Chamomile for Stess, Calm, and Sleep? What does the research say?

Chamomile has centuries of traditional use as a calming tea, and it now has a small but genuine clinical trial base to back that reputation up.† The strongest evidence comes from trials on persistent, hard-to-control worry, with additional research specifically in postpartum women with poor sleep.

The core trials

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published via PubMed gave 57 adults with mild to moderate, ongoing worry patterns either chamomile extract or a placebo for eight weeks. The chamomile group showed a significantly greater reduction in worry-rating scores than the placebo group.

A follow-up long-term trial, published in Phytomedicine and available via PMC, followed responders from that original study to see whether continuing chamomile helped maintain those improvements. Participants who continued chamomile maintained significantly lower worry-scale scores than those switched to placebo, along with reductions in body weight and blood pressure, though the difference in relapse rates between groups did not reach statistical significance.

A broader systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized trials, summarized by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, examined chamomile's effect on state and persistent worry patterns, along with sleep quality. NCCIH notes that while findings are encouraging, the trial base remains small and larger studies are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

The postpartum-specific trial

One trial is particularly relevant to new mothers. A randomized controlled trial published via PubMed studied 80 postnatal women in Taiwan with poor sleep quality, assigning half to drink chamomile tea and half to a control group. The study measured sleep quality, fatigue, and mood-related symptoms using a validated postpartum sleep-quality scale.

"So many people have a hard time with actually restful sleep."

— Dr. Samantha Ess, ND, Naturopathic Doctor specializing in hormone health and fertility

What chamomile is not

Chamomile is not a sedative medication, and the research behind it is smaller and less consistent than ashwagandha's. NCCIH's own summary of the evidence describes it as encouraging but preliminary. If you have a ragweed allergy, be aware that chamomile is part of the same plant family and cross-reactivity is possible — check with your provider before use.

Where chamomile fits in Cortisol Complex

Chamomile is one of four researched ingredients in Cortisol Complex, formulated with 300 mg organic ashwagandha root powder alongside saffron, algae-sourced DHA, and active-form B vitamins.† For the postpartum period specifically, our breastfeeding-friendly mood support with ashwagandha and DHA also includes chamomile as part of its formula.

For the research behind Cortisol Complex's other ingredients, see our overview of the research behind Cortisol Complex.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

Frequently asked questions

Does chamomile actually ease worry, or is it just a placebo effect?

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found a statistically significant reduction in worry-rating scores with chamomile extract compared to placebo over eight weeks, and a follow-up trial found the benefit was maintained with continued use. The research base is smaller than ashwagandha's, but the effect isn't purely anecdotal.

Is chamomile tea the same as chamomile extract in a supplement?

The postpartum sleep study used chamomile tea specifically, while the worry-focused trials used a standardized extract. Both forms have research behind them, though doses and concentrations differ.

Is chamomile safe while breastfeeding?

A randomized controlled trial specifically studied chamomile tea in postnatal women with poor sleep and found improvements in sleep quality measures. As with any supplement, check with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any allergies.

Who should avoid chamomile?

People with ragweed, daisy, or related plant allergies should use caution, as chamomile is part of the same plant family and cross-reactive allergic reactions are possible.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.