Chamomile
A gentle flower used as a calming tea and digestive aid.
Benefits
- Calming; may aid sleep
- Soothes digestion
How it's used
- Teas, tinctures and topical preparations
Cautions & interactions
- Allergy risk for those sensitive to daisies/ragweed
- Mild blood-thinning effect
Forms & sources
- Dried flowers and extracts
How to read the evidence for botanicals
"Traditionally used for" describes historical use — it is not the same as proven effectiveness. Most botanical products have laboratory or small-trial evidence at best, and few have the large clinical trials that medicines require. In the UK, a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) mark means a product meets quality standards, not that it has been proven to work.
Before taking any botanical: tell your doctor or pharmacist — herb–drug interactions are common (St John's Wort alone interacts with contraceptives, antidepressants, anticoagulants and transplant medication). Avoid botanicals in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or alongside prescription medicines unless a clinician has confirmed it is safe.