Chamomile
Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, chamomile extract, apigenin-rich chamomile
Effective Dosage
400-1600 mg/day oral (standardized to 1.2% apigenin); topical oil also studied
What the Science Says
Chamomile is a flowering plant used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and other menopausal symptoms when taken as a standardized capsule (400 mg/day with 1.2% apigenin) for 12 weeks. Applied topically as an oil, it has also shown promise in reducing nerve pain and sensory deficits in people with diabetic neuropathy, and a chamomile-lidocaine gel formulation has been studied for post-surgical wound healing and pain relief.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't cure anxiety or insomnia on its own — the anxiolytic evidence in these papers comes from zebrafish, not humans. Not a replacement for prescription medications for neuropathy or menopause. No evidence it detoxifies the body or boosts immunity in humans. Chamomile gel for mouth sores (aphthous ulcers) performed worse than standard steroid treatment in a meta-analysis.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Chamomile is known for its calming effects and is commonly used to promote sleep and reduce anxiety. Multiple systematic reviews and clinical trials support its efficacy in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia symptoms.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 400-1600 mg daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for oral chamomile extracts — no pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies. Topical application appears to produce local effects, but systemic absorption is not characterized.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Chamomile supplements caused side effects including mouth sores, skin spots, and itching in some participants, leading to study dropouts
- Dried chamomile herbs showed widespread pesticide contamination in food safety surveys — source quality matters significantly
- Most studies are small (n=15–80) and short-term; long-term safety data is lacking
- People with ragweed or daisy family (Asteraceae) allergies may have cross-reactive allergic reactions to chamomile
- Chamomile-lidocaine gel studies combine chamomile with lidocaine — benefits may not be from chamomile alone
Products Containing Chamomile
See how Chamomile is used in these analyzed products:
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: 2026-04-06