Is chamomile tea really good for your health?

Q. Does chamomile tea really have special benefits?

A. For thousands of years, people have consumed chamomile tea for its health benefits, though little human research validates the effects with which people often associate it. It is commonly used for sleeplessness and anxiety; some studies suggest it may have a mild sedative effect, but there is little clinical proof.

Some people use it for upset stomach, gas and diarrhea, but research offers no proof of benefit for these problems. Studies in animals show that flavonoid compounds in chamomile can kill bacteria and viruses, and reduce inflammation, and test tube studies show chamomile extract may promote self-destruction of cancer cells, but we don't have clinical trials to prove these effects in humans. Some people drink or wash their mouth with chamomile tea to prevent or treat mouth ulcers resulting from chemotherapy. However, limited clinical trials show conflicting results of its effectiveness. The bottom line is that chamomile tea has not been well studied in people, so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition. On the other hand, especially considering its long history of use, there is little reason to avoid use. However, chamomile is in the Compositae family (such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies) so people who have allergies to these plants should be aware of potential reactions to chamomile.

• Provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research. Learn more about the group and its New American Plate program at aicr.org.