Chamomile

Chamomile herb profile

Botanical name

Matricaria recutita / chamomilla

Common names

Chamomile, German chamomile, Scented mayweed, Blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile (Kamilla), Wild chamomile, Camomile

Part used

Flower heads

Commonly asked questions about chamomile

What is chamomile good for?

Internally, chamomile helps with many kinds of gastrointestinal disturbances, particularly those linked to nervous irritability. Its carminative, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory actions soothe cramping, bloating, and flatulence — making it useful for IBS, colic, and stress-related digestive upset. It also relaxes smooth muscle in the digestive tract and is commonly used in herbal tea blends to calm the stomach after meals.

What is chamomile good for?

Topically, chamomile promotes wound healing and supports inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties reduce redness, swelling, and risk of infection. It can be added to creams and balms, applied to the gums for teething discomfort, or used as a mouth rinse for gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

Which part of chamomile has the highest concentration of active constituents?

The flower heads contain the highest concentration of active constituents and are the parts used in herbal teas, liquid extracts, and topical preparations.

What are the active constituents in chamomile?

Essential oils — chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol

• Chamazulene has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme pathways.
• Alpha-bisabolol modulates inflammatory pathways, enhances wound healing, and provides antimicrobial action.

Flavonoids — apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin

• Apigenin increases GABA activity in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting calm and relaxation.
• Luteolin and quercetin inhibit inflammatory enzymes, reduce oxidative stress, modulate immune response, and slow histamine release — making them useful in allergic and inflammatory conditions.

Polysaccharides — mucilage

• Mucilage coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat and gastrointestinal tract, making chamomile helpful for sore throats, dry coughs, and an irritated stomach.

Coumarins — umbelliferone

• Umbelliferone exerts anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity by disrupting fungal and bacterial cell membranes.

Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?

Yes. One of chamomile's primary uses is anxiety relief. Clinical studies show that apigenin produces calming effects by modulating GABA receptors. It also helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and neurotransmitter signalling, which play a key role in the stress response.

Studies report improvements in anxiety symptoms in people with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), postmenopausal-related anxiety, and PMS-related anxiety.

Is chamomile safe during pregnancy?

Chamomile is generally considered safe during pregnancy. There is no credible evidence of increased risk of malformation or harm to the foetus. However, it is recommended to consult a naturopath or medical herbalist before using any herbal supplements during pregnancy, especially alongside other medications or herbal products.

Is chamomile safe for children?

Yes. Chamomile is one of the most widely used herbs for children, helping to soothe digestive discomfort, relieve gas, support sleep, and ease nervous tension. It can also be applied topically for skin rashes and teething pain.

Is chamomile tea good for kids with ADHD?

Chamomile is used by some parents to support children with ADHD, largely for its mild sedative and calming effects. It is usually given as a herbal tea alongside other herbs such as lemon balm, passionflower, and hops.

Research suggests chamomile tea is safe and may help children relax. A small study of three adolescent boys (ages 14–16) with ADHD found that chamomile extract improved hyperactivity, inattention, and immaturity scores — theorised to be linked to its effect on serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake.

Chamomile may offer supportive benefits for calm and attention, but should be considered a complementary — not primary — support for ADHD, alongside professional guidance.

Growing chamomile in New Zealand

How do you grow chamomile?

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual that grows easily from seed in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground or start germination indoors in spring after the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, chamomile is low-maintenance and tolerates dry conditions well. Regular harvesting of flower heads encourages more blooms, and cutting plants back after flowering promotes further growth.

When is the best time to plant chamomile?

In New Zealand, plant chamomile outdoors from mid-to-late September to reduce frost risk. In warmer North Island areas, you can start as early as August with additional frost protection. Choose well-draining, light soil in full sun and avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground.

When is the best time to harvest chamomile?

Harvest in early to mid-summer, when flower heads are fully open — this is when active constituents are at their peak. Pick in the morning after the dew has dried and before the heat of the day to preserve the essential oils.

Where chamomile comes from

Where is chamomile native to?

Chamomile is native to southern and eastern Europe, where it has been used for centuries as a traditional medicinal herb. It has since spread to temperate regions worldwide, including New Zealand, due to its calming properties and adaptability.

Where did chamomile tea originate?

Ancient Egyptians used chamomile as a herbal remedy and in religious ceremonies. Its use later spread to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was prized for its soothing effects. Today, chamomile tea is one of the most popular natural remedies worldwide.