Chamomile

(Matricaria recutita)

White chamomile flower with a yellow center on a white background

What It Is

Chamomile is a flowering plant from the daisy family, traditionally used in dried flower form for teas and gentle food preparations. It contains naturally occurring flavonoids, phenolic acids, and aromatic compounds that contribute to its mild flavour and its long-standing association with calm and comfort.

Traditional & Culinary Use

Chamomile has been used for centuries across European and Middle Eastern food traditions, most commonly as a tea enjoyed after meals or in the evening. Traditionally, it has been chosen during times of physical or emotional sensitivity, including digestive discomfort, menstrual tension, and skin irritation.

Its use has consistently centred on soothing and settling qualities rather than stimulation, making chamomile a familiar presence in gentle, restorative food and drink preparations.

What Research Has Explored

Research has explored chamomile in relation to digestive physiology, inflammatory signalling, oxidative balance, smooth muscle activity, and skin biology. Studies examining chamomile’s flavonoids and aromatic constituents help provide context for why it has long been associated with comfort across multiple body systems.

In digestive research, chamomile has been examined for its interaction with gastrointestinal movement, visceral sensitivity, and inflammatory pathways. In parallel, studies have explored its influence on smooth muscle behaviour, which aligns with its traditional use during menstrual cycles where cramping or tension may be present.

Skin-focused research has investigated chamomile in relation to pathways involved in redness, irritation, oxidative stress, and barrier integrity. These mechanisms are relevant not only to topical use, but also to broader skin comfort when chamomile is consumed as part of the diet.

Together, this body of research helps explain chamomile’s long-standing role in supporting comfort in tissues that are sensitive to inflammation, stress signalling, and hormonal fluctuation, including the gut, skin, and reproductive system.

How It Interacts With the Body

Chamomile’s naturally occurring compounds interact with signalling pathways involved in inflammatory balance, oxidative processes, and smooth muscle response. Through these interactions, chamomile contributes to a physiological environment that supports tissue calm and ease.

Because digestion, skin health, and the menstrual cycle are influenced by overlapping inflammatory and nervous system pathways, ingredients such as chamomile are often understood in terms of whole-body balance rather than isolated effects. When consumed in food-based forms, chamomile supports these shared systems in a gentle, non-stimulating way.

Who It’s Commonly Used For

Chamomile is often chosen by people who experience digestive sensitivity, skin reactivity, or cyclical changes associated with the menstrual cycle. It is commonly selected by those seeking ingredients that support calm and comfort during periods of stress, hormonal fluctuation, or heightened physical sensitivity.

It is also frequently used by individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, where internal balance can influence how the skin responds outwardly.

Important Context

Chamomile is a widely studied and traditionally used food-derived ingredient. Its role depends on preparation, amount, and overall dietary context, and research helps describe how its naturally occurring compounds interact within biological systems.

This ingredient is shared for educational purposes, to support understanding of chamomile’s traditional uses and research context as part of whole-food formulations.

Research references

For those wishing to explore the research context further

Supplamize context

Chamomile can be selected as an optional active in certain Supplamize blends, including: