Chamomile

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about chamomile—

common names, what the science says, potential side effects and 

cautions, and resources for more information.

Common Names—chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names—Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita

Two types of chamomile have been 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.

Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands 

of years for a variety of health conditions. Today, chamomile is used as 

a folk or traditional remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety, and 

gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. It 

is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting 

from cancer treatment.

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 

certain skin conditions and for mouth ulcers caused by 

chemotherapy or radiation.

• In combination with other herbs, chamomile may be of some 

benefit for upset stomach, for diarrhea in children, and for 

infants with colic.

• NCCAM-funded research includes studies of chamomile for 

generalized anxiety disorder and abdominal pain caused by 

children’s bowel disorders.
Side Effects and Cautions 

• There are reports of allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with 

chamomile products. Reactions can 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 all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help to ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

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

www.naturalstandard.com on May 8, 2009.

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.

German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com

on May 8, 2009.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

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

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus

Roman Chamomile Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/752.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 2012