
General Information
OTHER NAMES: German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Sweet Chamomile, Matricaria recutita
flowers
HISTORY: Used for medicinal purposes in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for various maladies - esp. calming effects and skin problems
PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antispasmodic,
mild astringent, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, antipyretic, antifungal, carminative, diaphoretic
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Cold symptoms, asthma, Inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract (inhalation), cough, hay fever, earache, sore throat, nasal Inflammation, croup, chest congestion (steam inhalation with extract)
Eyes: Conjunctivitis, Inflammation
Gastrointestinal: Mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and heartburn, diseases, infections of the oral cavity like toothaches, gum disease, and mouth sores. Chamomile may help with anogenital irritation (baths/soaks), ulcers, hemorrhoids (bath additive, poultice), flatulence, indigestion, motion sickness, stomach cramps, IBS, diverticulitis, Crohn's, gastritis (tea)
Genitourinary: UTI, menstrual discomfort (may be a menstruation inducer), Ano-genital Inflammation,
Musculoskeletal: Inflammation, muscle spasms (muscle relaxer), rheumatic pain, joint pain, gout, arthritis, back pain, possible help in osteoporosis
Skin: Irritation, Inflammation, diaper rash, eczema, dandruff, skin cleanser, and moisturizer may help repair aging skin burns and promote wound healing; poison ivy, chicken pox, bacterial infections, and bed sores, promotes wound healing.
Mental Health: Anxiety, insomnia, relieve stress, depression, anorexia, nightmares, mood, ADHD
Glucose: Helps lower blood sugar
Cholesterol: Helps to reduce cholesterol
Immunity: Boosts immune system; decreases allergic response.
Other: Deodorant, mastitis, mild diuretic, motion sickness, blood thinner, PMS
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis, skin rash (dermatitis), vomiting (excessive use), excessive bleeding (excessive amounts), tiredness
CAUTIONS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use with blood thinners. It may interact with the following: antidepressants, antiepileptics, sleep medicine, benzos, aspirin, cyclosporine, and anti-inflammatories.
FORMS: Eye compress, aromatherapy, tea, oils, lotions, creams, tea (look for "pure" on the label; otherwise, it may be a blend)-may be used as mouthwash or gargle, toothpaste, capsules, elixirs, oils/infusions, poultice, dried flowers
DOSAGES: As directed
Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
Variable, depending on the problem: 250 - 1200 mg daily capsule (WebMD).
German Commission E: For tea, add one heaping teaspoon of chamomile to 150 ml boiling water 3-4 times daily. Many of these things come prepackaged.
Anxiety: 7 drops (10% oil) in diffuser every 12 hours
Eczema: Apply 2% cream to the area up to 3 times a day
Cold symptoms: 13-39 ml mixed in 1 liter of water - inhaled via diffuser for 10 minutes
Rhinosinusitis: Apply 3 drops of extract 3 times daily
Wounds:
Heartburn: 66.67 mg/1 ml extract by mouth 3 times daily
Generalized anxiety disorder: 220-1500 mg by mouth daily
Gingivitis: Brush with toothpaste 2 times daily
Peridontitis: Swish and spit 15 ml
Hemorrhoids: Apply ointment to the area 2 times daily
Oral mucositis: Use 1% mouth rinse up to 3 times daily
Periodontitis: 1% mouthwash- swish and spit 2 times daily
Wound healing: Apply to affected area 3 times daily
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.