Synopsis

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

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use as a remedy for insomnia and sleep disturbances. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was commonly consumed as a tea or applied as an extract to promote relaxation and sleep. The calming effects of chamomile are attributed primarily to its flavonoid content, particularly apigenin, which is believed to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing mild sedative effects.

Scientific evidence supporting chamomile's use for insomnia is modest but present. Some small randomized controlled trials and observational studies have suggested that chamomile extract or tea may improve subjective measures of sleep quality and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate insomnia, particularly in elderly populations. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and variability in preparation and dosing. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally conclude that while chamomile appears safe and may have mild benefits for sleep, the overall quality of evidence is low and more rigorous research is needed to establish its efficacy for insomnia.

In summary, chamomile is primarily justified for insomnia based on traditional use, with some preliminary scientific evidence suggesting a potential benefit, but not enough to firmly support its effectiveness as a primary treatment for insomnia.

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