Chamomile
Standardised chamomile extract has real, replicated RCT support for reducing generalised anxiety symptoms over 8 weeks — one of the better-evidenced calming herbs. Its reputation as a sleep aid, by contrast, rests on far weaker data than its reputation suggests.
What the science says
- Reduces generalised anxiety symptoms Moderate evidence
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 57 patients with mild-to-moderate GAD, 8 weeks of Matricaria recutita extract (titrated up to 1,100 mg/day) produced a significantly greater fall in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores than placebo. A later open-label phase in a larger cohort replicated the symptom improvement, though both trials come from the same research group.
- Prevents relapse of anxiety after response Limited evidence
In a 26-week randomised continuation trial, patients who had responded to open-label chamomile were assigned to continue chamomile or switch to placebo. Relapse was numerically less frequent on chamomile, but the difference did not reach statistical significance — so long-term maintenance benefit is unproven.
- Improves sleep Limited evidence
Despite chamomile tea's cultural status as a bedtime drink, sleep trials are small, short and often in specific populations such as postnatal women or nursing-home residents, with mostly self-reported outcomes. Improvements in subjective sleep quality in the anxiety trials may simply follow from reduced anxiety rather than a direct hypnotic action.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- warfarin and other anticoagulants
Chamomile contains coumarin derivatives and case reports describe raised INR on the combination. tell your prescriber and have your INR checked after starting
- benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and alcohol
Additive sedation. avoid driving until you know how it affects you
- narrow-therapeutic-index drugs metabolised by CYP1A2 or CYP3A4
Chamomile inhibits both in vitro, which could raise drug levels. check with your pharmacist before combining
With other supplements
- valerian, lemon balm and other sedating herbs
Additive drowsiness. count the total sedative load across your stack
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does chamomile help anxiety?
Yes, with moderate evidence: in a trial of 57 patients with mild-to-moderate generalised anxiety disorder, 8 weeks of standardised chamomile extract reduced anxiety scores more than placebo. Both supporting trials come from the same research group, and long-term relapse prevention is unproven.
Does chamomile tea help you sleep?
Chamomile's reputation as a sleep aid rests on weak evidence: sleep trials are small, short and mostly self-reported. A tea bag is also nowhere near the 1,500 mg/day extract dose used in the anxiety trials.
How much chamomile extract should I take for anxiety?
The anxiety trials used chamomile extract standardised to 1.2% apigenin in 500 mg capsules, up to 1,500 mg/day for 8 weeks or longer. Benefits emerged gradually over 2-4 weeks.
Who should avoid chamomile?
People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold or daisy can react to chamomile, rarely with anaphylaxis. Chamomile has raised INR with warfarin in case reports, so have your INR checked if you take anticoagulants, and avoid high-dose extracts in pregnancy.
Scientific references
Where to buy
Solaray, Vital Extracts, Chamomile, 325 mg, 30 VegCaps
Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers
Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.
Related in Stress & mood
- Ashwagandha Moderate evidence
- L-Methylfolate Limited evidence
- 5-HTP Limited evidence
- L-Ornithine Limited evidence
- SAM-e Moderate evidence
- Rhodiola Rosea Limited evidence