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German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) plant
Digestive

German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)

Photo: JackyM59 · CC BY-SA 4.0

  • Digestive
  • 1 condition
  • Licensed photo

Overview

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a sweetly aromatic annual, growing to about 2 ft (60 cm), featuring finely cut leaves and small, daisy-like flower heads with white petals and a yellow center. It has a slightly bitter, apple-like taste. It is promoted today for indigestion, anxiety, insomnia and other conditions and used on the skin for some skin conditions; NCCIH says studies have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate its usefulness for specific conditions.

Traditional uses & properties

Digestion: Promoted today for indigestion; NCCIH says studies have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate its usefulness. It is also promoted for infant colic, but NCCIH says chamomile alone has not been shown to help colic. Nervine: Promoted today for anxiety and insomnia; NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest a chamomile supplement might help generalized anxiety disorder, but there is very little information on insomnia.

Safety & precautions

Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (e.g., dermatitis) more often than with many other herbs. Essential Oil: Avoid internal use unless professionally supervised; do not use topically during pregnancy. Blood-Thinning Medications: Seek professional guidance if also taking anticoagulants. Children: Ask a professional before giving it to children.

Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.

Drug interactions

Reported interactions involve warfarin and some drugs processed by the liver; others are theoretical. [1]

Warfarin and antiplatelet drugs
NCCIH notes reported interactions with warfarin. MSK links a possible added anticoagulant effect to chamomile's coumarin content, and a 2021 systematic review lists chamomile tea among items associated with higher bleeding risk on warfarin. [1, 2, 3]
Sedatives
A theoretical interaction according to NCCIH; MSK says chamomile may strengthen sedatives. [1, 2]
Birth control pills
NCCIH notes preliminary studies suggesting chamomile might reduce their effect. [1]
Cyclosporine and other medicines broken down by the liver
NCCIH notes reported interactions with some liver-processed drugs. MSK cites higher cyclosporine levels with concurrent use and laboratory inhibition of several CYP enzymes. [1, 2]

How to read this section: each entry is HerbMate's summary of what the cited sources report. Words such as "may", "theoretical" or "in laboratory or animal studies" mean the effect has not been confirmed in people, and "case report" means it was seen in one or a few patients. A medicine that is not listed here has not been shown to be safe with this herb. The numbers in brackets link to the sources at the foot of the page.

Habitat

Found throughout much of Europe and other temperate areas, German chamomile seeds are sown in spring or autumn. The flower heads, which contain the highest concentration of active constituents, are harvested in summer at full bloom.

Sources

The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.

  1. NCCIH (NIH): Chamomile
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering, About Herbs: Chamomile (German)
  3. Tan CSS, Lee SWH. Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 2021 (PubMed 32478963)

Traditionally used for

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Frequently asked questions

What is German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) traditionally used for?

Traditional sources describe German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) as follows: Digestion: Promoted today for indigestion; NCCIH says studies have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate its usefulness. It is also promoted for infant colic, but NCCIH says chamomile alone has not been shown to help colic. Nervine: Promoted today for anxiety and insomnia; NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest a chamomile supplement might help generalized anxiety disorder, but there is very little information on insomnia.

What safety cautions apply to German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)?

Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (e.g., dermatitis) more often than with many other herbs. Essential Oil: Avoid internal use unless professionally supervised; do not use topically during pregnancy. Blood-Thinning Medications: Seek professional guidance if also taking anticoagulants. Children: Ask a professional before giving it to children.