« Back to Glossary Index

What is it?

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a plant native to Morocco and Europe. It’s different from German chamomile, which is more commonly used in teas.

Roman chamomile contains chemicals that might have anticancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory effects.

People take Roman chamomile for hay fever, anxiety, eczema, stress, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How effective is it?

There is interest in using Roman chamomile for a number of purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it safe?

When taken by mouth: Roman chamomile is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if Roman chamomile is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Roman chamomile is possibly safe. Some people might have allergic reactions, causing itchy red skin.

When inhaled: Roman chamomile essential oil is possibly safe.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy: Roman chamomile is likely unsafe when taken by mouth as medicine during pregnancy. Roman chamomile is believed to cause miscarriages. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe when applied to the skin or when inhaled during pregnancy. Avoid using Roman chamomile if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Roman chamomile is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Roman chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.

Are there interactions with medications?

It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.

Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

How is it typically used?

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Roman chamomile might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Anthémis, Anthémis Odorante, Anthemis nobilis, Babuna Ke Phool, Camomille d’Anjou, Camomille Noble, Camomille Romaine, Chamaemelum nobile, Chamomilla, Chamomile, Chamomillae Ramane Flos, Common Chamomile, English Chamomile, Fleur de Camomille Romaine, Flores Anthemidis, Garden Chamomile, Grosse Kamille, Ground Apple, Huile Essentielle de Camomille Romaine, Low Chamomile, Manzanilla, Manzanilla Romana, Ormenis nobilis, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, Romische Kamille, Scotch Chamomile, Sweet Chamomile, True Chamomile, Whig Plant.

Methodology

To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.

References

  1. Lopez Jornet P, Aznar-Cayuela C. Efficacy of topical chamomile management vs. placebo in patients with oral lichen planus: a randomized double-blind study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30:1783-6. View abstract.
  2. Guimaraes R, Barros L, Duenas M, et al. Nutrients, phytochemicals and bioactivity of wild Roman chamomile: a comparison between the herb and its preparations. Food Chem 2013;136:718-25. View abstract.
  3. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24:243-248. View abstract.
  4. Zeggwagh NA, Michel JB, Eddouks M. Vascular effects of aqueous extract of Chamaemelum nobile: in vitro pharmacological studies in rats. Clin Exp Hypertens 2013;35:200-6. View abstract.
  5. Zeggwagh NA, Moufid A, Michel JB, Eddouks M. Hypotensive effect of Chamaemelum nobile aqueous extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clin Exp Hypertens 2009;31:440-50. View abstract.
  6. Mostafapour Kandelous H, Salimi M, Khori V, Rastkari N, Amanzadeh A, Salimi M. Mitochondrial apoptosis induced by Chamaemelum nobile extract in breast cancer cells. Iran J Pharm Res 2016;15(Suppl):197-204. View abstract.
  7. Eddouks M, Lemhardri A, Zeggwagh NA, Michel JB. Potent hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Chamaemelum nobile in normal and streptozoticin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2005;67;189-95.
  8. Buckle J. Use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Altern Ther Health Med 1999;5:42-51. View abstract.
  9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 — Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  10. Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea; a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84:353-8. View abstract.
  11. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  12. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  13. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  14. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  15. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  16. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  17. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  18. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Show more references

Last reviewed –
03/25/2022
« Back to Glossary Index

RELATED POSTS

Comments are disabled