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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services / National Institutes of Health
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Chamomile was described in ancient medical writings and was an important medicinal herb in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
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Today, chamomile is promoted for a variety of purposes including anxiety, insomnia, and respiratory disorders. It may also be used topically for some skin conditions and as a mouthwash.
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Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder and associated depression.
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There’s very little information on chamomile’s effect on insomnia.
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Small studies suggest that mouthwashes containing chamomile might be helpful for swelling or irritation in the mouth resulting from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplantation.
What Do We Know About Safety?
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Side effects of chamomile are uncommon. But if they do occur, they may include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
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People who are allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, and daisies may be more likely to be allergic to chamomile.
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Chamomile may interact with some medicines. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using chamomile or other herbal products; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
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