“Give me a word, any word, and I’ll show you that the root of that word is Greek.” Sounds familiar? In this case, the famous line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is actually true. The name, chamomile, comes from the Greek words Chemo and Melos, meaning “ground apple” due to its apple-like smell. While there are a variety of chamomile species, the most common we are familiar with are the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the Roman/English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Chamomile for health and wellness
From a Western perspective, it is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, making it popular in health and wellness formulations. It’s also often used as a sleep aid in insomnia due to compounds such as apigenin which is known to bind to specific receptors in the brain to help induce a calming effect. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, which help manage:
- Digestive health: It’s a popular aid in nausea, upset stomach, bloating, cramps, gas, and heartburn. It’s even used for colic, and fevers in children.
- Immune function: Regular use can help boost immune function and fight against infections due to its high antioxidant content.
- Stress and anxiety: Its aroma has been known to work as a nerve relaxant, having a therapeutic effect on the brain.
- Insomnia: It is, of course, well known for its soothing properties, calming the mind and helping promote sleep.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Thanks to its analgesic properties, it can help symptoms of arthritis, reduce pain, and promote healthy joints.
- Cardiovascular health: Abundant in flavones, a type of antioxidant that can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Cancer complications: Studies have shown that it can help soothe certain complications that result from cancer and cancer treatment, such as mouth sores caused by cancer radiation, skin irritations, depression, and vomiting. Therefore it helps improve appetite if taken daily.
- Wound healing: A study in 2018 found to aid in healing infected wounds in rats. German medical professionals approve this herb as to aid in healing bacterial skin diseases.
Chamomile and skincare
Chamomile in skincare has been a long tradition. The Greeks and Egyptians would often crush up the flowers and use them on their weathered dry and worn skin. It’s often used in Ayurveda and other natural medicines. And now modern science confirms that yes, compounds in chamomile have skin-benefiting factors. Here are just a few skin conditions this herb is used for to help ease skin discomfort:
- Eczema
- Inflammation
- Wound healing
- Redness
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne
- Anti-aging
- Dark circles
Chamomile in ayurvedic medicine
It is a sattwic (pure) herb that helps balance all three doshas but may aggravate vata in excess. It’s particularly helpful for pitta. It helps the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, and aids in balancing emotions. As such, it’s sought after in situations involving anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
In addition, it has been used for headaches, colic, bile issues, jaundice, eye inflammations and strengthening, congestions, menstrual problems, such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, and for helping address digestive and nervous problems in children. It’s even used for urinary bladder issues or infections. Too much of it, however, may cause vomiting so follow the age-old advice: everything in moderation.
While it is considered generally safe to consume, those who are taking blood-thinning medications or sedative/antiseizure medications should talk to their healthcare provider before beginning a chamomile routine. In general, it’s a good habit to talk to a qualified practitioner about using herbs.
So here’s to a cuppa!
Click here to learn more about our guest author, Janis Beck.
Reviewed and edited by Petra N., CAP, NAMA
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Key takeaways
- Chamomile is a widely used medicinal herb derived primarily from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and health traditions.
- It contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and apigenin, which research suggests may contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and calming effects.
- It is widely known for its mild sedative properties and is commonly used to support relaxation, sleep quality, and nervous system balance.
- Traditional and modern herbal uses suggest it may support digestive health, immune function, stress relief, cardiovascular health, and wound healing.
- Chamomile has also been widely used in skincare and topical remedies to help soothe inflammation, redness, irritation, and minor skin conditions.
- In Ayurvedic herbal understanding, it is considered a sattwic herb that helps calm the mind and balance the doshas, particularly pitta, while excessive use may aggravate vata.
Frequently asked questions about chamomile health benefits
What are the main chamomile health benefits?
It has been traditionally used and studied for a range of health-supporting properties. Research and herbal practice suggest it may support:
- sleep and relaxation
- digestive health
- stress and anxiety management
- immune function
- cardiovascular health
- skin health and wound healing
These benefits are largely associated with chamomile’s antioxidant compounds and calming plant constituents.
Does chamomile help with sleep and insomnia?
It is widely known for its calming effects and is commonly consumed as an herbal tea before bedtime. One compound in chamomile, apigenin, is believed to bind to certain receptors in the brain that may promote relaxation and support sleep.
Because of these mild sedative properties, this herb is often used as a natural aid for insomnia and restlessness.
Can chamomile help digestion?
Chamomile has long been used as a digestive aid. It may help soothe nausea, stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, cramps, and heartburn.
Herbal traditions also use this herb to support digestive health in children, particularly for colic and mild digestive distress.
Is chamomile good for the skin?
Chamomile has been used for centuries in skincare due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional remedies and modern skincare formulations use it to help support:
- eczema
- inflammation
- acne
- skin irritation
- wound healing
- hyperpigmentation
Compounds in it may help calm irritated skin and support the skin’s natural healing processes.
Does chamomile help with stress and anxiety?
Chamomile has long been associated with relaxation and emotional balance. Its aroma and plant compounds may help relax the nervous system and promote a sense of calm.
Because of these effects, this herb is often used in herbal preparations for stress, anxiety, restlessness, and nervous tension.
Is chamomile used in Ayurvedic medicine?
Yes. In Ayurvedic herbal traditions, it is considered a sattwic herb, meaning it promotes clarity, calmness, and balance.
It is believed to support the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems, while helping balance emotional states such as anxiety or restlessness. It is considered particularly helpful for pitta imbalance, although excessive intake may aggravate vata.
Are there precautions when using chamomile?
It is generally considered safe when consumed in typical amounts, such as herbal tea.
However, individuals taking blood-thinning medications, sedatives, or antiseizure medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before using chamomile regularly.
As with many herbs, moderation and guidance from a qualified practitioner are recommended.
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This post aims to give you the ayurvedic perspective on health and is not meant as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.
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