Chamomile

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Specifically for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

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Why it works for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:

There are no high-quality clinical trials showing chamomile cures or directly treats Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). What exists is indirect evidence — chamomile has anxiolytic, sedative/insomnia-helping, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in preclinical and some clinical studies — so it might help some symptom domains (anxiety, sleep disturbance, GI spasm, inflammation) that commonly occur in people with MCS. But people with MCS can also react to botanical products (tea aroma, essential oils, topical chamomile), so use caution and talk with a clinician. SpringerLink Europe PMC ScienceDirect The ME Association

Anxiolytic / calming effects. Chamomile extracts have shown anxiolytic activity in randomized trials for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and related studies — reducing anxiety scores versus placebo in some trials. Reduced anxiety can reduce symptom amplification and improve quality of life in people whose MCS symptoms are worsened by stress. Europe PMC
Sleep promotion. Chamomile has modest evidence for improving subjective sleep in trials and meta-analyses; better sleep can decrease symptom sensitivity and improve coping. ScienceDirect BioMed Central
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Numerous preclinical and some human/biomolecular studies show chamomile constituents (essential oils, flavonoids such as apigenin) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects — these could theoretically reduce inflammatory or immune-mediated symptom components in some people with environmental hypersensitivity. ScienceDirect SpringerLink
Spasmolytic / GI effects. Chamomile has traditional and experimental support as an antispasmodic (can help cramps, GI discomfort), which addresses a common complaint. Science Alert

Important caveat: MCS is a heterogeneous, contested, and multi-mechanistic condition. There are no direct, high-quality randomized clinical trials showing chamomile treats MCS itself. Most supportive evidence is for individual symptoms (anxiety, insomnia, GI spasm) rather than the underlying environmental hypersensitivity. For background on MCS and its triggers (including fragrances and plant products), see patient guidance and reviews. BMJ Open The ME Association

How to use for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:

A. Clinical oral extracts (used in trials)

Anxiety (GAD) trials: standardized chamomile extract doses used in clinical studies ranged from ≈500 mg/day up to 1,500 mg/day (commonly 500–1,500 mg total daily; some trials used 1,500 mg/day given as 500 mg three times daily). Trials lasted weeks to months. If one were to follow trial practice, use a pharmaceutical-grade, standardized chamomile extract at the same dose ranges and duration used in the studies — and only under clinician supervision. Europe PMC ScienceDirect
Insomnia pilot trial: one randomized pilot used 270 mg of a standardized chamomile extract twice daily (total 540 mg/day) for 28 days and assessed sleep outcomes. BioMed Central

B. Traditional chamomile tea (home use)

Typical household preparation: 1–2 teaspoons (≈2–4 g) of dried chamomile flowers per 8 fl oz / cup, steeped 5–10 minutes in hot water. People commonly drink 1 cup up to several cups per day depending on tolerance and symptom benefit. There is not a standardized “therapeutic” tea dose equivalent to extract doses used in trials. liquidinsider.com fermentaholics.com

C. Aromatherapy / essential oil / topical

Chamomile essential oil and topical preparations are used for topical inflammation, skin conditioning, and inhalational aromatherapy in some settings. However: people with MCS or fragrance sensitivity are often triggered by natural fragrances and essential oils — aromatherapy or topical use can cause symptoms in sensitive individuals. If someone with MCS wants to try topical or aromatic chamomile, do so only after a patch test (for topical) and in a very small, well-ventilated exposure (for inhalation) — but many clinicians advise avoiding aerosolized/strong scents in MCS. U.S. Food and Drug Administration The ME Association

Practical guidance summary (if considering trial of chamomile for symptom relief):

Prefer oral standardized extract if aiming to reproduce clinical trial conditions (500–1,500 mg/day for anxiety; 270 mg twice daily was used in an insomnia pilot). Use a known, pharmaceutical-grade product and involve your clinician, especially if you take other medications. Europe PMC BioMed Central
If using tea, start with 1 cup daily (1 tsp dried flower), monitor effects and tolerance, increase slowly if tolerated. Tea contains far lower and variable amounts of active constituents than standardized extracts. liquidinsider.com
Avoid inhaling essential oils or heavy topical use if you have fragrance sensitivity/MCS — many MCS sufferers react to essential oils and natural fragrances. If you still wish to try topical chamomile, do a small patch test and avoid areas with broken skin. The ME Association U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Scientific Evidence for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:

Randomized clinical trials and trials of chamomile relevant to symptom domains:

Amsterdam et al., 2009 — J Clin Psychopharmacol: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract for mild-to-moderate generalized anxiety disorder. (Chamomile extract superior to placebo for GAD symptoms). Full text available. Europe PMC
Keefe / Mao et al., 2016 — open-label / continuation trials: long-term study protocol and open-label phases using 500–1,500 mg/day showing clinical responses in many participants and safety data for longer use. (Study protocol and open-label results summarized in several sources.) Europe PMC ScienceDirect
Zick et al., 2011 — BMC Complement Altern Med: Preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot of standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia — 270 mg twice daily used; results suggest possible benefit but were preliminary. BioMed Central

Systematic reviews / pharmacology reviews (summaries of mechanisms and breadth of evidence):

Review — Matricaria chamomilla: recent advances (Springer review, 2022) — summarizes preclinical pharmacology (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, etc.). SpringerLink
2023/2024 reviews summarizing therapeutic properties and sleep evidence (systematic review / meta-analysis on chamomile for sleep). These point to some positive signals but also inconsistent and limited evidence overall. Taylor & Francis Online ScienceDirect

Mechanistic / preclinical studies:

Chamomile essential oils — immune modulation & anti-inflammatory pathways (2023 study showing effects on macrophage/CD4+ T cell–mediated responses). These kinds of studies support plausible biological mechanisms but don’t prove clinical benefit for MCS. ScienceDirect

Summary: Trials support chamomile for some symptom domains (particularly anxiety, some sleep outcomes) but not for MCS itself. No robust randomized trials specifically enrolled patients diagnosed with MCS to test chamomile for that condition. Europe PMC The ME Association

Specific Warnings for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:

A. Allergy / anaphylaxis / cross-reactivity

Chamomile is in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (same family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, marigold, echinacea). People with ragweed or related plant pollen allergies can have cross-reactive allergic reactions to chamomile — ranging from contact dermatitis to, rarely, systemic allergy/anaphylaxis. If you have known ragweed/daisy family allergies, avoid chamomile unless a supervised allergy evaluation suggests otherwise. Biology Insights Allergy Resources

B. Bleeding / anticoagulant interactions

Chamomile contains coumarin-like compounds and there are case reports and cautions about potentiation of warfarin (and theoretically other anticoagulants), possibly causing increased INR/bleeding. If you are on warfarin, DO NOT start chamomile without discussing with your prescribing clinician and monitoring INR. CMAJ BioMed Central

C. Drug interactions via CYP enzymes and additive sedation

Chamomile extracts (especially essential oils) can inhibit several cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4) in vitro — potential for interactions with many drugs metabolized by these enzymes. It may also have additive sedative effects with CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol). Discuss all medications with your clinician. ScienceDirect Hello Pharmacist

D. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Many sources advise caution or avoidance of concentrated chamomile (especially Roman chamomile) during pregnancy due to limited safety data and possible uterine-stimulant effects in traditional texts. Always check with an obstetric clinician before use. (See herbal safety resources / drug monographs.) MSD Manuals

E. MCS-specific warning

People with MCS frequently react to fragrances — even “natural” fragrances like herbal tea smell or essential oils. That means topical chamomile preparations, aromatherapy, and strongly scented teas can trigger MCS symptoms (respiratory, headache, nausea, etc.). Many MCS guidance documents recommend avoiding scented products and essential oils; for someone with MCS, an oral standardized extract (if tolerated) may be preferable to inhalation or topical application — but intolerance remains possible. The ME Association Necole Bitchie

Back to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Chamomile is a flowering herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, closely related to daisies. It is most commonly recognized for its small white and yellow flowers and its pleasant, apple-like fragrance. There are two main species used medicinally and commercially: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both varieties are used to make teas, extracts, essential oils, and topical formulations. Chamomile has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems — including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures — for its calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

How It Works

Chamomile’s effects are primarily due to its bioactive compounds, such as apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids, and terpenoids. These constituents contribute to its soothing and therapeutic qualities through several mechanisms:

Calming and sedative effects: Apigenin, a flavonoid found in chamomile, binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing mild sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. This is why chamomile tea is often consumed to aid relaxation and sleep.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds like chamazulene and bisabolol help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins and cytokines, which are key mediators in inflammatory responses.
Antioxidant activity: The flavonoids and polyphenols in chamomile act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
Digestive support: Chamomile relaxes smooth muscle in the digestive tract, which can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that can soothe minor gastrointestinal infections.
Skin healing: When applied topically, chamomile helps reduce skin irritation, inflammation, and redness. It is often included in ointments and creams for eczema, burns, wounds, and rashes.

Why It’s Important

Chamomile is valued both for its therapeutic versatility and its gentle nature, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including children and the elderly. Its importance can be seen in several domains:

Natural remedy for stress and sleep: In an age where anxiety and insomnia are prevalent, chamomile offers a mild, non-addictive way to support mental and emotional well-being.
Support for holistic health: As a herbal remedy, it bridges traditional and modern medicine, offering preventive and complementary benefits without synthetic side effects.
Widely accessible: Chamomile is inexpensive, safe for most people, and widely available as tea, capsules, or skincare products, making it one of the most approachable medicinal herbs.
Scientific validation: Modern research supports many traditional claims, reinforcing chamomile’s credibility in clinical and wellness contexts. Studies show its potential in improving sleep quality, easing menstrual discomfort, reducing anxiety, and supporting skin health.

Considerations

While chamomile is generally regarded as safe, there are some important considerations and precautions to keep in mind:

Allergies: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family—such as ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums—may experience allergic reactions to chamomile.
Drug interactions: Chamomile may enhance the effects of sedatives, anticoagulants (like warfarin), or antiplatelet medications, increasing the risk of drowsiness or bleeding. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before combining it with prescription drugs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although generally considered mild, large or medicinal doses of chamomile may not be recommended during pregnancy due to possible uterine-stimulating effects.
Topical use: Essential oils or concentrated extracts should always be diluted before skin application, as undiluted chamomile oil can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Quality and purity: Herbal supplements vary in concentration and purity. Choosing standardized, reputable sources ensures consistent potency and safety.

Helps with these conditions

Chamomile is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 0% effective

Constipation 0% effective

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Anxiety 0% effective

PTSD 0% effective

Insomnia 0% effective

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Acid Reflux (GERD)

0% effective

Antispasmodic & anti-inflammatory actions. Chamomile contains flavonoids (e.g., apigenin) and sesquiterpenes (e.g., α-bisabolol, chamazulene) that...

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