Chamomile for Calm and Sleep
May 06, 2021Timothy Culbert, MD, IFMCP
Chamomile Benefits*
Chamomile is widely recognized as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. It is thought that chamomile may increase brain neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline) and thereby have positive effects on mood and anxiety. The herb smells somewhat like an apple, which may explain its name, rooted from the Greek word khamaimēlon or "earth apple."
Chamomile is also utilized for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, angiogenesis, and anticarcinogenic activities. It also has liver protecting effects. It may be helpful for knee osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, premenstrual syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The two most common species of chamomile are German Chamomile (Marticaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the most widely used herbal remedies in the world. It is included in the pharmacopoeia of 26 countries. For medicinal purposes, German Chamomile is generally thought to be more potent. This review will focus on the use of German Chamomile. The use of chamomile has been described in medical texts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Chamomile for Anxiousness and Sleep*
As noted above, Chamomile is commonly regarded as a mild tranquilizer or sleep inducer. Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in abundance in chamomile tea. Apigenin binds to specific receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.
In one study of 60 elderly people (single-blind RCT), comparing placebo capsule to 200 MG twice daily of a standardized chamomile extract, the chamomile group had significantly improved sleep quality as compared to the control group. No adverse effects were reported in the chamomile group.
Chamomile can also be used for anxiety. In one study, subjects with moderate to severe GAD received open-label treatment with pharmaceutical-grade chamomile extract 1,500 mg/day for up to 8 weeks. The primary outcome evaluated was the frequency of clinical response and change in GAD-7 symptom scores by week 8.
58% of the participants met criteria for the clinical response and participants also experienced significant improvement over time on the GAD-7 rating. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in secondary outcome ratings of anxiety and wellbeing also occurred. Adverse events were reported in almost 12% of subjects, though none were identified as serious events.
The authors concluded that chamomile extract produced a clinically meaningful reduction comparable to conventional anxiolytic drug therapy. More comparative effectiveness trials between chamomile and conventional drugs are still needed to identify optimal use of chamomile for GAD.
Chamomile Dosage and Use*
There is no standard dose of chamomile. Studies have used between 220 milligrams to 1,600 milligrams daily in capsule form.
The most common form to take chamomile is as a tea, and some people drink one to four cups daily. To make chamomile tea, simply steep a chamomile tea bag or chamomile flowers in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
If you choose to use chamomile, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of chamomile at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Chamomile Side Effects*
Common side effects of chamomile can include:
- Drowsiness
- Contact dermatitis/skin reactions if applied topically
- Eye irritation (when applied near the eyes)
- Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are possible
- Vomiting (more likely when taken in large amounts)
Some experts suggest that you should not use chamomile if you have past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; or a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product. It is especially imperative you to speak with you doctor if you have pollen allergies (especially to ragweed, herbs, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and other plants).
If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using chamomile supplements, which could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, anti-platelet drugs, aspirin, NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen. Chamomile could also interact with gingko biloba, garlic, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian.
It is not known whether chamomile will harm an unborn baby, so it's likely best to avoid using this product if you are pregnant.
Chamomile Supplements at Fullscript, our partner store
Please note: The product links in this blog go to our partner store, Fullscript (with an ongoing 10% discount for you + free shipping on orders over $50). You must have an account to view products and shop. Create your free account at: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/signup. Learn more about Fullscript here.
Botanicalm
The ingredients in Botanicalm work in synergy to induce relaxation by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity in the central nervous system (CNS). GABA is primarily an inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the CNS that promotes a sense of tranquility and counteracts the effects of stress.*
Chamomile
Herb Pharm prepares their Chamomile Extract from the fresh (undried) flower of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) plants which are Certified Organically Grown on our own farm. To assure optimal extraction of Chamomiles bioactive compounds, the flower is hand-harvested at their optimal potency and is then thoroughly extracted while still fresh and succulent.*
*Note: Some of the supplements discussed in this article can cause side effects, but many people tolerate them much better than prescription medications. They are generally considered safe, however, they should not be started without your doctor’s knowledge and supervision. If you are taking medication already, be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any of these items. If you are considering going off medication, remember never to stop your medication suddenly—always consult with your doctor about how to safely taper off any psychiatric medication. See terms. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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SOURCES
Srivastava, Janmejai K et al. “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.” Molecular medicine reports vol. 3,6 (2010): 895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
Gyllenhaal, C., Merritt, S. L., Peterson, S. D., Block, K. I., & Gochenour, T. (2000). Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 4(3), 229-251.
Miraj, S., & Alesaeidi, S. (2016). A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electronic physician, 8(9), 3024.
Amsterdam, J. D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J. J., & Shults, J. (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy of generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 29(4), 378.
Adib-Hajbaghery, M., & Mousavi, S. N. (2017). The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 35, 109-114.
Keefe, J. R., Mao, J. J., Soeller, I., Li, Q. S., & Amsterdam, J. D. (2016). Short-term open-label chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine, 23(14), 1699-1705.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-951/german-chamomile
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_chamomile/drugs-condition.htm
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/chamomile.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-chamomile-89436
