Feeling Anxious? Nature may have a solution

Studies on chamomile have shown promise for the plant's anxiolytic and sedative effects.

Jan 30, 2025

[Description: Image of chamomile in flower.]

Approximately 4% of the global population, or around 301 million people, are estimated to experience anxiety disorder, a common psychiatric condition. Anxiety itself is a natural fear response that helps individuals navigate stressful or threatening situations. However, when this response becomes overwhelming or persists for an extended period, it may develop into an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is not only a precursor to depression but also has far-reaching effects on attention, cognitive processing, academic performance, and work productivity. Moreover, research has revealed that anxiety can influence arterial pressure, elevate stress levels, increase inflammatory markers, contribute to migraines, and suppress immune system activity.

Is Chamomile Nature’s Medicine for Anxiety?

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) plant family, is one of the most well-studied herbs for its potential in alleviating anxiety. The use of chamomile as an herbal remedy dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent, and other healing properties. It has long been used as an aqueous extract (infusion or tea) to address gastrointestinal disturbances, calm nerves, and reduce anxiety. Historically, chamomile was also employed to treat hysteria, nightmares, insomnia, and other sleep disorders.

In this post, I explore key clinical studies and findings on the specific chemical compounds that contribute to the medicinal properties of this remarkable plant.

Chemical Makeup of Chamomile

Chamomile is rich in a diverse set of phytochemicals, with more than 120 constituents identified, that contribute to the color, flavor, and pharmacological activity of tea preparations. In particular, chamomile is rich in terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and coumarins. It also contains polysaccharides which may contribute to its overall pharmacological activity.

Examples of phytochemicals identified in chamomile. This figure features terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Image adapted from source.

Clinical Findings

Despite its extensive traditional use, scientific studies on chamomile’s effects on the central nervous system are relatively limited. A 1982 study by Della Loggia and colleagues demonstrated sedative effects of chamomile lyophilized infusions (freeze-dried teas) in animals at doses ranging from 90 to 360 mg/kg. Subsequent clinical trials revealed that chamomile dry extracts, standardized to the natural product apigenin, exhibit anxiolytic effects in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and potential antidepressant activity. These effects are largely attributed to apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors, though other compounds, such as polysaccharides, may also contribute to its pharmacological properties. Indeed, a 2020 study investigated a polysaccharide fraction of chamomile enriched for 4-O-methyl-glucuronoxylan in animal models to assess the impact of an intervention on pain, anxiety, and sedation, demonstrating antinociceptive, sedative and anxiolytic-like effects.

The Takeaway

Double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical studies on chamomile, such as this one, suggest that it may provide anxiety relief for individuals with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder. However, as is common with research on chemically complex medicinal plants, further studies are needed to pinpoint which specific chemical constituents are responsible for these therapeutic effects.

In the meantime, if you don’t have an allergy to plants in the daisy family, you might consider enjoying a soothing cup of chamomile tea—it’s a simple, natural way to promote relaxation while science continues to uncover its full potential.