Chamomile used for insomnia

Chamomile is used by most people, preferring the use of botanicals, to promote sleep and for the treatment of insomnia. The cause of sedative effects may be due to the compound (benzodiazepine-like) that is found in the flower head. Apigenin, one of the chamomile’s ingredients, binds to benzodiazepine’s receptors that causes the activation of GABA_A receptors (Viola et al., 1995). There is no clinical trials that support the statement saying that chamomile facilitates sleep.

People that are hypersensitive to ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, daisies and other herbs can expect allergic reactions. When chamomile is ingested in the form of a concentrated tea, it may induce vomiting. Chamomile interacts with antiplatelet –, anticoagulant (aspirin and ibuprofen) – and benzodiazepine drugs. It may inhibit CytP450, therefore warfarin, antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs, that are metabolised by CytP450 should be used with caution.

Chamomile used for anxiety

Chamomile is available in the form of capsules, supplements in tea bags and as a liquid extract. Apigenin not only activates GABA_A receptors, it also stimulates the absorption of tyrosine. Tyrosine cause an increased production of monoamines. Apigenin also inhibits the activity of MAO enzyme, leading to an increased availability of monoamines in the body (Spinella, 2001). Serotonin, one of the monoamine’s neurotransmitters, bind to 5-HT_1A receptors and has an anxiolytic effect.

The half-life of chamomile is short since it should be taken three times daily. When chamomile is taken in the form of  liquid extract, 1-4 ml should be used three times per day. When it’s in the form of a tincture, 15 ml is used 3-4 times per day.

Juarascio, A. and Gooneratne, N.S. 2012. Therapy in Sleep Medicine. Chamomile - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Date used: 4^th March 2021.
Kapalka, G.M. 2010. Nutritional and Herbal Therapies for Children and Adolescents. Chamomile - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Date used: 4^th March 2021.