What is Chamomile?
- Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MBA
- 12 mind read
Description
Chamomile, a herb with a rich history of medicinal use, is known for its diverse health benefits and calming properties. Chamomile tea consumption is popular because of its potential therapeutic effects on both the body and mind. Today, chamomile is promoted for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. (1)
Common Names: Chamomile, German chamomile or wild chamomile
Latin Name: Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
Health Benefits
Chamomile is known to induce relaxation and promote sound sleep. Bioactive compounds such as apigenin contribute to its mild sedative effects.
The calming effects of chamomile extend to mental well-being, including as a potential remedy for mild anxiety and stress. Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder. (1)
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory attributes further enhance its therapeutic profile. Individuals grappling with conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, may find relief through the regular consumption of chamomile. (2) Relief may be found due to key compounds found in chamomile, chamazulene and bisabolol, that are associated with its anti-inflammatory effects.
Chamomile has demonstrated efficacy in digestive health. Its muscle-relaxant properties have the potential to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and have been used to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances, including indigestion, diarrhea, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. (1)
Side Effects
While chamomile is generally considered safe, individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution. Possible symptom reactions to chamomile include nausea, dizziness, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Consultation with healthcare professionals with large amounts of chamomile use, particularly for pregnant or nursing women, is advised to ensure the herb’s compatibility with individual health conditions and any potential interactions with medications.
Sources
(1) “Chamomile.” NCCIH, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile.
(2) Dai, Yun-Lei, et al. “Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies.” Molecules, vol. 28, no. 1, Dec. 2022, p. 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010133.
(3) Gupta, Vishal. “Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past With a Bright Future (Review).” Molecular Medicine Reports, vol. 3, no. 6, Sept. 2010, https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377.
In this article
The most frequent adverse events are nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus, and erythematous rash. No drug interactions were reported. Use of Vitex agnus castus L should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. (Daniele) Scientific evidence for its effectiveness is still evolving, but studies continue to investigate the efficacy of Vitex.
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Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MB
Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk is a renowned life scientist with expertise in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. A Harvard Medical School faculty member since 2005, she has led research on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases while mentoring students and postdocs.
As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk shares her insights at events like Supply Side West and Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), and has presented Canomiks’ work at top conferences. She is featured in publications such as Nutraceuticals World and Nutrition Industry Executive. Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk actively supports the nutraceuticals industry, serving as Co-Chair of the WIN Science Committee, and as a board member for Launch Minnesota and the Jeremiah Program.
She holds a PhD in Pharmacology from Tulane University, an MBA from MIT Sloan, and a BSc from the University of Mumbai. Her leadership continues to influence Canomiks and the wellness industry
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