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Chamomile

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 18, 2022.

What are other common names?

  • Anthemis nobilis
  • Chamaemelum nobile
  • Chamomilla recutita
  • Chamomilla
  • Matricaria chamomilla
  • Matricaria recutita
  • Matricaria suavoelens
  • Blue Chamomile
  • Camomilla
  • Camomille
  • Chamomilla
  • Common
  • English
  • English Chamomile
  • Garden
  • Garden Chamomile
  • Genuine
  • Genuine Chamomile
  • German
  • German Chamomile
  • Hungarian
  • Hungarian Chamomile
  • Lawn
  • Lawn Chamomile
  • Petite Chamomile
  • Pin Heads
  • Roman
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Scotch
  • Scotch Chamomile
  • Sweet
  • Sweet Chamomile
  • Sweet False Chamomile
  • True
  • True Chamomile
  • Wild
  • Wild Chamomile

What is this product used for?

Chamomile is a plant. It is also sold as tea and as a dietary supplement product. It is used by many people to help with sleep, as a mild sedative, and to lower anxiety. It is also used for conditions caused by inflammation inside the mouth. It may help improve mood and some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Others use it to help with spasms of the GI tract and the urinary tract. When chamomile cream is applied to the skin, it may help relieve some types of pain in joints.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

  • Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

  • This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

  • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

  • This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for.

  • Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and other drugs that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and pain drugs.

  • Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like ragweed, daisy, marigolds, aster, or chrysanthemums.

  • Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemotherapy, or have an autoimmune disease.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

  • Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

  • Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

    • Cancer

    • Bleeding problems

What should I watch for?

  • Upset stomach

  • Stomach cramps

  • Watery eyes

  • Sneezing

  • Feeling sleepy

  • Rash

When do I need to call the doctor?

  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Very bad throwing up

  • Very bad belly pain

  • Very bad loose stools

  • Throwing up blood or blood in your stools

  • Not able to think clearly

  • Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

  • Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Where can I learn more?

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile

Last Reviewed Date

2021-04-21

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