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Chamomile tea benefits are mostly about comfort and habit: a warm, caffeine-free cup that many people drink to wind down. The research behind the stronger claims is thin. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says studies have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate chamomile’s usefulness for specific conditions, and most trials tested concentrated extracts in capsules rather than tea. Chamomile is likely safe in the amounts found in tea, but it can trigger allergies and has been linked to interactions with warfarin and some other medicines. Here is what the studies show and who should be careful.
Peptide Labs sells two CBD products whose labels list chamomile, described below, but this article does not recommend them or any other product. It is general information, not medical advice.
Key Takeaways
- German chamomile is the type used in most teas and studies; Roman chamomile is a related plant.
- Small trials of chamomile extract found mixed results for sleep and modest results for anxiety symptoms.
- Tea is far less concentrated than the capsules used in most studies, so trial results may not apply to a cup.
- People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react to chamomile.
- Chamomile has been linked to bleeding in a person taking warfarin; ask your clinician if you use blood thinners.
What is chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is an infusion of the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. NCCIH explains that there are two types: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, also called Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile. Most research and most tea bags use German chamomile. The herb was described in ancient medical writings from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome, and today it is promoted for colds, indigestion, anxiety, sleep problems, colic and many other uses.
In the United States, chamomile flowers are on FDA’s list of spices, natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use in food (21 CFR 182.10). That status covers chamomile as a food ingredient. It does not mean FDA has reviewed any health claim made for a chamomile product.
| Feature | German chamomile | Roman chamomile |
|---|---|---|
| Common use | Most teas, extracts and research | Teas and flavorings |
| FDA food status | Listed as GRAS spice and flavoring | Listed as GRAS spice and flavoring |
| Main research base | Small trials of capsule extracts | Less studied |
| Allergy risk | Possible, higher with ragweed allergy | Possible, same plant family |
Chamomile tea benefits: what the research shows
Chamomile contains flavonoids and other plant compounds that researchers study for calming and anti-inflammatory activity in the lab. Human evidence is smaller and less consistent. NCCIH also points out that some studies tested chamomile mixed with other herbs, which makes its own role hard to judge.
Chamomile tea for sleep
Sleep is the most common reason people reach for chamomile tea, yet NCCIH says there is very little information on chamomile and insomnia. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis in Phytotherapy Research pooled 12 randomized trials. It found an improvement in sleep quality scores but only one trial on insomnia itself, which showed no significant change in insomnia severity. That trial, a 2011 University of Michigan pilot study, gave 34 adults with long-term insomnia chamomile extract capsules or placebo for 28 days and found no significant differences in sleep diary measures such as total sleep time or time to fall asleep.
The reviewers called for larger trials. For now, a cup of chamomile tea can be part of a relaxing routine, but it is not a proven sleep aid. Persistent trouble sleeping deserves a conversation with a clinician. If you are comparing other options, our guides to magnesium and sleep, valerian root and melatonin side effects summarize their evidence and cautions.
Anxiety research
The anxiety studies used pharmaceutical-grade extract, not tea. In a University of Pennsylvania trial published in 2016, 179 adults with moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder took chamomile extract capsules for 12 weeks. The 93 who responded were then randomly assigned to keep taking chamomile or switch to placebo for 26 weeks. Relapse occurred in 15% of the chamomile group and 26% of the placebo group, a difference that was not statistically significant, although the chamomile group kept lower symptom scores. The 2019 meta-analysis found improved anxiety-disorder scores after two and four weeks, but no difference when it pooled three trials on everyday anxiety.
NCCIH sums this up as preliminary evidence that a chamomile supplement might help generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders need a proper diagnosis and care plan, and chamomile should not replace either. Related herbs with similar calming reputations are covered in our articles on lemon balm and passion flower.
Other uses
NCCIH reports that combination herbal products containing chamomile have been studied for children’s diarrhea and infant colic, but chamomile alone has not been shown to help with either. Small studies of chamomile mouthwash during cancer care exist as well. None of these findings applies to drinking tea for general wellness.
Chamomile tea side effects and allergy
NCCIH rates chamomile as likely safe when taken by mouth in the amounts found in teas and other foods. Side effects are uncommon and may include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions. Rarely, those reactions are severe, including anaphylaxis. Chamomile used near the eyes, for example as a compress, can cause eye irritation.
- Chamomile allergy: chamomile belongs to the daisy family, so people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react. Stop and seek care for hives, swelling of the lips or throat, or trouble breathing.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: NCCIH notes that chamomile might have some estrogen-like effects and could worsen conditions sensitive to estrogen, such as breast or uterine cancer.
- Birth control pills: preliminary studies suggest chamomile might reduce their effect.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: little is known about safety, so ask your obstetric clinician before using chamomile beyond ordinary food amounts.
Chamomile, warfarin and other medicines
NCCIH says interactions between chamomile and warfarin, a blood thinner, and between chamomile and some drugs processed by the liver have been reported. It also lists theoretical reasons to expect interactions with sedatives. A 2006 case report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal described a 70-year-old woman taking warfarin who was hospitalized with multiple internal bleeds after using chamomile tea and a chamomile body lotion. One case cannot prove cause, but it is why anyone on an anticoagulant should tell their clinician before adding chamomile in any form.
If you take sleep medicines, sedating antihistamines or other products that cause drowsiness, ask your pharmacist before stacking them with chamomile supplements. The same advice applies to CBD, which has its own interaction list; see our guide to CBD drug interactions.
Chamomile in our catalog: label facts
We do not sell chamomile tea. Two CBD products list chamomile as an active ingredient on their labels. Medterra Sleep Tight gummies list CBD isolate (labeled THC-free), melatonin, L-theanine, 5-HTP, chamomile flower, lemon balm and passionflower extract. The label asks people who are pregnant or lactating, under a doctor’s care or taking medication to consult a physician first. cbdMD PM softgels combine broad spectrum hemp extract with CBD, CBN and CBG, melatonin and a proprietary blend that includes chamomile, valerian root, passion flower, lavender, ashwagandha and L-theanine. Its label warns that it may cause drowsiness and says not to drive, operate heavy machinery or combine it with alcohol or medication.
These labels are not evidence that the products improve sleep, and the chamomile inside is one of many ingredients. Both contain melatonin, so read our CBD and sleep guide and check labels from brands with independent testing, as explained in our third-party tested supplements guide. If you want a caffeinated tea for the morning instead, our matcha guide covers how it compares with coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main chamomile tea benefits?
Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free drink that many people find relaxing. Small trials of chamomile extract suggest modest effects on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality, but the evidence is limited and most studies did not test tea.
Does chamomile tea help you sleep?
There is little evidence. A 2019 review found improved sleep quality scores across small trials, but the only insomnia trial found no significant change. It can be part of a bedtime routine, not a proven sleep aid.
What are chamomile tea side effects?
Side effects are uncommon. NCCIH lists nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, which can rarely be severe.
Who should avoid chamomile tea?
People allergic to ragweed or other daisy-family plants, people taking warfarin or other blood thinners, and anyone with an estrogen-sensitive condition should ask a clinician first. Little is known about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is German chamomile different from Roman chamomile?
Yes. They are related plants. German chamomile is the type used in most teas and research.
Can I drink chamomile tea with medications?
Interactions with warfarin and some liver-processed drugs have been reported, and it may add to sedatives. Ask your pharmacist about your specific medicines.
Questions about a label? Contact us or read our Buyer’s Guide. Follow the label and ask a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medicines or are pregnant. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Related guides: Valerian Root: Benefits, Sleep Research, Side Effects and Interactions, Lemon Balm: Benefits, Stress and Sleep Research, Tea and Side Effects, Passion Flower: Benefits, Research, Side Effects and Safety, Hibiscus Tea Benefits, Side Effects and Blood Pressure Research.