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Nutrition and daily life

Chamomile: evening calm in a cup

Chamomile infusion is known for its gentle taste and its tradition as a calming drink. During treatment an evening cup can bring comfort. This section covers its benefits, limits and cautions.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Chamomile, a gentle evening drink
Figure 1.Chamomile, a gentle evening drink.

01Short answer

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbal infusions. In ordinary amounts it is generally safe and pleasant for winding down in the evening. Evidence for effects on sleep and anxiety is weak. A cooled infusion is sometimes used as a mouth rinse for sores, but studies have not shown clear benefit; follow your team’s rules. People allergic to the daisy family (ragweed, mugwort) should be careful.

02Simple explanation

A gentle, caffeine-free infusion.

For evening calm.

Allergy is possible (ragweed family).

Mouth rinse: your team’s rules.

03Scientific explanation

NCCIH: evidence on chamomile for insomnia and anxiety is limited; allergic reactions occur rarely, and an interaction with the blood thinner warfarin has been described.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Why drink it?

Evening comfort, warm fluid and a gentle taste. It has no caffeine.

A warm cup of chamomile by the bed.
Figure 2.Evening calm — Chamomile: evening calm in a cup

Mouth rinse

Some hospitals use cooled chamomile, but evidence for mucositis is weak; follow your doctor’s advice.

A cooled chamomile infusion on a shelf.
Figure 3.A cooled infusion, only as your team advises.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why drink it?Evening comfort, warm fluid and a gentle taste. It has no caffeine.
Mouth rinseSome hospitals use cooled chamomile, but evidence for mucositis is weak; follow your doctor’s advice.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Daisy family (Asteraceae)
Chamomile, ragweed and mugwort.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the mouth lining.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Chamomile is a gentle infusion.
  • Watch for allergy.
  • Evidence is limited.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does it help sleep?

Some people feel calmer, but there is no strong evidence.

I take warfarin; is it allowed?

Talk to your doctor first.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does it help sleep?

  2. I take warfarin; is it allowed?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Chamomile
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Vitamins
  8. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: B vitamins and folic acid
  9. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin K
  10. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 — Fact Sheet for Consumers
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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