Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has a long history of traditional use as a calming herb for sleep disturbances, restlessness, and mild insomnia. More recently, several scientific studies have investigated its effectiveness in supporting sleep. Clinical trials in humans have provided moderate evidence that chamomile preparations—especially teas and standardized extracts—may modestly improve subjective sleep quality and help with mild insomnia, particularly in older adults and postpartum women. The proposed mechanisms of action include chamomile's content of apigenin, a flavonoid that can bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, exerting mild sedative effects. While the overall effect size is generally small, and not all studies report significant improvement over placebo, chamomile is widely considered safe for most adults and may be useful as an adjunct or gentle first-line intervention for mild sleep disturbances. More high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and clarify optimal dosing. Thus, the use of chamomile for sleep problems is supported by both tradition and a moderate level of scientific evidence, justifying a mid-level evidence rating.

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