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Chamomile

Sleep

Also known as: German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, Chamomile (Digestive/Calming), Roman chamomile, Chamomile Powder (Matricaria chamomilla)

B
Grade B
💊 400-1600mg extract or 1-4 cups tea🎯 12 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
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Levels upSleep+50 pts

Overview

Chamomile is a traditional herbal remedy with mild sedative and anxiolytic properties, supported by moderate clinical evidence for sleep quality and relaxation. Multiple studies suggest benefits for anxiety and digestive comfort, though effects are generally modest.

Primary Uses
RelaxationSleep supportDigestive calmMild anxietyDigestive upsetMild nauseaAnxietySleep aidAnxiety reductionRelaxation and stress reliefDigestive comfortMild sedation

Frequently Asked About Chamomile

How much Chamomile should I take?
The typical effective range is 400-1600mg extract or 1-4 cups tea. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Chamomile?
Before bed. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Chamomile with food?
As tea.
Does Chamomile interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Blood thinners (theoretical) and Sedatives. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Chamomile.
What does Chamomile pair well with?
Chamomile stacks well with Lavender, Lemon balm, and Honey — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Chamomile?
Chamomile should be avoided or used with caution by people with Ragweed/daisy allergy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Chamomile?
Most people tolerate Chamomile well. The most commonly reported side effects are Rarely allergic reaction. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range
400-1600mg extract or 1-4 cups tea
Timing
Before bed
With food
As tea
Duration

Safe long-term

Special Populations

Gentle option

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Chamomileyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Chamomile research
PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trialsPubMed (all) ↗Full literatureCochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviewsExamine.com ↗Research summaries
Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

  • • Apigenin binds GABA-A receptors
  • • Anti-inflammatory
  • • Digestive relaxant

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade B

Traditional use, moderate evidence

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • • Ragweed allergy cross-reaction
Contraindications
  • • Ragweed/daisy allergy
Common Side Effects
  • • Rarely allergic reaction
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Consult healthcare provider

Liver & Kidney Notes

No concerns

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • • Blood thinners (theoretical)
  • • Sedatives
🧪 Supplements
  • • Combines with other nervines
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
  • • Common tea herb

Stacking & Synergies

Pairs Well With
LavenderLemon balm ↗Honey
Avoid Combining With
Nothing specific
Best Goal Synergies
Gentle evening ritual

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • • German chamomile
  • • Apigenin content
Standardization Markers
1.2% apigenin
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
  • • Ragweed allergy caution
  • • Tea ritual helps
  • • Gentle and well-tolerated
  • • Classic digestive tea
  • • Mild calming effects
Tags
sleeprelaxationherbgentleteacalmingdigestiveanxietytraditional herbalwell-toleratedflower extract

More in Sleep

Other ingredients in the Sleep category.

Apigenin
Chamomile flavonoid with mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Binds GABA receptors.
B
California Poppy
Mild sedative and anxiolytic herb in the poppy family. Distinct from opium poppy — no opioid alkaloids.
D
CBD Oil
Non-psychoactive cannabis compound for anxiety, pain, and sleep. Legal status varies.
B
GABA (Supplemental)
Inhibitory neurotransmitter supplement with debated BBB penetration. May work peripherally for relaxation.
C
Honokiol
Isolated magnolia bark compound with potent GABA-A effects. More specific than whole bark.
B
Hops
Traditional sleep and anxiety herb from the brewing plant. Most consistently effective when combined with valerian.
C
Browse all Sleep ingredients →
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Chamomile — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/chamomile

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.