{{Short description|Common name for several daisy-like plants}} {{distinguish|Calamine}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}} [[File:Kamomillasaunio (Matricaria recutita).JPG|thumb|upright|German chamomile, ''Matricaria chamomilla'']] [[File:Chamaemelum nobile 001.JPG|thumb|upright|Roman chamomile, ''Chamaemelum nobile'']] '''Chamomile''' (American English) or '''camomile''' (British English; see spelling differences) ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|æ|m|ə|m|aɪ|l|,_|-|m|iː|l}} {{respell|KAM|ə|myle}} or {{respell|KAM|ə|meel}}<ref>{{Citation |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title=English Pronouncing Dictionary |editor1=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=978-3-12-539683-8 }}</ref><ref name="Dictionary">{{cite encyclopedia | title=Chamomile | encyclopedia=Dictionary.com Unabridged | publisher=Random House|date=2025 | access-date=12 February 2025 | url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chamomile}}</ref>) is the common name for several {{nowrap|daisy-like}} plants of the family Asteraceae. Two of the species, ''Matricaria chamomilla'' and ''Chamaemelum nobile'', are commonly used to make herbal infusions for beverages.<!--THIS CITED SOURCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE PRECEDING STATEMENT: <ref name=nccih/>--><ref name="drugs">{{cite web |title=Chamomile |url=https://www.drugs.com/mtm/chamomile.html |publisher=Drugs.com |access-date=12 February 2025 |date=2025}}</ref> Chamomile is used as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and cosmetics, in herbal teas, in brewing beer, and as a ground cover or seating plant in gardens.
There is no clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of consuming chamomile to treat any disease.<ref name="nccih">{{cite web |author = NCCIH Staff | date = November 2024 | title=Chamomile | work = NCCIH Health Information (NCCIH.NIH.gov/health) | url=https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile | location = Bethesda, MD | publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), U.S. NIH |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref name=drugs/> Chamomile may interact adversely with various herbs and drugs, worsen pollen allergies, and is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive conditions or when combined with anticoagulants. Because Roman chamomile may cause uterine contractions, it should not be used during pregnancy, and its safety during breastfeeding is unknown.<!--THIS CITED SOURCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE PRECEDING STATEMENT; FACT SHEET EXPLICITLY STATES IT DOES NOT COVER ROMAN CHAMOMILE: <ref name=nccih/>--><ref name=drugs/>
Chamomile is highly susceptible to numerous fungi, viruses, and insects, which collectively pose significant threats to its cultivation.
== Etymology == The word ''chamomile'' is derived via French and Latin, from the Greek {{langx|grc|χαμαίμηλον|khamaimēlon|earth apple|label=none}}, from {{langx|grc|χαμαί|khamai|on the ground|label=none}}, and {{langx|grc|μῆλον|mēlon|apple|label=none}}.<ref>{{LSJ|xamai/mhlon|χαμαίμηλον|ref}}</ref><ref name="oed">{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=camomile|publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary|title=Chamomile|date=2019}}</ref> First used in the 13th century, the spelling ''chamomile'' corresponds to the Latin {{lang|la|chamomilla}} and the Greek {{transliteration|grc|chamaimelon}}.<ref name=oed /> The spelling ''camomile'' is a British derivation from the French.<ref name=oed />
== Species == thumb|Loose-leaf chamomile tea Some commonly used species include: * ''Matricaria chamomilla'' – often called "German chamomile" or "Water of Youth"<ref name="Europe">{{cite journal | last1= Sarris|first1=J|last2=Panossian|first2=A|last3=Schweitzer|first3=I|last4=Stough|first4=C|last5=Scholey|first5=A| title=Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety, and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence| journal=European Neuropsychopharmacology |volume= 21 |issue=12 |pages=841–860|date=December 2011|pmid=21601431|doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.04.002 |s2cid=16831869}}</ref> * ''Chamaemelum nobile'' – Roman, English, or garden chamomile; also frequently used (''C. nobile'' Treneague is normally used to create a chamomile lawn)<ref>{{cite web |title=Camomile lawn |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=281 |publisher=The Royal Horticultural Society |date=2018|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref>
A number of other species' common names include the word ''chamomile''. This does not necessarily mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in the herbal tea known as "chamomile". Plants including the common name ''chamomile'', of the family Asteraceae, are: * ''Anthemis arvensis'' – corn, scentless or field chamomile * ''Anthemis cotula'' – stinking chamomile * ''Cladanthus mixtus'' – Moroccan chamomile * ''Cota tinctoria'' – dyer's, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile * ''Eriocephalus punctulatus'' – Cape chamomile * ''Matricaria discoidea'' – wild chamomile or pineapple weed * ''Olea europaea'' - Manzanilla olive (Common chamomile, Chamomile Basta, Chamomile of Carmona, White Chamomile, and Camomile of Two Sisters) * ''Oncosiphon pilulifer'' – globe chamomile * ''Tripleurospermum inodorum'' – wild, scentless or false chamomile
== Uses == thumb|Chamomile tea being served at the Savoy Hotel in London, England
Chamomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, mouthwash, soaps, and cosmetics.<ref name="drugs" /> Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}<!--<ref name="nccih" />{{Failed verification|date=March 2025|reason=Source only mentions that "There’s very little information on chamomile’s effect on insomnia. A 2019 review of chamomile use found one study on insomnia, which found no benefit from its use for this sleep disorder."}}--> The entry for chamomile at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) lists two types of chamomile, namely German chamomile and Roman chamomile; these are ''Matricaria chamomilla'' and ''Chamaemelum nobile'', respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety |url=https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=NCCIH |language=en}}</ref> Chamomile has historically been used as one of the flavoring ingredients in beer,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Grieve |first1=Maude |title=A Modern Herbal |date=1931 |url=https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chammo49.html}}</ref> and is sometimes used by modern brewers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chamomile Beer List |url=https://www.ratebeer.com/tag/chamomile/ |website=RateBeer |access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref> Usually the whole plant is used, adding a bitter flavor component.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brewing Wildflower Wheat |url=https://www.brewersfriend.com/2012/07/01/brewing-wildflower-wheat-a-honey-chamomile-wheat-beer-from-dogfish-head-founder-sam-calagione/ |website=Brewer's Friend |date=July 2012 |access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref>
Chamomile, chiefly ''Chamaemelum nobile'' cultivars, is used to "upholster" chamomile seats, raised beds which are about half a meter tall, and designed to be sat upon.<ref>The Sensory Garden, Buckfast Abbey (image)</ref> Chamomile lawns are also used in sunny areas with light traffic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chamomile lawns |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/chamomile-lawns |website=www.rhs.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref>
== Research == There is no clinical evidence that chamomile is effective for treating any diseases.<ref name=drugs/> Chamomile is under preliminary research for its potential anti-anxiety properties.<ref name="Europe" /> There is no good evidence that it is useful for treating insomnia.<ref name="Leach">{{cite journal |last1=Leach |first1=Matthew J. |last2=Page |first2=Amy T. |author-link2=Amy Page |year=2015 |title=Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Sleep Medicine Reviews |volume=24 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.1016/j.smrv.2014.12.003 |issn=1087-0792 |pmid=25644982}}</ref>
===Phytochemicals=== The main compounds in chamomile flowers are coumarins, flavonoids, and polyphenols,<ref name="Europe" /> including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin, and daphnin.<ref name="mckay">{{cite journal|pmid=16628544|year=2006|last1=McKay|first1=D. L.|title=A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (''Matricaria recutita'' L.)|journal=Phytotherapy Research|volume=20|issue=7|pages=519–30|last2=Blumberg|first2=J. B.|doi=10.1002/ptr.1900|s2cid=21041569}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=El Mihyaoui |first1=A |last2=Esteves da Silva |first2=JCG |last3=Charfi |first3=S |last4=Candela Castillo |first4=ME |last5=Lamarti |first5=A |last6=Arnao |first6=MB |title=Chamomile (''Matricaria chamomilla'' L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses. |journal=Life |date=25 March 2022 |volume=12 |issue=4 |page=479 |doi=10.3390/life12040479 |pmid=35454969|doi-access=free |pmc=9032859 |bibcode=2022Life...12..479E }}</ref>
== Drug interactions == The use of chamomile has the potential to cause adverse interactions with numerous herbal products and prescription drugs and may worsen pollen allergies.<ref name=drugs /> People who are allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or ragweed (all with chamomile in the daisy family{{cn|date=January 2026}}), may be allergic to chamomile.<ref name=nccih /><!--THIS CITED SOURCE DID NOT FULLY SUPPORT THE EARLIER PRECEDING STATEMENT; THERE IS NO MENTION AT DAISY FAMILY, OR OF "CROSS-REACTIVITY".--> Chamomile contains coumarin, glycoside, herniarin, flavonoids, farnesol, nerolidol, and germacranolide. Despite the presence of coumarin, as chamomile's effect on the coagulation system has not yet been studied, it is unknown whether a clinically significant drug–herb interaction exists with anticoagulant drugs.<ref name=drugs /> However, until more information is available, it is not recommended to use these substances concurrently.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Abebe|first=W.|date=2002-12-01|title=Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs|journal=Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics|volume=27|issue=6|pages=391–401|issn=0269-4727|pmid=12472978|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x|s2cid=1828900|doi-access=free}}</ref>
Chamomile should not be used by people with past or present cancers of the breast, ovary, or uterus; endometriosis; or uterine fibroids.<ref name=drugs />
== Pregnancy and breastfeeding == Because chamomile has been known to cause uterine contractions that can invoke miscarriage, pregnant women are advised to not consume Roman chamomile (''Chamaemelum nobile'').<!--THIS CITED SOURCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE PRECEDING STATEMENT; FACT SHEET EXPLICITLY STATES IT DOES NOT COVER ROMAN CHAMOMILE, NOR DOES IT COVER MISCARRIAGE OR UTERINE CONTRACTIONS: <ref name=nccih/>--><ref name=drugs/> Although oral consumption of chamomile is generally recognized as safe in the United States, there is insufficient clinical evidence about its potential for affecting nursing infants.<ref name=drugs />
== Agriculture == The chamomile plant is known to be susceptible to many fungi, insects, and viruses. The following fungi are known to attack this plant: ''Albugo tragopogonis'' (white rust), ''Cylindrosporium matricariae, Halicobasidium purpureum, Peronospora leptosperma, Peronospora radii, Phytophthora cactorum, Puccinia anthemedis, Puccinia matricaiae, Septoria chamomillae'', and multiple powdery mildew species. Also, yellow virus (''Chlorogenus callistephi'' var. ''californicus'' Holmes, ''Callistephus'' virus 1A) causes severe damage to this plant.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Ompal |last2=Khanam |first2=Zakia |last3=Misra |first3=Neelam |last4=Srivastava |first4=Manoj Kumar |date=2011 |title=Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview |journal=Pharmacognosy Reviews |volume=5 |issue=9 |pages=82–95 |doi=10.4103/0973-7847.79103 |doi-access=free |issn=0973-7847 |pmc=3210003 |pmid=22096322}}</ref> Aphids (''Aphis fabae'') have been observed feeding on chamomile plants and the moth ''Autographa chryson'' causes defoliation. The insect ''Nysius minor'' caused shedding of ''M. chamomilla'' flowers.<ref name=":0" />
== Historical descriptions == Nicholas Culpeper's 17th century ''The Complete Herbal'' has an illustration and several entries on ''chamomel''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Culpeper |first1=Nicholas |title=The Complete Herbal |date=1600s |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49513/49513-h/49513-h.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= [Illustration on Project Gutenberg]|url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49513/49513-h/images/i_plate_04-big.jpg |access-date=1 December 2022 }}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
== Further reading == <!--Please add entries in inverse chronological order by date of publication. Please leave entry in place, despite its appearing in the {{reflist}}, until an editor verifies, by its removal, that all relevant content useful to the article has been extracted.--> * {{cite web |author = NCCIH Staff | date = November 2024 | title=Chamomile | work = NCCIH Health Information (NCCIH.NIH.gov/health) | url=https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile | location = Bethesda, MD | publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), U.S. NIH |access-date=1 January 2026}}
== External links == {{Commons category|Matricaria chamomilla}} * [https://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ANTI PLANTS Profile: Anthemis tinctoria L. (golden chamomile)], USDA * {{Wikisource-inline|list= ** {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Chamomile|short=x |noicon=x}} ** {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Chamomile|short=x |noicon=x}} }}
{{Medicinal herbs & fungi}}
Category:Flower teas Category:Herbal teas Category:Medicinal plants Category:Medicinal plants of Europe Category:Medicinal plants of North America Category:Flora of Mexico Category:Plant common names