Uses
Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder.
Some research has found that products containing certain combinations of herbs that include chamomile may be of benefit for upset stomach, for diarrhea in children, and for infants with colic. But the herb alone has not been shown to be helpful for these conditions.
There’s very little information on the herb’s effect on insomnia. A 2019 review of six small studies included only one study on insomnia. That one study found that it had no benefit for insomnia. The same 2019 review looked at five studies on chamomile’s effect in non-insomnia populations. The review concluded that chamomile might help improve the individual component of sleep quality over a 4-week period in people without insomnia.
Side Effects Of Chamomile
Chamomile is likely safe when used in amounts commonly found in teas. It might be safe when used orally for medicinal purposes over the short term. The long-term safety of using it on the skin for medicinal purposes is unknown.
Side effects are uncommon and may include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Rare cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have occurred in people who consumed or came into contact with products.
People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they’re allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
Interactions between chamomile and cyclosporine (a drug used to prevent rejection of organ transplants) and warfarin (a blood thinner) have been reported, and there are theoretical reasons to suspect that it might interact with other drugs as well. Talk to your health care provider before taking chamomile if you’re taking any type of medicine.
Little is known about whether it’s safe to use chamomile during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Other
Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
