We discuss chamomile for anxiety, whether it can be helpful and you will see why you should consider what we have to say about this.
But can it be considered one of the natural anxiety remedies?
A study mentioned by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at chamomile for anxiety. The study had two groups: those taking chamomile capsules and those taking a placebo. Those taking chamomile showed a reduction in their anxiety levels compared to placebo group.1
Additionally, as per the Concise handbook of Psychoactive Herbs: Medicinal Herbs for Treating Psychological and Neurological Problems, there have been studies performed with animals which also showed an anti-anxiety effect and the ability of chamomile to act as a sedative.2
The Handbook also notes that chamomile can act as a mild sedative without causing the usual drowsiness associated with sedatives. It is not known exactly how it works but one likely chemical in chamomile which creates the sedating effect is thought to be apigenin. Apigenin works at benzodiazepine receptors.3
Wondering what are benzodiazepine receptors?
W.E. Müller, in his book, (The Benzodiazepine Receptor: Drug receptor only or a physiologically relevant part of our central nervous system) indicates that benzodiazepine receptors are the generally accepted area in the brain where the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines bind to.4 Benzodiazipines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. They are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety however they can be very habit forming.5
“Chamomile can act as a mild sedative without causing the usual drowsiness associated with sedatives.”
So it would be beneficial if one could obtain these benefits naturally without worrying about getting hooked. It’s not surprising that some sufferers of anxiety use chamomile. Some anxiety and panic attack sufferers have reported that they found chamomile tea relaxing. Drinking one to four cups of chamomile tea daily is said to be helpful with anxiety.
Chamomile is also packed full of phytochemicals. The website of the United States Department of Agriculture contains some useful information about Phytochemicals. For instance, phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. There are more than a thousand known phytochemicals. Research demonstrates that they may offer many health benefits.6 For instance, reducing inflammation; aiding digestion and sleep; colitis; diverticulosis; fever; headaches and pain.
Caution: Avoid chamomile if you are allergic to marigolds, ragweed, daisies, celery or chrysanthemums. In the United States, chamomile is most commonly sold as a tea.
Do not take chamomile with sedative medications, blood thinners or alcohol. Also long term daily use may lead to rag weed allergy.
My take:
Chamomile might have sedative properties but it would probably take a fairly large amount likely to benefit someone who is suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. However drinking chamomile tea is a great alternative to the harmful effects of caffeinated beverages and it might have other health benefits. You would do well to look at evidence based treatment for anxiety.
That’s exactly what I provide in my free newsletter. I will show you how to partake in an-all-encompassing approach to anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia. The newsletter is laid out in a step-by-step format. You can get started now, directly below.
References (Chamomile: One of the Natural Anxiety Remedies)
1. Amsterdam JD & Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. (2009) A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 4, 378–382.
2. & 3. Spinella M., (2005). Concise handbook of Psychoactive Herbs: Medicinal Herbs for Treating Psychological and Neurological Problems. Binghamton, NY: The Hawthorn Press.
Accessible via Google books.
4. Müller, W.E., (1987). The Benzodiazepine Receptor: Drug receptor only or a physiologically relevant part of our central nervous system? Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Accessible via Google books.
5. emedicinehealth. Benzodiazepine Abuse. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/benzodiazepine_abuse/article_em.htm
6. United States Department of Agriculture (2012). Antioxidants, Phytochemicals and Functional Foods. Retrieved January 15, 2012, from United States Department of Agriculture Website.