Chamomile capsules: what they may help with and who should be careful
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- Chamomile flower capsules. Best for: Adults who want whole chamomile flower in a measured dose. See options on Amazon
- Chamomile extract capsules. Best for: People who prefer a concentrated extract. See options on Amazon
- Chamomile tea instead. Best for: People who want the gentlest, food-level option. See options on Amazon
What chamomile capsules contain
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says there are two types of chamomile, German and Roman. Its fact sheet focuses on German chamomile (Matricaria recutita, also called Matricaria chamomilla), the type named on many capsule labels.
Capsules contain powdered flower or a concentrated flower extract. As a label example, Nature's Way Chamomile Flowers gives 700 mg of chamomile flower per 2-capsule serving in plant-based capsules, with adults taking 2 capsules three times daily, preferably with food.
Some products sold near chamomile are apigenin capsules. A 2024 review notes apigenin is one of chamomile's active compounds, but apigenin products are a concentrated single compound, not whole chamomile.
What the research shows
| Use | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | 9 of 10 trials in a 2024 review reported benefit |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | Preliminary studies suggest it might help (NCCIH) |
| Insomnia | Very little information; one study found no benefit |
| Infant colic, child diarrhea | Benefit seen only with herb combinations, not chamomile alone |
The 2024 systematic review in Clinical Nutrition Research included 10 clinical trials of oral chamomile for anxiety. Nine concluded chamomile reduced anxiety. The authors called the effect potential and said the mechanism is not well understood.
NCCIH's overall view is more cautious: studies have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate chamomile's usefulness for specific conditions, partly because some studies tested chamomile mixed with other herbs.
Safety and interactions
- Short-term use. NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in food and tea amounts and possibly safe for short-term medicinal use by adults and children.
- Side effects. Uncommon; may include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, including severe reactions and anaphylaxis in some people.
- Plant allergies. Allergic reactions are more likely if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies.
- Hormone effects. Chamomile might act somewhat like estrogen. It might reduce the effect of birth control pills and could worsen estrogen-sensitive conditions such as breast or uterine cancer.
- Drug interactions. Interactions with warfarin and some drugs processed by the liver have been reported, and it might interact with sedatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little is known about safety.
Other uses people ask about
NCCIH lists several other uses. Small studies suggest mouthwashes containing chamomile might help prevent or treat mouth irritation from radiation, chemotherapy or stem cell transplant. Products combining chamomile with other herbs have shown some benefit for children's diarrhea and infant colic, but chamomile alone has not been shown to help those conditions. Chamomile is also promoted for colds, indigestion and skin conditions, without enough reliable evidence to rate it. Do not give herbal products to an infant without a pediatrician's advice.
Capsules vs tea
Chamomile tea is the most familiar form, and NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in tea and food amounts. Capsules give a measured amount of dried flower without the warm drink. The anxiety review covered oral chamomile, and capsules give a measured, consistent amount, while tea is a gentle everyday option.
If you mostly want a calming evening drink, a chamomile tea may be all you need.
How to choose chamomile capsules
- German chamomile. Look for Matricaria recutita or chamomilla on the label.
- Flower or extract. Flower powder is simple; extracts may list a standardization. Apigenin-only products are different.
- Dose and frequency. Nature's Way directs 2 capsules (700 mg) three times daily with food; follow your product's label.
- Single herb vs blend. Calm and sleep blends often add passionflower, lemon balm, valerian or melatonin, which change the safety picture.
- Capsule type. Plant-based capsules suit vegetarians.
What to look for when you buy
Chamomile flower capsules
Best for: Adults who want whole chamomile flower in a measured dose
Nature's Way lists 700 mg chamomile flower per 2 plant-based capsules, with no gelatin.
Watch out: Avoid if allergic to ragweed or daisies. Check with your doctor if you take warfarin or birth control pills.
See options on AmazonChamomile extract capsules
Best for: People who prefer a concentrated extract
Extracts deliver chamomile in fewer capsules, and some state standardization on the label.
Watch out: Strength varies by brand. Same allergy and interaction cautions.
See options on AmazonChamomile tea instead
Best for: People who want the gentlest, food-level option
NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in the amounts found in tea.
Watch out: Not the same dose as capsules used in anxiety studies.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do chamomile capsules help anxiety?
- A 2024 review found 9 of 10 trials reported less anxiety with oral chamomile. NCCIH calls the evidence preliminary. See a provider for an anxiety disorder.
- Do chamomile capsules help you sleep?
- There is very little evidence. NCCIH notes the one insomnia study in a 2019 review found no benefit.
- How many chamomile capsules should I take?
- Follow the label. Nature's Way directs 2 capsules three times daily with food. Do not exceed the label.
- Can you take chamomile capsules with SSRIs or other medicines?
- Ask your provider. Chamomile has reported interactions with warfarin and some liver-processed drugs and might interact with sedatives.
- Who should avoid chamomile?
- People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies, people with estrogen-sensitive conditions, and anyone relying on birth control pills should talk to a provider first.
- Is chamomile safe during pregnancy?
- NCCIH says little is known about chamomile safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your prenatal provider before using capsules.
Sources
- Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- The Effect of Oral Chamomile on Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Clinical Nutrition Research (PMC11109927)
- Chamomile Flowers (naturesway.com), Nature's Way