Evidence supporting the use of: English Chamomile
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
English Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of traditional use as a remedy for insomnia and sleep disturbances. In European herbal medicine, chamomile infusions have been used for centuries as a calming agent, often consumed before bedtime to promote relaxation and sleep. The sedative effects are largely attributed to the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, particularly apigenin, which is believed to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
Scientific validation for this traditional use is limited but emerging. Most clinical research has focused on German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), which is closely related but not identical to English Chamomile. There are a few small-scale studies and animal experiments suggesting that chamomile extracts may reduce the time needed to fall asleep and improve sleep quality, but high-quality clinical trials specifically on English Chamomile are lacking. The evidence base is thus considered weak to moderate.
In summary, the use of English Chamomile for insomnia is primarily justified by tradition, with some biologically plausible mechanisms and limited preliminary evidence supporting its effect. However, robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut