Chamomile’s been around forever — but it’s having a moment in the spotlight now. 

At Dose, we like to dig into ingredients that actually do something. So, if you’ve been curious about chamomile, here’s what you should know.

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a flowering plant that’s part of the daisy family. It’s been around for thousands of years and is most commonly recognized by its small white petals and yellow center. 

There are two main types used in wellness and herbal products: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They’re closely related and often used interchangeably, though they’re technically different species.

The part of the plant most commonly used is the flower head. That’s where the natural oils and plant compounds are most concentrated. These flowers are typically dried and steeped in hot water to make chamomile tea, but they’re also used in extracts, capsules, skincare products, and liver health supplements.

What Are the Health Benefits of Chamomile?

You’ve got the download on what chamomile actually is, but why does it get so much hype? This flower pulls more than its weight when it comes to supporting your everyday wellness. Here’s how.

May Support Better Sleep

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a natural wind-down remedy, and there’s research that backs that up. The plant contains a compound called apigenin, which interacts with receptors in the brain that help promote a sense of calm. 

That calming effect may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep — especially when your mind won’t stop cycling through tomorrow’s to-do list.

Unlike melatonin, which signals your body that it’s time to sleep, chamomile works more subtly. It doesn’t force anything — it just helps quiet the background noise so your body can do what it already knows how to do: rest.

Can Help Ease Occasional Stress

Ever feel like your brain’s stuck in overdrive even when nothing’s technically wrong? That’s the kind of moment chamomile was made for.

It’s been studied for how it may support the nervous system — particularly the way your body responds to stress. In other words, it may help take the edge off when you’re feeling wired, snappy, or emotionally stretched thin. 

Researchers believe chamomile works by gently influencing neurotransmitters related to mood and calm, like GABA.

We’re not talking about numbing out. We’re talking about getting your shoulders to drop back down from your ears. Chamomile won’t solve everything, but it may help your body shift back into neutral when life feels like a bit much.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Here’s something you might not expect: chamomile has a long history of being used for digestion — and not just because it’s warm and soothing in tea form. 

Modern studies suggest that chamomile may support the digestive tract by relaxing the muscles in your gut and helping ease the occasional cramp, gas, or bloating.

It may also support how food moves through your system, especially when things feel sluggish or tense. And because your gut and nervous system are deeply connected, chamomile’s calming properties can sometimes help both areas at once.

If your stomach tends to go off when you're stressed or out of routine, this one’s worth remembering.

May Be Good for Immune Support

Plant compounds like flavonoids are one of the reasons chamomile keeps showing up in wellness blends. 

Chamomile’s flavonoids and polyphenols have been studied for their potential role in supporting the immune system, particularly in how the body responds to everyday stressors.

It won’t replace good sleep, hydration, or your go-to vitamin routine, but as part of a regular wellness habit, chamomile may help your body stay a little more ready to handle what the day throws at you.

Are There Any Side Effects?

We talked about how chamomile can support sleep, stress, digestion, and even your immune system — but what about the part no one really likes to ask: are there any side effects?

For most people, chamomile is well-tolerated and super gentle. That’s a big reason it’s been used for so long. However, like anything plant-based (or really, anything at all), there are a few things to know.

Bottom line? Most people do just fine with chamomile, but your body’s unique, and paying attention to how you feel is always the best move.

How To Make Chamomile Part of Your Daily Routine

Wondering how to actually use chamomile in a way that fits into real life? There are more options than you’d think — here are some of them:

Sip It the Classic Way

There’s a reason chamomile tea has been around for centuries — it works. Brewing a warm cup can feel like a reset button for your body and your brain. 

If you’re new to chamomile, this is the easiest way to get started. Just steep a tea bag (or dried chamomile flowers if you're fancy) in hot water for 5-10 minutes, breathe in the steam, and take your time sipping.

Want to make it a habit? Pair it with something you already do — like your skincare routine, your favorite show, or the five minutes before you finally put your phone down at night. That gentle ritual can help signal to your body: it’s time to calm down now.

Pro tip: keep a stash at your desk or in your bag for midday tension or screen fatigue. It’s a lot more grounding than your fourth coffee.

Try a Supplement for On-the-Go Support

Sipping chamomile tea is great — when you have time to actually sit still. But let’s be honest: some days are a blur, and steeping anything feels like a stretch.

If you’re on the go or just looking for something simple, our Dose for Immunity is an easy way to get chamomile into your day — plus a whole lot more. In addition to chamomile, you’ll find naturally sourced vitamin C from amla, acerola, and lemon, plus elderberry, ginger, zinc, and licorice — all working together to support your body’s immune health, digestion, and daily balance.

Each bottle is designed to work with your routine, not add to the chaos. Just sip and go — no boiling, blending, or second-guessing. Whether you're heading to work, winding down, or trying to stay consistent without overthinking it, this is one of the simplest ways to show up for your health.

Work It Into Your Supplement Stack

If you’re already in the habit of taking daily supplements, chamomile can be an easy, low-effort addition. It often shows up in formulas designed for mood support, digestion, or sleep — and it pairs well with other calming ingredients like magnesium, lemon balm, and L-theanine.

Just be a label reader. Not every product with a chill-looking label actually contains enough chamomile to do anything. 

Look for one that clearly lists it as an active ingredient (ideally with a dosage), and avoid vague “relaxation blends” that don’t explain what’s inside. Transparency usually means the brand knows what they’re doing.

Like with most supplements, the key is to keep it consistent. You don’t need to be perfect — just link it to something you already do. Take it right after brushing your teeth, while you make your morning smoothie, or right before bed. The goal is to make it so second-nature you don’t have to think about it.

Look for It in Skincare or Body Products

Chamomile isn’t only useful from the inside. It also shows up in topical products — you’ll spot it in everything from facial serums to body lotions and balms.

While you won’t get the same internal benefits, applying chamomile topically can still be a great addition to your overall routine. Look for ingredients like Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) on the label. 

Make It a Wind-Down Habit

You don’t need a 10-step night routine to get the benefits of chamomile. But giving it a regular role in your evening can go a long way in helping your body slow down.

You could steep a cup of tea after dinner. Sip a Dose for Immunity while you shut down your laptop. Or take a chamomile capsule with your nightly vitamins. It doesn’t really matter how you take it — what matters is that you do it regularly.

Chamomile works best when it’s part of your rhythm, not a random one-off. And building that kind of rhythm doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with something small — like five minutes to yourself — and stack chamomile onto it. A little habit like this can make a big difference in how you feel over time.

The Bottom Line

So, what are the health benefits of chamomile? Think better sleep, calmer moods, smoother digestion, and everyday immune support. It’s one of those ingredients that’s been around forever for a reason — because when used consistently, it holds up.

At Dose, we build our supplements with clean, functional ingredients like chamomile, ginger, amla, and elderberry — formulated to support your body in the real world, not just on the label. 

If you’re ready to build a wellness habit that works, we’ve got you. One sip at a time.

Sources:

Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH 

The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin | PMC 

The Effect of Oral Chamomile on Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials | PMC 

German chamomile Information | Mount Sinai