TEAME Chamomile is made from dried Matricaria chamomilla flowers, one of the most widely studied herbal teas in the world. A therapeutic review published on PMC (PMC2995283) notes that around a million cups are drunk every day, and that chamomile’s compounds, including apigenin, chamazulene and bisabolol, show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and calming activity in laboratory and human research. This guide covers what the evidence suggests, who should be careful, and how to brew a good cup.
What is chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is an infusion of dried chamomile flowers. It has a light, floral, slightly apple-like taste and is naturally caffeine-free, which is why many people drink it in the evening.
In India the chamomile flower is called Babune ka Phool, so chamomile tea in Hindi is often Babune ki Chai. If you are looking for chamomile chai ke fayde, the benefits below are what people most often mean.
Chamomile tea benefits: what the research suggests
The studies below were mostly small, short and often used chamomile extract rather than tea, so treat them as encouraging signals rather than guarantees.
1. Relaxation and sleep quality
Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that interacts with receptors in the brain linked to relaxation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 trials (PMID 31006899) reported improved sleep quality after chamomile, and a 2024 meta-analysis of 10 trials (PMID 39106912) found lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. A trial in older adults in nursing homes (PMID 29154054) also reported better sleep quality with chamomile extract.
Chamomile does not force sleep and is not a sleeping aid. Many people simply find that a warm, caffeine-free cup 30–45 minutes before bed is a calming part of their evening routine.
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Chamomile has long been used in traditional medicine after meals. The PMC review (PMC2995283) describes antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, and a 2023 trial (PMC10300205) found chamomile reduced flatulence after laparoscopic surgery. For everyday use, a warm cup after a heavy meal is a comfortable habit, not a treatment for any digestive condition.
3. A calming ritual for stressful days
Some clinical studies have looked at chamomile extract in people with anxiety, such as a 2024 systematic review (PMC11109927). Those studies used concentrated extracts, not a cup of tea, and chamomile tea is not a treatment for anxiety. What a cup can offer is a slow, warm pause in a busy day. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, please speak to a doctor.
4. Weight management
Chamomile is not a weight-loss drink. A cup is virtually calorie-free, so swapping it for a sweet drink can help a diet and activity plan.
5. Women’s wellbeing
A systematic review of 8 trials on chamomile and PMS (PMID 31970017) suggested it may ease some premenstrual symptoms such as cramping and low mood. It is not a treatment for PCOD or any hormonal condition, so speak to your doctor if you have one.
Is chamomile tea safe? Side effects and who should avoid it
Chamomile is classed as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA and was well tolerated in most trials. The 2024 review (PMID 39106912) found only rare reports of dizziness, nausea or mild allergic reactions. Still, some people should be careful:
- Ragweed, daisy or marigold allergy: chamomile is in the same plant family and may trigger a reaction.
- Blood thinners: chamomile may mildly increase bleeding risk. Check with your doctor.
- Sedatives or sleep medication: chamomile may add to their effect.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety data is limited, and some studies advise caution, so speak to your doctor before drinking chamomile.
One to two cups a day is the range typically used in studies for healthy adults.
When to drink chamomile tea
- Evening wind-down: 30–45 minutes before bedtime.
- After meals: a warm cup for comfort.
- Any quiet moment: it is caffeine-free, so it suits afternoons and evenings.
How to make chamomile tea
- Boil water and let it stand for a minute so it is just off the boil.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers, or one tea bag, to a cup.
- Pour in the water and cover the cup. Steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Strain, then add honey or a slice of lemon if you like.
Covering the cup keeps the aroma in. For more on the flowers themselves, read our guides to 3 major types of chamomile flowers and Egyptian vs German chamomile.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of chamomile tea?
Studies suggest chamomile may support relaxation, sleep quality and digestive comfort, and it is a naturally caffeine-free evening drink. It is not a treatment for any condition, and results vary.
Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Chamomile contains apigenin, which is linked to relaxation, and some trials report better sleep quality. It is mild and does not work like a sleeping pill, so effects differ from person to person.
Can I drink chamomile tea every day?
For most healthy adults, 1–2 cups a day is considered reasonable. If you are allergic to ragweed or daisies, or take blood thinners or sedatives, check with your doctor first.
Can I drink chamomile tea during pregnancy?
Safety data in pregnancy is limited and some studies advise caution, so speak to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea.
What is the side effect of chamomile tea?
Side effects are uncommon. Rare reports include dizziness, nausea and allergic reactions, mostly in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
What is the best time to drink chamomile tea?
In the evening, 30–45 minutes before bed, or after a meal for comfort.
What is chamomile tea called in Hindi?
Chamomile is called Babune ka Phool, and chamomile tea is often called Babune ki Chai.
Is chamomile tea good for weight loss?
Not by itself. It has almost no calories, so it can replace sweet drinks as part of a balanced diet and activity plan.
Explore the full Chamomile collection to find a blend that fits your routine.
