Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita) has a long history of traditional use as a calming herb, but there is also a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting its potential benefit for anxiety disorders. Several clinical studies have explored chamomile’s anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, most notably in the form of standardized extracts. A prominent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2009 in the journal Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile extract (1500 mg daily) experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo. Follow-up studies, including a 2016 long-term trial, indicated sustained benefits and good tolerability over several months.

The proposed mechanisms of action include modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, as some flavonoids in chamomile may bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect. Chamomile may also influence serotonin and dopamine pathways, which are involved in mood regulation. While the evidence is not as robust or extensive as that supporting pharmaceutical anxiolytics, and sample sizes in studies tend to be modest, meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally conclude that chamomile is a promising adjunct or alternative for mild to moderate anxiety, particularly for those seeking herbal options. Nonetheless, more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed for firmer conclusions.

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More about Anxiety Disorders

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Abuse and Trauma
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Adrenal Fatigue
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Allergies (respiratory)
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Anger (excessive)
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Bloodshot Eyes
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Bulimia
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Enteritis
Epilepsy
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hysteria
Indigestion
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Lesions
Lupus
Measles
Morning Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Nose Bleeds
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type P
Poison Ivy or Oak
Post Partum Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Rashes and Hives
Restless Dreams
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scratches and Abrasions
Seizures
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Sore Throat
Strep Throat
Stress
Sunburn
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Teething
Tension
Tickle in Throat
TMJ
Tonsillitis