Chamomile 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chamomile—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Two 

types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and 

Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on 

the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and 

is the focus of this fact sheet. 

Common Names—chamomile, German chamomile 

Latin Names—Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of 

years for a variety of health conditions. 

•	 The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal 

conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. 

•	 It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from 

cancer treatment. 

How It Is Used 

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid 

extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream 

or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse. 

What the Science Says 

•	 Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to 

support its use for any condition. 

•	 Some early studies point to chamomile’s possible benefits for mouth ulcers 

and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of 

some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children. 

•	 NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for 

generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children’s 

bowel disorders. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or 

come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, 

throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening 

allergic reaction). 
 

•	 People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to 

related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, 

and daisies. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 15, 2007. 

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 16, 2007. 

Chamomile flower, German. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E 

Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:57-61. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus 

Chamomile listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-chamomile.html 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D388 

Created August 2007 

Updated April 2008 

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