Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use for supporting relaxation and alleviating anxiety symptoms. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries, particularly as a herbal tea or extract, to promote calmness and aid sleep. The tradition stems from its perceived mild sedative effects, attributed primarily to compounds such as apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain in preclinical studies. However, scientific validation for chamomile’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders is limited. Some small-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs), such as a 2009 study published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, found that chamomile extract may have modest benefits for individuals with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Nonetheless, these findings require confirmation in larger, well-designed trials before chamomile can be considered an evidence-based treatment for anxiety. Thus, while chamomile’s use for anxiety is primarily traditional, there is some preliminary clinical evidence suggesting possible benefit, albeit with low to moderate strength.

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