Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of use as a calming herb in traditional medicine systems, such as European folk medicine and Ayurveda. Traditionally, chamomile tea and extracts have been used to alleviate symptoms of stress, promote relaxation, and aid sleep. The calming effects are attributed primarily to compounds like apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which may induce mild sedative effects.

While there is robust traditional usage, scientific studies investigating chamomile’s efficacy specifically for stress are limited. Most clinical research focuses on chamomile’s effects on anxiety and insomnia rather than stress per se. Some small randomized controlled trials suggest that chamomile extracts may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which can overlap with stress. However, these studies often have small sample sizes or methodological limitations, and direct evidence for stress reduction is less conclusive.

Overall, chamomile’s use for stress management is primarily justified by tradition, with a moderate evidence rating due to its well-established historical use and some supportive, albeit indirect, scientific findings. Chamomile is generally regarded as safe, but individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to directly establish chamomile’s efficacy for stress.

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Other ingredients used for Stress

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