Chamomile — the bedtime herb, in a strip
Chamomile has been the world’s most popular bedtime herb for centuries. The active compound — apigenin — binds to the same receptors as some prescription anti-anxiety medications, more gently. Most chamomile teas don’t deliver enough apigenin to be felt. Phew uses a concentrated extract that does.
What chamomile does. Apigenin is a flavonoid that binds to GABA-A benzodiazepine receptors. The binding is partial and mild — which is why chamomile feels like “settling” rather than like a sedative. Effects build over weeks of regular use more than they show up acutely.
Why tea often isn’t enough. A typical chamomile tea bag has 1–2 grams of dried flower; brewed, you extract maybe 2–5 mg of apigenin into your cup. Many cups don’t deliver a measurable effect. A standardized 10 mg dose of apigenin-rich extract per strip is more reliable, every night.
How much we use. 10 mg of chamomile extract per strip — small but consistent, and stacked with the other botanicals rather than asked to do the work alone.
Per-batch transparency. Chamomile is one of the more straightforward botanicals to source consistently. We’re still working with Supliful on per-batch reporting; email hello@tryphew.com for the current source.