Chamomile Tea May Aid Sleep and Skin Health, Studies Show

Chamomile tea is an herbal tea brewed from dried flowers of the Matricaria plant species, a relative of the daisy, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Molly Knudsen.

Chamomile has been consumed as a medicinal plant for centuries and is described as one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to humans [1]. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans valued the flower for uses that included treating skin conditions, according to a review published by Mercola.com [2].

The tea is naturally caffeine-free and has a slightly sweet taste without an overwhelming floral flavor, according to reports [3][4]. Herbal teas, including chamomile, have been used before bed for centuries, with contemporary research examining their effects on sleep quality and latency [5]. Chamomile flowers contain flavonoids and chamazulene, compounds that have drawn scientific interest [6].

Sleep Quality and Postpartum Effects

Research has linked chamomile tea to improved sleep quality and reduced daytime drowsiness, according to a February 2026 report. [4]. One study described by Knudsen enrolled 80 new mothers in Taiwan who reported poor sleep quality.

Participants assigned to drink one cup of chamomile tea daily for two weeks, in addition to receiving regular health care, reported significant improvements in symptoms related to poor sleep – including excessive daytime drowsiness, irritable mood and poor concentration. The study also reported significant improvements in postpartum-depression symptoms.

Chamomile’s calming properties are traced to apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to receptors in the brain and calms nerves, according to reports [7][4]. Botanical medicine references also list chamomile in combination with lavender in teas intended to promote relaxation when taken one to two hours before bed [8]. A 2011 study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology identified three primary effects of chamomile phytochemicals on the central nervous system, according to an April 2026 report [9].

Insomnia, Cancer and Thyroid

In a one-month trial described by Knudsen, participants given chamomile extract pills fell asleep about 15 minutes faster and reported waking less during the night than participants given a placebo. Reports on chamomile as an herbal sleep aid have noted growing public interest in plant-based alternatives to conventional sleep medications [9].

According to the article, extracts from the chamomile plant have inhibited the growth of skin, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer cells without harming healthy cells. A separate study cited in the report found that drinking chamomile tea two to six times per week was associated with a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid disease. Other reviews of commonly consumed beverages state that herbal teas such as chamomile provide immune support and improve sleep quality [10].

Skin Health and Topical Use

Chamomile extracts are frequently added to cosmetics and skin care products to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation, according to Knudsen. The oils in the chamomile plant seep into the deep layers of the skin, and extracts have been used to treat eczema, though the report states this is not the most effective method.

The skin benefits associated with chamomile are generally not obtained from drinking the tea but from topical application, according to the report. Chamomile is described in traditional medicine literature as one of the most documented and widely used plants for healing a variety of conditions [11].

Brewing and Takeaways

Knudsen recommends using loose, dried chamomile leaves, with one large teaspoon per cup of boiling water and steeping for 5 to 7 minutes. Additional leaves can be used for a stronger flavor, and honey may be added in the final minutes of brewing.

Chamomile tea, according to the article, is safe and delicious for most people to drink and use on their skin. However, not all benefits have been rigorously confirmed in research trials.

Traditional herbal references also pair chamomile with peppermint in tea for nausea associated with periods, indicating broader use beyond sleep and skin [12]. For people looking for a caffeine-free nighttime beverage, chamomile tea is one option that may support sleep, according to the report.

References

1. NaturalNews.com. “5 Incredible Health Benefits of Drinking Chamomile Tea”. NaturalNews.com. August 14, 2021.
2. Mercola.com. “Chamomile Tea: Why This Ancient Therapeutic Drink Still Stands Out Today”. Mercola.com. June 16, 2018.
3. NaturalNews.com. “Chamomile tea can help give you better sleep and glowing skin at the same time”. NaturalNews.com. April 27, 2020.
4. Cassie B. “The Nightly Cup: How Chamomile Tea May Calm Your Mind, Soothe Your Gut and Support Metabolic Health”. NaturalNews.com. February 17, 2026.
5. NaturalNews.com. “Herbal Teas for Sleep Supported by Scientific Studies and Traditional Use”. NaturalNews.com. March 22, 2026.
6. NaturalNews.com. “Chamomile tea is not just for promoting sleep; it has other health benefits as well”. NaturalNews.com. October 03, 2018.
7. Belle Carter. “Nature’s Gentle Medicine: How Chamomile Soothes the Mind, Gut and Body”. NaturalNews.com. March 04, 2026.
8. Aviva Romm. “Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health”.
9. NaturalNews.com. “Chamomile Tea Examined as Herbal Sleep Aid, Studies Cite Potential Benefits and Risks”. NaturalNews.com. April 07, 2026.
10. NaturalNews.com. “From Chamomile to Coffee: The Science-Backed Drinks That Could Transform Your Health”. NaturalNews.com. February 24, 2026.
11. NaturalNews.com. “Chamomile Essential Oil Benefits and Applications Reported in Traditional Medicine Literature”. NaturalNews.com. April 16, 2026.
12. Dick Quinn. “Quinn’s Best: A Collection of the Best from Help Yourself to Health”.

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