Chamomile is an edible plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. In appearance, it closely resembles the white daisy, which is part of the same family. The flowering period of chamomile generally extends from June to October. The flowers are dried and then consumed as tea or in capsule form. Chamomile tea is often used as a mild sedative. The active constituents of chamomile include its essential oil containing bisabolol and flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin.
Research on chamomile
In 2019, a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of chamomile for the treatment of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. The results of the meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials showed no difference in anxiety levels. Next, the single randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effect of chamomile on insomnia observed no significant difference in the insomnia severity index. However, the results show a significant improvement in generalized anxiety disorder after two and four weeks of treatment, respectively. The meta-analysis also observed a significant improvement in sleep quality. Finally, three randomized controlled trials reported mild adverse effects. In conclusion, this study suggests that chamomile could be effective and safe for generalized anxiety disorder and sleep quality. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
A study published in 2020 evaluated the antidepressant effect of chamomile in individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder with or without depression. The 179 participants were divided into two groups: generalized anxiety disorder without depression (100 participants) and generalized anxiety disorder with depression (79 participants). For eight weeks, 1500 mg of chamomile extract was administered daily to the 179 subjects. The results show similar anxiolytic effects among the two groups. However, the results observe a greater reduction in total scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in subjects suffering from depression. In conclusion, chamomile appears to have antidepressant effects in addition to its anxiolytic activity in subjects suffering from generalized anxiety disorder and depression. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
The possible side effects of chamomile
In general, chamomile is considered safe. However, people allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed and sunflower, and to pollen from flowering plants may have an allergic reaction. Most often, symptoms include a runny nose, skin irritation, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Possible interactions of chamomile with medications
Chamomile can interact with certain oral medications by reducing their absorption. Additionally, it can increase the effects of sedatives, including alcohol, and anticoagulants. Finally, it can also reduce the absorption of iron supplements. If you are taking medications, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements.
References
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/chamomile
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/chamomile
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
- Hieu, T. H., Dibas, M., Surya Dila, K. A., Sherif, N. A., Hashmi, M. U., Mahmoud, M., Trang, N., Abdullah, L., Nghia, T., Y, M. N., Hirayama, K., & Huy, N. T. (2019). Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 33(6), 1604–1615. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6349
- Amsterdam, J. D., Li, Q. S., Xie, S. X., & Mao, J. J. (2020). Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 26(9), 813–819. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0252
- http://www.fleursduquebec.com/encyclopedie/2036-matricaria-chamomile.html