Overview:

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world. 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 the same health problems. Both are used to calm frayed nerves, to treat various stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections.

Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Historically, chamomile has been used to treat many 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

Although chamomile is popular, there aren' t many studies that look at whether it works to treat these conditions. Animal studies have shown that German chamomile reduces inflammation, speeds wound healing, reduces muscle spasms, and serves as a mild sedative to help with sleep. But there are very few studies to see if the same is true in people. Test tube studies have shown that chamomile can kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

Anxiety, insomnia

This is the most popular use for chamomile in the United States. So far there has been only one controlled, randomized clinical trial using chamomile to treat anxiety in people. It found that chamomile capsules reduced symptoms of anxiety in people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Animal studies have found that low doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.

Digestive problems

Chamomile has been used traditionally to treat stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic. It helps relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. But there are no good human studies on any of these conditions. One analysis of several studies found that product containing a combination of the herb iberis, peppermint, and chamomile seemed to help relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Gingivitis, mouth sores

Chamomile has been suggested as a treatment for these mouth problems. But so far there is no evidence that it works. When used as a mouthwash, there' s some evidence that chamomile may help prevent mouth sores from radiation and chemotherapy -- but here again, the results from studies are mixed.

Skin irritations, eczema

Chamomile is often used topically in a cream or ointment to soothe irritated skin, especially in Europe. Most evidence comes from animal studies, not studies with people. Two studies in people found that a chamomile cream helped relieve symptoms of eczema.

Plant Description:

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.

What's It Made Of?:

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 is used as medicine. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and may limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Available Forms:

German chamomile is available as dried flower heads, tea, liquid extract, capsules, and topical ointment.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

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 Tbs. (2 - 4 g) of dried herb, steep 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 3 - 4 times per day between meals.
• Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): 30 - 60 drops of tincture 3 times per day in hot water.
• Capsules: 300 - 400 mg taken 3 times per day.
• Gargle or mouthwash: Make a tea as above, then let it cool. Gargle as often as desired. You may also make an oral rinse with 10 - 15 drops of German chamomile liquid extract in 100 mL warm water, and use 3 times per day.
• Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water (or use tea) and breathe in 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.

Precautions:

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, you should take herbs 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.

Chamomile may have estrogen-like effects in the body, so women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer, should ask their doctors before taking chamomile.

If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.

Drinking large amounts of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting.

Chamomile may cause drowsiness, so don' t take it and drive.

Stop taking chamomile at least 2 weeks before surgery or dental surgery, because of the risk of bleeding.

Possible Interactions:

If you take any of the following drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your health care provider:

Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) -- Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.

Sedatives -- Chamomile can make the effects of sedative drugs stronger, 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 sedative herbs, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.

Blood pressure medications -- Chamomile may lower blood pressure slightly. Taking it with drugs for high blood pressure could cause blood pressure to drop too low.

Diabetes medications -- Chamomile may lower blood sugar. Taking it with diabetes drugs could raise the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

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

Alternative Names:

Chamomile - German; Matricaria recutita