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Chamomile is native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found growing
in North America and a few other regions. Chamomile is a small
plant, usually between 8 to 16 inches in height, and bares little
white and yellow flowers. The entire chamomile plant, or the flowers
alone, may be used in herbal preparations. German chamomile is the
most commonly used form of chamomile used medicinally. Chamomile has
been used for hundreds of years in connection with health problems
relating to the gastrointestinal tract. This practice continues
today.
Many ancient cultures including the Roman, Greeks, and
Egyptians have used chamomile to relieve a variety of ailments to
treat fevers, abdominal pain, and stroke. Chamomile is especially
popular in Germany where many individuals refer to the plant as the
"cure all cure". In the United States chamomile has also gained
popularity as a relaxant and sleep inducer. German chamomile is also
quite popular for its ability to relieve more minor conditions such
as gas, motion sickness, and stomach aches.
Additional uses
of german chamomile include irritation from chest colds,
slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation, psoriasis, eczema,
ulcerative colitis, and children's conditions such as chickenpox,
diaper rash, and colic are common reasons for taking chamomile tea,
baths, or tinctures. Usually, chamomile is used when symptoms arise.
If you are using it for ulcer, heartburn, or another potentially
serious condition, and your symptoms are not going away or are
getting worse, it is highly recommended that you consult a qualified
health care provider as soon as you can.
German chamomile
contains 1 to 2% volatile oils which include alpha-bisabolol,
alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin. Other active
constituents include the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and
quercetin. Researchers believe that these contituents contribute to
chamomile’s antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal
relaxing effects.
Dosage and
Administration
- 1 to 2 mL of the glycerite form of German chamomile may be
used three times daily to treat spasm or inflammation.
- For ulcers and other stomach pain, heartburn, and gas you can
make a tea using 2 to 3 grams of the herb mixed in boiling water
and then let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. May take up to 4 times
daily.
- For lungs during cold weather pour a few drops of chamomile
into steaming water and inhale.
- To soothe hemorrhoids, cuts, eczema, or insect bites, use 1/4
lb of dried flowers per bath, or use alcohol extracts of chamomile
flowers in the tub.
Side Effects and
Precautions
German chamomile is considered generally
safe. However, chamomile should be kept away from the eyes and when
taken in high dosages of chamomile tea may cause
vomiting.
Supporting
Literature
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and
Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994,
322–325.
Jakolev V, Isaac O, Thiemer K, Kunde R. Pharmacological
investigations with compounds of chamomile. II. New investigations
on the antiphlogistic effects of (-)-alpha-bisabolol and bisabolol
oxides. Planta Med 1979;35:125–140.
Gyllenhaal C. Efficacy and
safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep
Med Rev. 2000;4.
Jakolev V, Isaac O, Flaskamp E. Pharmacological
investigations with compounds of chamomile. VI. Investigations on
the antiphlogistic effects of chamazulene and matricine. Planta Med
1983;49:67–73.
Subiza J, Subiza JL, Alonso M, et al. Allergic
conjunctivitis to chamomile tea. Ann Allergy.
1990;65(2):127-132.
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