German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family.
The herb smells slightly like an apple, which may explain its name—chamomile is Greek for "ground apple."
An herbal "cure-all" used for thousands of years, today chamomile is a popular supplement for irritated skin, anxiety, and insomnia. However, research is somewhat limited.
Here's what you need to know about the potential uses and benefits of German chamomile, along with some side effects and precautions to be aware of.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredients: Apigenin, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins
- Alternate names: Matricaria recutita, Chamomillarecutita, mayweed flower, Hungarian chamomile, true chamomile
- Legal status: Over-the-counter supplement.
- Suggested dose: Varies; 1,500 milligrams daily (generalized anxiety disorder)
- Safety considerations: Hasn't been proven safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Uses of German Chamomile
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Some clinical trials suggest German chamomile may be beneficial for sleep disorders, anxiety, and wound healing. Here's a look at the scientific evidence.
Insomnia
German chamomile may be best known as a sleep aid, but there needs to be more solid research supporting its effectiveness for this indication.
Astudy was conducted in older adults in nursing homes. Sleep quality improved when participants were given 400-milligram capsules of German chamomile twice a day for four weeks, compared to those who didn't receive any treatment.
Another study was conducted in people assigned female at birth who had just given birth. It found that those who drank one cup of chamomile tea a day for two weeks had fewer sleep problems and symptoms of depression compared to a control group that didn't drink the tea. However, the improvement disappeared four weeks after the women stopped drinking the tea.
Anxiety
Limited research has shown German chamomile may have benefits when it comes to reducing anxiety, but more robust clinical trials are needed.
For example, in one study, chamomile was shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in 58% of people who took it.
Adults with GAD were given 1,500 milligrams (mg) of German chamomile for twelve weeks. There were then assigned to another 26 weeks of chamomile treatment or a placebo.
Those taking long-term chamomile had fewer GAD symptoms at the end of the trial, but there wasn't a significant decrease in relapse rate.
Wound Healing
Topical (on the skin) chamomile may help speed wound healing. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Chamomile compresses were applied twice a day to lesions around stoma sites proved superior to 1% hydrocortisone ointmentin one study.
The wounds treated with chamomile healed five to six days faster than those treated with hydrocortisone, and resulted in less pain and itching.
More studies are needed.
Additional Uses
German chamomile has also been studied for the following conditions, though the research is minimal:
- Aging skin
- Swelling and inflammation of the mouth due to cancer treatments
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Digestive issues
- Breast pain related to menstrual cycles
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Migraine without aura
- Neuropathy
- Gingivitis
- Type 2 diabetes
More well-designed studies on German chamomile's effectiveness are needed to recommend it for any of these uses.
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What Are the Side Effects of German Chamomile?
Your provider may recommend taking German chamomile for anxiety, sleep, or another condition.
However, consuming an herb like chamomile may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
Generally, German chamomile is considered safe when used as directed.
Side effects may include the following:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Inflammation if applied directly to the eye
Severe Side Effects
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction is possible with chamomile.
Please seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a severe allergy.
Precautions
People with allergies to the following plants in the same family (aster) as chamomile are more likely to have allergic reactions to it:
- Ragweed
- Marigold
- Chrysanthemum
- Daisy
Also, note that, in general, the safety of supplements inpregnant women, nursing mothers, and children has not been well established.
Dosage: How Much German Chamomile Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
There is no standard dosage of chamomile. Dosages used in studies vary.
For instance, 400 milligrams (mg) twice daily has been studied to improve sleep quality in older adults.
And 1,500 milligrams of German chamomile extract were taken daily for up to 38 weeks in a clinical trial for anxiety in adults.
What Happens If I Take Too Much German Chamomile?
German chamomile appears safe for adults at high doses of up to 1,500 milligrams daily for up to 38 weeks.
Similar rates of side effects were seen in people who took chamomile and placebo (around 8%), and all side effects were mild.
No toxicity data are available for doses higher than this or for chamomile that is used longer than 38 weeks.
Interactions
Chamomile interactions with the following medications have been reported:
- Coumadin (Warfarin)-increased risk of bleeding
- Cyclosporine
In addition, ingredients in German chamomile have been found to inhibit liver enzymes called cytochrome P450. Medications that are broken down by these enzymes may be affected by chamomile. A few examples of these medications include the following:
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Gemfibrozil
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- St. John's wort
It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store German Chamomile
Store German chamomile according to product directions, away from children and pets.
Discard after one year or as directed on the package.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements that are touted for sleep disturbances include:
- Melatonin
- Valerian
- Cannabidiol
- Lavender
- Kava kava
Some other herbal supplements that might be beneficial for anxiety are:
- Ashwagandha
- Passionflower
- Valerian
- Lemon balm
- Peppermint
And physical activity, in particular aerobic exercise or "cardio," has been shown to lower stress as well.
Sources of German Chamomile & What To Look For
The FDA has designated German chamomile and its essential oil and extracts as generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, or capsules.
The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream, ointment, or orally as a mouthrinse.
Food Sources of German Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a popular tonic promoted to help with anxiety or sleep. It has even been added as an ingredient in beer.
German Chamomile Supplements
German chamomile is available in many different supplement forms, including the following:
- Dried flower heads
- Extracts
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Essential oil, used alone or as an ingredient in skincare products, perfume, massage oil, and toothpaste
To ensure the best quality, look for a product tested by a trusted third party, like USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between German and Roman chamomile?
The two main types of chamomile used medicinally are German chamomile and Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). German chamomile is considered to be more potent, and it is more commonly used.
Is German chamomile safe for children?
It's traditionally been used for children and has been investigated in clinical trials for children as young as four years old, where six drops of chamomile oil were applied to the skin once a day for incontinence. Discuss using chamomile with your child's pediatrician for more guidance.
How can I brew chamomile tea?
Dried chamomile flowers are often used to brew tea. One simple recipe for this soothing tea consists of five grams of chamomile, two slices of lemon, and one tablespoonful of honey. Steep for three to 10 minutes.
Summary
Despite its long history of use in herbal medicine, there needs to be more scientific research to support German chamomile.
Limited studies suggest it may benefit anxiety, insomnia, and wound healing. However, more robust clinical trials are needed before it can be routinely recommended.
Side effects aren't common and are generally mild, but long-term safety data is unknown.
Also, we don't know whether German chamomile is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
As with any supplement, discuss German chamomile with your healthcare provider to see if it may benefit you.
