Relaxation and Anti-Anxiety

Chamomile’s relaxation and anti-anxiety effects have attracted interest from researcher and the general public. The flavonoid apigenin is largely responsible for the calming and stress relieving properties.

Apigenin has a calming effect because it can bind to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter known to produce a calming effect. While some anti-anxiety medications have a sedative effect on humans, apigenin does not produce such a negative side effect [2].

There have been studies investigating the use of the medicinal plant on different anxiety and depression disorders. In randomized control trials, the use of oral chamomile supplements was found to decrease depression scores in patients struggling with clinical depression [3]. Other studies have discovered that long term supplement use can significantly decrease symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) [4].

If you are feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression, we recommend speaking with a doctor, psychologist, or other medical professional.

Chamomile Digestion Benefits

People frequently turn to chamomile tea when they are experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Specifically, the plant has been used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. The theory is that the plant provides GI relief through its anti-inflammatory properties.

One randomized control trial of people living with IBS tested the usefulness of chamomile extract on their IBS symptoms. The participants consumed 20 drops of the extract each day for 4 weeks. By the second week of treatment, IBS symptoms were significantly reduced. Unfortunately, symptoms started to increase again after 4 weeks [5].

This is a promising benefit of the medicinal plant, but still requires further research.

Chamomile Sleep Benefits

Apigenin can help with more restful sleep. Older individuals, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living centers, frequently have difficulty sleeping. One study provided a group of older adults with 400 mg of the plant extract twice per day. After 4 weeks, the supplement group had significantly better sleep quality than the placebo group [6].

Other studies have found that chamomile tea can support restful sleep in post-menopausal women. Due to hormonal changes associated with menopause, many peri- and post-menopausal women experience sleep disorders. After supplementing with the plant extract for 4 weeks, a significant improvement in sleep quality was noticed [7].

Menstrual Cramps

Apigenin has been long known as a muscle relaxant. Because of this property, many women have found the chamomile plant helpful with reducing pain from menstrual cramps.

Dysmenorrhea is a medical term that describes extremely painful periods. A randomized control trial recruited a group of women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. They consumed a ginger & chamomile supplements 2 days before menstruation and the first 3 days of their period. This supplement use resulted in significantly improved menstrual pain [8].

More than half of women experience at least 1-2 days of menstrual pain per month. Supplementation with this plant extract could be a successful aid for those who experience menstrual pain.

Chamomile Skin Benefits

People frequently use chamomile cream or chamomile lotion for skin care and other skin conditions. One study investigated the benefits of chamomile extract for the skin. In an 8-week study with women volunteers, the volunteers applied an apigenin containing cream to their skin twice per day. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks, the skin showed improved firmness, greater skin hydration, and a decrease in fine lines [9].

The plant extract is also used for hair care and hair growth. Stress and inflammation frequently play a role in hair loss and issues with the scalp. Apigenin can benefit the hair due by calming the person, reducing free radicals, and reducing inflammation. Preliminary studies suggest that apigenin can help stimulate the elongation of hair follicles [10].