Roman Chamomile Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing, daisy-like plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to western Europe and is now grown in many parts of the world. The small white-and-yellow flowers have a sweet, apple-like smell and are dried to make teas, extracts, and essential oils.

Roman chamomile is closely related to, but different from, German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). The two are often used in similar ways. People have used chamomile for hundreds of years as a gentle tea to relax, to settle the stomach, and to soothe the skin.

Roman chamomile contains several plant compounds, including flavonoids (such as apigenin), terpenes, and the components of its essential oil. These substances are thought to have mild relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and gas-relieving (antispasmodic) effects.

One proposed mechanism is that apigenin may interact with calming receptors in the brain, which could explain the herb's traditional use for relaxation and sleep. However, most of this evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and it is not clear how strongly these effects apply when people drink chamomile tea or take it as a supplement.

Roman chamomile is generally considered safe for most adults when used in normal tea or food amounts. The main concern is allergy. People who are allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or other plants in the Asteraceae family may react to chamomile.

Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy. Some traditional sources warn it could affect the uterus, and safety has not been well studied. Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information, so use caution and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it regularly.

Use extra care with the essential oil, which is very concentrated and should never be swallowed unless directed by a qualified professional. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

Most people who drink chamomile tea have no problems. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and may include drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting if large amounts are taken.

The most important risk is an allergic reaction. In rare cases this can be serious, including swelling, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis, particularly in people allergic to related plants. Applied to the skin, chamomile can occasionally cause a rash or irritation. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

There is no official standardized dose for Roman chamomile. The amount varies widely depending on the product and the form (tea, capsule, or extract).

A common traditional use is one cup of chamomile tea made from the dried flowers, taken up to a few times a day. For capsules or liquid extracts, follow the directions on the product label, since strengths differ between brands. Because reliable dosing information is limited, it is best to start low and check with a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you are taking other medicines or have health concerns.