You’re here to discover the medicinal uses of chamomile: Is chamomile good for you?
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use chamomile safely for sleep, stress, digestion, and skin health.
I’m Rosa Wilde, a community herbalist and teacher at The School of Wild Medicine, where I share practical herbal wisdom for everyday life.
If you have any questions or personal experiences with chamomile, I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Medicinal uses of chamomile for skin health and wound healing
Chamomile is one of nature’s finest herbs for calming inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and vulnerary actions of chamomile make it ideal for treating skin irritations such as eczema, rashes, burns, and minor wounds1.
Chamomile’s flavonoids and essential oils penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to reduce redness, swelling, and itching.
Topical chamomile infusions can be applied as compresses for sore eyes, poultices for wounds, or rinses for infections such as athlete’s foot.
Many herbalists also recommend it for cracked nipples, diaper rash, and chapped skin, thanks to its soothing, regenerative qualities.
A chamomile-infused oil can be used for gentle baby massages before bedtime, helping to calm restlessness while nourishing delicate skin.
Recent studies also suggest that chamomile extracts may help treat acne, support skin hydration, and reduce sensitivity due to their antimicrobial and anti-allergic effects2.
Chamomile medicinal uses for digestion and gut health
Acting as both a carminative and a mild bitter tonic, chamomile helps to stimulate healthy digestion, ease gas, and relieve bloating.
Chamomile’s antispasmodic compounds—over 19 have been identified3—help to relax the smooth muscles of the gut, reducing cramping, colic, and general abdominal discomfort.
It’s an excellent choice for nervous stomachs. When emotional stress triggers digestive upset, chamomile brings both the gut and the mind back into balance.
Chamomile is especially effective for children’s stomach aches, stress-related diarrhoea, or tummy tension before events such as school performances or exams.
Used regularly, chamomile tea can help manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease4 by calming inflammation and supporting more regular bowel movements.
Its dual action – soothing the nerves while improving digestion – also helps to prevent stress-related ulcers, making it an indispensable herb for long-term digestive care.
Medicinal uses of chamomile for sleep, stress, and emotional balance
Chamomile’s mild sedative properties make it a safe and gentle choice for insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, and emotional overwhelm.
Studies have shown that chamomile extract can improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep5, supporting restorative rest without leaving you groggy.
Chamomile works by gently relaxing the nervous system, lowering stress hormones, and easing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or tight stomach.
Some herbalists describe it as a “hug in a mug” – a simple, comforting ritual to help you unwind after a long day.
In traditional medicine, chamomile has even been used for hysteria, nightmares, and restlessness.
Chamomile is great for pairing with lemonbalm, oatstraw, or passionflower.
If you’d like to learn about more herbs for stress, check out my articles Best Herbs for Stress and Anxiety and Best Herbal Remedies for Stress and Anxiety.
Chamomile medicinal properties for women’s health
Chamomile has long been valued as a uterine tonic and emmenagogue, helping to regulate menstrual flow and relieve cramps.
Its antispasmodic and relaxant effects ease tension in the uterine muscles, reducing pain during menstruation.
For stronger relief, chamomile combines well with valerian to enhance its soothing action.
It can also bring on delayed menstruation and help balance cycles affected by stress or hormonal fluctuations.
Because it relaxes both body and mind, chamomile is equally helpful during premenstrual tension (PMT), mood swings, and menopausal irritability.
Medicinal uses of chamomile for pain, inflammation, and fever
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a natural option for soothing everyday pain – from headaches and backache to toothache and rheumatic discomfort.
It helps to reduce the inflammatory response much like a mild herbal version of cortisone, easing swelling and pain without harsh side effects.
As a diaphoretic, chamomile promotes gentle sweating, helping to lower fevers during colds and flu while encouraging a restful night’s sleep.
Its antibacterial and immune-supportive compounds also assist the body in fighting infection, making it a valuable ally during seasonal illnesses.
For muscular aches, a warm chamomile compress or bath can ease tension, soothe joints, and calm the nerves. Simply add a few cups of strong chamomile infusion to the bath and soak away the day’s stress.
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Chamomile benefits for colds, flu, and allergies
When cold or flu strikes, chamomile provides relief on several fronts. It eases sore throats, calms coughing, and reduces congestion through its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Inhalation of chamomile steam can relieve blocked sinuses and nasal inflammation, while drinking the tea supports immune recovery and healing sleep.
For seasonal allergies, chamomile acts as a natural antihistamine and soothes itchy, watery eyes.
A cooled infusion can even be used as an eyewash to calm allergic irritation or mild conjunctivitis.
Its mild antimicrobial properties help to prevent secondary infections while reducing redness and swelling.
Chamomile medicinal uses for children
Chamomile’s safety and gentleness make it a staple in family herbal care.
It’s commonly used to relieve infant colic, teething pain, earache, and mild fevers.
Herbalist Matthew Wood calls it a remedy not just for babies, but for the “babyish” moods adults sometimes experience – fussiness, crankiness, or emotional overreaction.
Whether your child is overtired, anxious, or under the weather, a small cup of chamomile tea or a warm chamomile bath can calm both body and spirit.
Chamomile herbal benefits for blood sugar, immunity, and bone health
Emerging studies suggest that chamomile may have deeper systemic benefits beyond its traditional uses.
Regular consumption of chamomile tea has been linked with improved blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes6, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Chamomile’s flavonoids also help to combat oxidative stress, which may contribute to bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis over time.
Internally, its immune-enhancing effects strengthen the body’s natural defences, supporting healing and resilience against infection.
Chamomile FAQs
Can I use chamomile tablets?
Yes, chamomile tablets can be used as a convenient alternative to tea or tincture.
Chamomile tablets typically contain a standardised extract. Recommended dosage is 400 mg to 1600 mg per day.
Chamomile tablets are effective for supporting relaxation, digestion, and mild anxiety.
How many cups of chamomile tea per day should I drink?
Most people benefit from one to four cups of chamomile tea daily. Experiment to find out which dose works best for you.
Steep a tablespoon per cup of dried herbs in hot water and leave to infuse for at least 10 minutes, or for several hours for a stronger infusion. You can then reheat your brew when it’s time to drink. Keep a lid on during the infusion and reheating process so that the precious volatile oils don’t escape.
Chamomile tea is gentle enough for regular use, and a cup an hour before bed is especially helpful for relaxation and sleep.
Will chamomile tea help me sleep?
Yes, chamomile tea is widely recognised for improving sleep quality.
It contains apigenin, a natural compound that binds to brain receptors to promote calmness and reduce insomnia.
Does chamomile tea really help anxiety?
Studies show that chamomile can ease symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety.
Its calming effect on the nervous system helps reduce tension and promote emotional balance.
Is chamomile good for you?
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support digestion, immunity, skin health, and relaxation.
It’s safe for most people when used in moderation, as long as you don’t have a ragweed allergy.
Many pregnant women choose to drink chamomile tea, and my midwife was happy for me to drink it during labour.
Does chamomile grow wild in the UK?
Yes, both Roman chamomile (native to the UK) and German chamomile (introduced and naturalised) grow wild in some parts of the UK7. They can be found in grasslands, meadows, and along roadsides.
They are common garden plants which can also escape into the wild.
If chamomile doesn’t grow wild where you live, a very common substitute is pineapple weed, which has similar medicinal properties to chamomile.
Fun fact
Chamomile tea is a global favourite – people enjoy around a million cups of it every day!
References
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future by PubMed Central ↩︎
- Potential Benefits of Chamomile for Skin by healthline ↩︎
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses by PubMed Central ↩︎
- The Best Teas to Drink for Relief from IBS Symptoms by healthline ↩︎
- Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep by ScienceDirect ↩︎
- What are the benefits of chamomile tea? by Medical News Today ↩︎
- Chamomile by The Wildlife Trusts ↩︎
Over to you
I hope you enjoyed this article on medicinal uses of chamomile: Is chamomile good for you?
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, I love answering them!
