Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamaemelum nobile) is traditionally believed to be mildly relaxing and therefore is an ingredient in many types of herbal tea. Its effect has not been scientifically proven but the FDA does list it as "Generally Regarded as Safe."

One substance in chamomile that might produce a relaxing effect is called apigenin. When tested with animals, apigenin did show some sedative effects and reduced anxiety, but it did not work against seizures.

Read more about chamomile in the "About Herbs" section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website. (If you have not visited the site before, the information on chamomile will be preceded by a Disclaimer.)

Much of the information in this article is based on Spinella M: Herbal medicines and epilepsy: The potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy Behav 2001; 2(6):524-532. (PMID 12609386)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06