Chamomile has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, primarily for its calming and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. In various cultures, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, chamomile tea and extracts have been used to alleviate symptoms of stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep, all of which are related to overall mental well-being. The use of chamomile specifically for depression is less well-established in traditional texts, but its general application for mood and nervous system complaints has led to its inclusion in some folk remedies for depressive symptoms.

Scientific evidence supporting chamomile for depression is limited but growing. A few small clinical studies have explored its efficacy: one randomized controlled trial found that chamomile extract may have modest antidepressant activity in addition to its anxiolytic effects, but the sample sizes were small and the results preliminary. The proposed mechanisms involve chamomile’s potential modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. However, systematic reviews generally conclude that while chamomile is safe and may help with anxiety and sleep disturbances, evidence for a direct antidepressant effect is insufficient and further research is needed.

In summary, chamomile's use for depression is primarily rooted in traditional practices, with some emerging but not definitive scientific support. It is not considered a primary or standalone treatment for clinical depression according to current medical guidelines.