Chamomile

Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, Wild Chamomile

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Herbal flower extract with clinical evidence for menopause symptoms, pain relief, and anxiety reduction.

What it does

Chamomile is a flowering herb used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it reduces menopausal symptoms — including hot flashes, mood changes, and urinary issues — when taken...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

100-400 mg daily (oral); topical oil also studied
Found in

Augustinus Bader The Hair Revitalizing Complex, Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle 250 mg, Now Foods Solutions Facial Oil, Balancing and 13 more

What the Science Says

Chamomile is a flowering herb used for centuries in traditional medicine. Clinical trials show it reduces menopausal symptoms — including hot flashes, mood changes, and urinary issues — when taken as a standardized capsule (400 mg/day with 1.2% apigenin) for 12 weeks. Topical chamomile oil has shown meaningful reductions in diabetic neuropathy pain scores, and aromatherapy with chamomile essential oil consistently reduces anxiety and mild pain in hospital settings.

What It Doesn't Do

Not a replacement for hormone therapy in menopause. Won't cure anxiety on its own. No strong evidence it improves sleep as a standalone supplement. Mouth sores and skin reactions have been reported — it's not risk-free. Weaker than standard corticosteroids for mouth ulcers. No evidence it treats epilepsy or serious neurological conditions in humans.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces hot flashes, mood changes, and urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women over 12 weeks.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 400 mg/day (standardized to 1.2% apigenin)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 39836709 PMID 41761999

Aromatherapy with chamomile essential oil consistently reduces anxiety in hospitalized patients.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Aromatherapy inhalation; dose not standardized

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42031027

Topical chamomile oil reduces neuropathic pain and sensory symptoms in diabetic patients when added to standard care.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Topical application; specific dose not standardized

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 40440968

A chamomile and L-theanine beverage reduced menstrual pain scores by over 55% in young women with dysmenorrhea.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Daily beverage for 5 days around menstruation; exact chamomile dose not isolated

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41525193

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — oral bioavailability of key compounds like apigenin has not been directly measured in the provided studies; topical and aromatherapy routes appear effective for localized effects

Red Flags to Watch For

Allergic reactions possible — chamomile is in the daisy (Asteraceae) family; people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigolds may react
Two participants in a clinical trial dropped out due to side effects including mouth sores, skin spots, and itching
Most studies are small (n=15–80) and short-term; long-term safety data is limited
Many products combine chamomile with other ingredients (lidocaine, theanine), making it hard to isolate chamomile's specific effects
Topical chamomile for mouth ulcers performed worse than standard corticosteroid treatment in a meta-analysis

Mostly Legit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chamomile do?

Herbal flower extract with clinical evidence for menopause symptoms, pain relief, and anxiety reduction.

What is the effective dose of Chamomile?

100-400 mg daily (oral); topical oil also studied

Is Chamomile safe?

Allergic reactions possible — chamomile is in the daisy (Asteraceae) family; people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigolds may react

What doesn't Chamomile do?

Not a replacement for hormone therapy in menopause.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25