Benito P, Rodríguez-Perez R, García F, Juste S, Moneo I, Caballero ML. Occupational allergic rhinoconjunctivitis induced by Matricaria chamomilla with tolerance of chamomile tea. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2014;24(5):369-70.

  37. Keefe JR, Mao JJ, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD. Short-term open-label chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder.  Phytomedicine. 2016 Dec 15;23(14):1699-1705.

  38. Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD. Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2016 Dec 15;23(14):1735-1742.

  39. Silva FV, Dias F, Costa G, Campos MDG. Chamomile reveals to be a potent galactogogue: the unexpected effect.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 Jan;31(1):116-118.

  40. Keefe JR, Guo W, Li QS, Amsterdam JD, Mao JJ. An exploratory study of salivary cortisol changes during chamomile extract therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Jan;96:189-195.

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