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Cha5.2

Chamomile Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

58 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most Chamomile studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2002–2026 with a typical study size of 179 participants.

Based on 58 studies · 6 meta-analyses · 45 RCTs · 3,166 total participants

Confidence

High confidence

By outcome

Anxiety & stressPossible reduction in generalized anxiety symptoms, but evidence is mixed (one positive RCT; a larger network meta-analysis found no difference from placebo) · 2-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational13 studies
Sleep & insomniaModest improvement in sleep quality and relaxation before bed · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational6 studies
Depression & moodMay ease mild low mood accompanying anxiety · 2-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Women's healthMay reduce menstrual cramps (low-quality evidence) · 1-3 cycles
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Cholesterol & lipids
Too few graded studies2 studies
Migraine & headache
Too few graded studies2 studies
Respiratory & lung
Too few graded studies2 studies

5 more outcomes with fewer studies not shown.

Active research area

20 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2025

200220142026

1Meta-Analysis2023

Maleki M, Mardani A, Manouchehri M, Ashghali Farahani M, Vaismoradi M, Glarcher M · Integr Cancer Ther (2023)

Chamomile Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

Effect of Chamomile on the Complications of Cancer: A Systematic Review.

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.

Evaluating Potential Effects of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and diabetes mellitus, current knowledge and the way forward: A systematic review.

[Evidence of dermatological effects of chamomile].

Effectiveness of chamomile tea on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Efficacy of chamomile-extract spray for prevention of post-operative sore throat.

An exploratory study of salivary cortisol changes during chamomile extract therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder.

Effect of Ginger and Chamomile on Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Chemotherapy in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study.

Specific expectancies are associated with symptomatic outcomes and side effect burden in a trial of chamomile extract for generalized anxiety disorder.

An in vivo study examining the antiinflammatory effects of chamomile, meadowsweet, and willow bark in a novel functional beverage.

Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy With Damask Rose and Chamomile Essential Oil on Preoperative Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Effect of Chamomile and Olive Oils on Volume, Range of Motion, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effect of chamomile odor on contractions of the first stage of delivery in primpara women: A clinical trial.

A comparison of the effect of Swedish massage with and without chamomile oil on labor outcomes and maternal satisfaction of the childbirth process: a randomized controlled trial.

Evaluation of the protective effect of chamomile oral solution on the incidence of neurotoxicity caused by paclitaxel in breast cancer patients.

Comparison of liposomal gel with and without chamomile to prevent radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care.

Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial.