> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Chamomile and IBS - URL: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/chamomile-and-ibs/ - Published: 2026-11-02T15:42:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T15:42:58.000Z - Author: 438121 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/neelam279-chamomile-10320878_1920-4.jpeg) ## Could Chamomile calm an irritable bowel? Exploring German chamomile (**Matricaria chamomilla*) and IBS Chamomile flowers (Neelam279, 2026) ### ***Chamomile: more than a bedtime tea*** Chamomile is best known as a calming bedtime drink and for its relaxing and anti-anxiety properties, but it has also been shown effective in calming an irritated bowel. Traditionally it has been used for many ailments including skin conditions, nervous issues, hysteria, insomnia, arthritis as well as digestive problems including flatulence, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and colic in children (Srivastava et al. 2010). The name Chamomile originates from ancient Greece with Chamomile meaning ‘earth apple’ due to its apple-like scent and hence sometimes called ground apple or scented mayweed. ### ***Understanding IBS*** According to the British Society of Gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now seen as a disorder of the gut-brain-axis with common symptoms being abdominal pain associated with an altered bowel habit. This may present as constipation, diarrhoea or both. Other symptoms can include early satiety, feeling full after eating, nausea, heartburn and reflux (Vasant et al, 2021). Treatment options offered by conventional medicine are limited, so management usually focuses on relieving symptoms and making dietary changes. Herbal approaches may offer additional support and help reduce the disruption IBS causes in everyday life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/alicia_harper-ibs-5308379_1920.jpeg) Abdominal pain (Harper, 2020). ### ***How chamomile may support digestive health*** Many triggers can be associated with IBS including stress, anxiety and trauma and many herbs used to treat the nervous system also have an impact on the digestive system, thus confirming the gut-brain link. Chamomile can help address this connection through constituents such as apigenin, quercetin, alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene (Hoffman, 2003). These compounds contribute to chamomile’s antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, carminative, bitter, vulnerary and nervine actions. Its carminative action may ease bloating and cramps by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract and allowing gas to pass easier. The bitter compounds present also stimulate enzyme production so food is broken down more effectively and gas formation is reduced. Research supports chamomiles use in IBS with a 2015 study reporting significant reduction in IBS symptoms after four weeks of treatment with a chamomile extract (Agah et al, 2015). By supporting both the nervous and digestive system, chamomile may help support regulation of the gut–brain axis and therefore IBS. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/nia-ramirez-C1dunESLYBQ-unsplash-2-1.jpeg) Dried chamomile (Ramirez, 2020) ### ***How to prepare chamomile tea*** Add one to two teaspoons of dried chamomile to a cup of hot water, leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes, then strain, drink and enjoy. The longer the tea is left infusing the stronger the taste will be. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/congerdesign-cup-829527_1920.jpeg) Chamomile tea (Congordesign, 2015) ### ***Sourcing chamomile*** Chamomile is widely available, easy to grow in UK gardens or pots, and has no significant sustainability concerns. Do not confuse with Roman chamomile (*Chaemelum nobile*) as although similar it is less palatable due to its stronger bitter taste. Consider sowing seeds and harvesting your own flowers or tea. ### ***Safety*** Chamomile is generally considered safe for most people, including children but should not be taken by people with allergies to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and caution is always advised if pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also considered safe with medications. For individualised advice or if you have any concerns about using chamomile, consult a qualified medical herbalist who can develop a plan tailored to your needs. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. #IBS #Chamomile #herbalmedicine #herbsandIBS #438121 #Betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine --- **References** Agah, S., Taleb, A., Moeim, R., Gorji, N., Nikbakht, H. & Soltani-Kermanshahi, M. (2015). Chamomile efficacy in patients of the irritable bowel syndrome. *Der Pharma Chemica* 7(4), 41-45\. Hoffman, D. (2003). *Medical herbalism.* Healing arts press. Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future. *Molecular Medicine Reports* *3*(6), 895–901\. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377 Vasant, D. H., Paine, P.A., Black, C.J.*,* Houghton, L.A., Everitt, H.A., Corsetti, M., Agrawal, A., Aziz, I. …Ford, A.C. (2021). British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome. *Gut* 70(7)**,** 1214-1240\. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324598 **Figures** Congardesign. (2015). Vintage porcelain teacup with herbal tea. \[Photograph\]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/cup-tee-porcelain-drink-decor-829527/ Harper, A. (2020). Woman holding lower abdomen. \[Photograph\]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/ibs-probiotic-gut-stomach-colon-5308379/ Neelam279\. (2026). Chamomile flowers. \[Photograph\]. Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/chamomile-flowers-wildflowers-10329092/ Ramirez. (2020) Chamomile tea made w/love \[Photograph\] Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/yellow-and-white-flower-petals-on-white-ceramic-container-C1dunESLYBQ --- **Social media post** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/monika-grabkowska-DKHcTiAsc08-unsplash.jpg) Chamomile (Grabkowska, 2021) #IBS #Chamomile #herbalmedicine #herbsandIBS #438121 #Betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine --- **Figure** Grabkowska, M. (2021). It’s time for chamomile. \[Photograph\]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-yellow-flowers-during-daytime-DKHcTiAsc08