Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. It's a member of the daisy family and looks similar to the plant. There are two varieties of chamomile: German and Roman.

Types of chamomile

German chamomile

This is the more popular of the two. Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, German chamomile has long, slim light green stems and can grow to about three feet in gardens and in the wild. German chamomile can be taken in a variety of forms, including tea, liquid extract, capsules, dried flowers, and topical ointment.

Roman chamomile

Roman chamomile is native to northwestern Europe and Northern Ireland. It has thick, grayish green leaves and grows close to the ground up to about a foot high. Roman chamomile comes in a variety of forms as well, including tea, dried flowers, tinctures, creams, and ointments.

Recommended dose

German chamomile for adults

Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 tbsp (2g to 4g) of dried herb. Step for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink between meals, three to four times per day.

Chamomile tincture

Tincture: Add 30 to 60 drops in hot water three times per day (alcohol content: 1:5 or 45%).

Capsules: 300mg to 400mg, three times daily.

Mouthwash: Gargle cool German chamomile tea and use as often as desired. Make an oral rinse using 10 to 15 drops of chamomile liquid extract in 100 mL warm water. Use three times per day.

Inhalant: To soothe symptoms of a cough, add several drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water or tea.

Bath: For treatment of skin problems, including hemorrhoids, cuts, insect bites, and eczema, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a full bath or use 1/4 lb. of dried chamomile flowers.

Poultice: Combine powdered herb with water to make a paste for inflamed skin.

Ointment: Use a chamomile cream containing 3% to 10% active ingredient. Apply to psoriasis, eczema, and dry and chapped skin.

Roman chamomile for adults

Alternative medication practitioners suggest taking Roman chamomile much like the German variety. The plant has not been studied for use in treating children. Talk to your pediatrition before giving chamomile to children.

Tea: Pour 1 cup of dried herb over 2 to 3 tbsp (2g to 4g). Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Bath: Use 1/4 lb. of dried flowers per bath.

Essential oils (bath): Add 5 to 10 drops to a tub of water. Use for skin problems: soothing hemorrhoids, eczema, pain of the perineum, and insect bites.

Cream and topical ointment: Use a cream that contains from 3% to 10% chamomile content.

Chamomile for children

Talk to your pediatrician before giving German and Roman chamomile to children. Kids under 5 years of age should not take more than half a cup of tea per day. For the treatment of colic, some doctors suggest 1oz. to 2 oz. of tea daily.

Uses

Chamomile

Both German and Roman chamomile are used for:^[4]

• Nerves

• Stomach problems

• Muscle spasms

• Skin conditions

• Infections

German chamomile uses

• Sore throat relief

• Insomnia

• Minor burns

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Stomach ulcers

• Chickenpox

• Colic

• Diaper rash

Roman chamomile uses

• Nausea and vomiting (traditionally)

• Anxiety relief (today)

• Heartburn (traditionally)

• Inflammation (today)

• Eczema (today)

• Gas (traditionally)

• Gingivitis (today)

As an ingredient

• Drinks

• Hair dye

• Shampoo

• Perfume

• Face cream

Does Chamomile Work

Chamomile seems to work for:^[2]

• Inflammation

• Cancer (especially prostate)

• Digestive disorders

• Colic

• Flatulence

• Ulcers

• GI irritation

Chamomile may work for:

• Colds

• Diarrhea in children

• Hemorrhoids

• Insomnia and sedation

More research is needed regarding the usefulness of chamomile for:

• Heart conditions

• Eczema

• Boosting the immune system

• Infections

• Inflammation

• Osteoporosis

• Diabetes

• Vaginitis

• Wounds

Interactions

Chamomile can interact with prescription and over the counter medications and supplements. Talk to your doctor before using chamomile if your'e taking these medications or supplements:

• Sedatives

• Blood thinners

• Aspirin

• NSAID painkillers (Ibuprofen and naproxen, for example)

• Antiplatelet drugs

• Garlic

• Saw palmetto

• St. Johns wort

• Valerian

• Ginkgo biloba

Safety and side effects

• Dried chamomile

  Chamomile is most likely safe when used as directed.

  Chamomile can worsen asthma. This herb is not recommended for asthma patients.

• Do not use chamomile if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  Chamomile is known to act like an estrogen. Females with a history of cancer that is sensitive to hormones, including breast and uterine, should talk to their doctor before using chamomile.

• Excessive amounts of chamomile could cause vomiting.

• If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as celery, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, do not use chamomile.

• Chamomile skin cream may cause eczema or eye irritation.

• Chamomile has blood-thinning properties. Do not use high doses of chamomile for extended periods if you have a related medical problem.

• Discontinue chamomile use at least two weeks before surgery since it might adversely interact with anesthetic.

Considerations

• The Food and Drug Administration does not oversee vitamins and supplements, including chamomile. There is no guarantee that chamomile, as a supplement, is safe or that it will do what it is supposed to do.

• Supplements can act like drugs when taken in high doses.

Resources

1. WebMd; "Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide;" 2012
2. Srivastava JK, et. al.; Molecular Medicine Reports; "Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past with Bright Future;" Janmeiai K Srivastava et.al.; Mol Med Report; 2010
3. University of Maryland Medical Center; "German Chamomile;" 2013
4. University of Maryland Medical Center; "Roman Chamomile;" 2013