Source: University of Mayland Medical Center
Also listed as: Chamomile - German; Matricaria recutita
There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ) and Roman, or English, chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ). Although they belong to different species, they are used to treat
similar conditions. Both have been used traditionally to calm frayed
nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms,
and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections.
The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the
ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Chamomile has been used to treat
a variety of conditions, including:
- Chest colds
- Sore throats
- Abscesses
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Eczema
- Minor first-degree burns
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)
- Stomach ulcers
- Children's conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic
While studies in people are few, animal studies have indicated
German chamomile's ability to reduce inflammation, speed wound healing,
reduce muscle spasms, and to serve as a mild sedative to help with
sleep. Test tube studies have also shown that chamomile has
antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Anxiety, insomnia
This is the most popular use for chamomile in the United States.
Studies in humans are few, but animal studies indicate that low doses
of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.
Digestive complaints
Chamomile has antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps relax
muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up
the intestines. It is sometimes used to treat stomach cramps, irritable
bowel syndrome, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic.
Gingivitis, mouth sores
Chamomile has been suggested as a treatment for these conditions, but studies show conflicting evidence.
Skin irritations, eczema
Chamomile is often used topically in a cream or ointment to soothe
irritated skin, especially in Europe. Some preliminary evidence
suggests that it may be moderately effective in treating eczema.
The tiny daisy-like flowers of German chamomile have white collars
circling raised, cone-shaped, yellow centers and are less than an inch
wide, growing on long, thin, light green stems. Sometimes chamomile
grows wild and close to the ground, but you can also find it bordering
herb gardens. It can reach up to 3 feet high. German chamomile is
native to Europe, north Africa, and some parts of Asia. It is closely
related to Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ), which, although less commonly used, has many of the same medicinal properties.
Chamomile teas, ointments, and extracts all start with the white and
yellow flower head. The flower heads may be dried and used in teas or
capsules or crushed and steamed to produce a blue oil, which has
medicinal benefits. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling
and may limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
German chamomile is available as dried flower heads, tea, liquid extract, capsules, and topical ointment.
Pediatric
Traditionally, the dose suggested for children under 18 is one-half
the adult dose. Children under 5 should not take more than half a cup
of tea per day.
To relieve colic: 1 - 2 oz. of tea per day. Your doctor may recommend other preparations.
Adult
- Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 - 3 heaping tblsp. (2 - 4
g) of dried herb, steep 10 - 15 minutes. Drink three to four times per
day between meals.
- Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): Take 1 - 3 mL (100 - 150 drops) of tincture three times per day in hot water.
- Capsules: 300 - 400 mg taken three times per day.
- Gargle or mouthwash: Make a tea as above, then let it cool. Gargle as often as desired.
- Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water (or use tea) and inhale the steam to calm a cough.
- Bath: Use 1/4 lb of dried flowers per bath, or add 5 - 10 drops of
essential oil to a full tub of water to soothe hemorrhoids, cuts,
eczema, or insect bites.
- Poultice: Make a paste by mixing powdered herb with water and apply to inflamed skin.
- Cream: Apply cream with a 3 - 10% crude drug chamomile content for psoriasis, eczema, or dry and flaky skin.
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the
body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and
can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these
reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a
health care provider.
German chamomile is considered generally safe.
Chamomile may make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it.
Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage.
If you are sensitive to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
Drinking large amounts of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting.
If you take any of the following drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your health care provider:
Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) -- Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
Sedatives -- Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, including:
- Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Alcohol
The same is true of herbs with a sedating effect, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.
Other drugs -- Because chamomile is broken down by certain
liver enzymes, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down by
the same enzymes. Those drugs may include:
- Fexofenadine (Seldane)
- Statins (drugs that can lower cholesterol)
- Birth control pills
- Some antifungal drugs
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- Review Date:
2/28/2007
- Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice
specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ.
Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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