Chamomile is a plant that may have benefits for anxiety and stomach upset relief. It’s most often prepared as a tea, but is sometimes made into oils and tinctures.
Consuming chamomile long-term may significantly decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and improve overall mental well-being.
Chamomile may soothe an upset stomach. It can also resolve diarrhea in children and colic (frequent or excessive crying) in infants.
Chamomile may help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. It can decrease A1C (average blood sugar over the past three months), serum insulin levels, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Consuming chamomile may help combat and treat cancer, as well as help prevent thyroid cancer and other thyroid conditions.
This may be due to chamomile’s antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are plant compounds that fight against free radicals, unstable atoms that cause cell damage in excess.
Chamomile is often used topically to soothe damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it especially helpful for eczema.
Chamomile may help soothe and heal diaper rash, simple wounds, bruises, and burns, as well as sore nipples during breastfeeding.
The most popular way to use chamomile is by drinking it as a tea. Some people consume chamomile flowers as food. You may find chamomile in essential oils or in capsule form.
Chamomile is also used in many cosmetic products, such as:
- Deodorant
- Detergents
- Lotions
- Mouthwash
- Perfumes
- Shampoos
- Soaps
- Sunscreens
- Toothpaste
Dosage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs, so it does not set safe dosages of chamomile.
Consuming the amount of chamomile found in tea is typically thought to be safe, including German chamomile.
Roman and German chamomile are on the FDA’s list of foods that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a spice, tea, seasoning, or flavoring. Less is known about its safety in more potent forms, such as the essential oil.
Pregnant people may avoid chamomile because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Chamomile may also cause allergic reactions in people allergic to ragweed or other similar plants.
Potential Drug Interactions
There’s limited information available on how chamomile may interact with other medications or drugs.
Some people have had negative effects from using chamomile while taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (sold under brand names like Jantoven or Coumadin).
Others have reported negative effects with the organ transplant medication cyclosporine (sold under brand names like Gengra and Neoral).
It’s always best to speak with a doctor before taking a new herbal supplement.
Most people who consume chamomile in tea form do not have negative side effects.
Side effects are rare but may include:
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
