herb · for anxiety
Chamomile
Its main compound binds the same brain receptors as anti-anxiety drugs, far more gently.
Say that in clinical terms
Apigenin, a flavonoid concentrated in chamomile extract, binds benzodiazepine receptor sites in the brain, giving a plausible mild anxiolytic mechanism similar in principle to how anti-anxiety drugs work.
How strong is the research?
Mixed evidence
179 patients took chamomile for 12 weeks; the 93 who responded then continued or switched to placebo for 26 weeks.
3 papers read, 2 supporting, 1 against.
Tested as: pharmaceutical-grade chamomile (Matricaria recutita) extract, standardized, 500 mg capsule three times daily (1500 mg/day)
How much to take
500–1500 mg