Chamomile

On sleepless nights, how far can a cup of chamomile tea actually take you?

Will drinking chamomile tea help when you cannot sleep or feel anxious? In short, while you may feel the comfort of a warm cup of tea, there is not enough reliable evidence to replace the evaluation and treatment of insomnia or anxiety disorders. So, where is the line between the comfort of tea and a therapeutic effect?

Chamomile is called by one name, but it is actually a raw material consisting of various species and formulations. First, check the species and form listed on the product. The evidence differs for a cup of tea, dried flowers, oral extracts, complex herbal products, and topical products. Even under the same name, the judgment changes depending on which species is used, the form and amount consumed, and the condition you expect to improve.

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Chamomile is not a single species

Behind the name chamomile, there are at least two species. German chamomile is Matricaria recutitaand Roman chamomile is Chamaemelum nobileBoth belong to the Asteraceae family but are different plants, and research has primarily focused on German chamomile. If the product label only says 'chamomile,' you must consider which species was used, which part of the plant was used, and how it was processed.

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A cup of tea is not the same as an extract used in clinical trials

Many people encounter chamomile as a tea. The amount and concentration in a cup of tea differ from the standardized oral extracts used in clinical trials. Additionally, the results of single-chamomile trials cannot be applied to complex products containing multiple herbs. Because the comfort of tea largely stems from temperature, aroma, and the stability of dietary habits, it is difficult to translate that experience directly into the 'action of chamomile.'

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The most important factor is what condition you expect to improve

Expectations for chamomile are largely divided into sleep and anxiety. However, subjective sleep quality, clinical insomnia, temporary anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder are different outcomes. The NCCIH states that there is insufficient reliable evidence to evaluate the clinical utility of chamomile for various uses. In a 2019 meta-analysis of 12 trials, three trials evaluating general anxiety indicators showed no significant difference, and the single trial evaluating insomnia showed no significant improvement. The same review noted some signs of improvement in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms and subjective sleep quality, but stated that larger randomized trials are necessary. In other words, there are some signals, but they are not at a level where a conclusion can be drawn.

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It cannot be said to be entirely safe

Amounts common in food or tea are generally known to be safe, but nausea and dizziness have been reported, and severe allergic reactions occur rarely. If you have allergies to related Asteraceae plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, the risk of a reaction may be higher. Information on safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient. If insomnia or anxiety persists for a long time or disrupts daily functioning, it is necessary to be evaluated rather than repeatedly relying only on herbs.

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Current medications must be checked first

Interactions with warfarin and some liver-metabolized drugs have been reported, and the possibility of interactions with sedatives has been raised. If you are taking medication, it is appropriate to check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. In particular, if you are taking warfarin, cyclosporine, or medications with sedative effects, or if you have an Asteraceae allergy, you must consult a professional before starting chamomile products.

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Similar names, different selection criteria

When choosing chamomile, you must consider three axes simultaneously. First, whether it is German chamomile or Roman chamomile. Second, whether it is a tea, a single extract, or a complex product. Third, whether the expectation is for sleep quality or insomnia, or temporary anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder. If these three axes are mixed in judgment, different conclusions will be reached even for the same product.

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Realistic criteria to check today

Do not confuse the comfort of warm tea with a therapeutic effect; first check the species and formulation, whether it is single or complex, the type and duration of actual symptoms, allergies and current medications, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. If you need comfort on a sleepless night, a cup of tea can be a fine choice in itself. However, you must remember that there is no evidence that it replaces the evaluation and treatment of insomnia or anxiety disorders.

References

1. NCCIH: Chamomile usefulness and safety.
2. Chamomile for anxiety, insomnia and sleep quality: systematic review.
3. NCCIH: Anxiety and complementary health approaches.
4. Herbal medicine for insomnia: systematic review.

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This text explains the origin of the raw materials, the scope of research, and precautions before consumption. As this cannot replace individual diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional if you are taking medication or if symptoms persist. If sudden and severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or decreased consciousness occur after consumption, seek help from 119 or the emergency room.