chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as German chamomile, is a traditional plant used in various cultures. It has been traditionally employed for treating restlessness and mild sleep problems, as well as digestive discomfort. Scientific evidence suggests that herbal mouthwashes containing Matricaria chamomilla show similar effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation compared to placebos but do not demonstrate significant differences from each other or other species used for respiratory conditions management. While there is limited robust clinical evidence supporting its use for anxiety and depression, it has been commonly used among adults in southern Iran for these purposes. Notably, no major safety issues have been recorded, nor are any drug interactions associated with Matricaria chamomilla currently documented.
- Traditionally for
- restlessness and mild sleep problems · digestive discomfort (traditional)
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- Matricaria chamomilla is among the key species identified in traditional Anatolian remedies for respiratory conditions, though specific health effects are not quantified in this study.
- The review suggests limited robust clinical evidence for Matricaria chamomilla's efficacy in anxiety and depression compared to Hypericum perforatum and Melissa officinalis.
- All three herbal mouthwashes showed similar clinical effects on reducing plaque and gingival inflammation, with no significant differences among them.
- Matricaria chamomilla was one of the most commonly used herbs among adults in southern Iran, often for anxiety/neurasthenia.
Frequently asked questions
What is chamomile?
chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is chamomile traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record chamomile for: restlessness and mild sleep problems, digestive discomfort (traditional). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use chamomile?
chamomile appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about chamomile?
4 sourced findings are recorded for chamomile; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Matricaria chamomilla is among the key species identified in traditional Anatolian remedies for respiratory conditions, though specific health effects are not quantified in this study.
How strong is the evidence for chamomile?
The strongest finding for chamomile carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is chamomile safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for chamomile in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does chamomile interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for chamomile in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of chamomile?
chamomile is also known as: ромашка, Camomille allemande.
Is chamomile a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T1 EMA HMPC monograph: Matricaria chamomilla © EU/EMA — reproduced with attribution
- T2 Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Chamomile, Sage, and Ginger Mouthwashes in Reducing Plaque and Gingival Inflammation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Wild Flora Species from Romania with Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Potential: A Global Perspective-Narrative Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Traditional Respiratory Remedies From Anatolia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Bioactive Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Use of medicinal herbs in an Iranian population: cross-sectional findings from the Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study. literature abstract metadata