An aromatic perennial dating back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, chamomile has long been used for its medicinal properties. Many people might think to reach for a cup of the herb in tea to help a sleepless night, but chamomile is known have to many more calming, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects both internally and topically. Conditions for which chamomile have been applied are:
Chamomile for GI Symptoms
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Stomach cramping
Chamomile for Skin
- Cracked Skin
- Bruises
- Frostbite
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Eczema
- Insect bites
- Canker Sores
- Hemorrhoids
Chamomile for Well-Being
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chest Colds
Chamomile and Infants:
- Colic
- Chicken Pox
- Diaper Rash
There are two major types of chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile). German Chamomile is more popular and widely used everywhere except England where Roman is more common. While similar in benefits, the German chamomile is thought to be stronger.
Used for centuries all over the world, chamomile's efficacy has more anecdotal backing than scientific proof, however, chamomile does have its place in current research. Three of note:
A study published in September linked the inclusion of chamomile tea in the diet with fighting the complications of Type 2 Diabetes [Kato, Atsushi, Minoshima, Yuka, Yamamoto, Jo, Adachi, Isao, Watson, Alison A, and Nash, Robert J. "Protective Effects of Dietary Chamomile Tea on Diabetic Complications", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2008; 56 (17): 8206].
Another study has found that chamomile tea contains compounds that may help fight infections due to colds and relieve menstrual cramps [News release, American Chemical Society. Wang, Y. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, January 26, 2004].
Chamomile was connected to the reduction of colicky symptoms in babies given a tea preparation [Weizman Z, Alkrinawi S, Goldfarb D et al., "Efficacy of Herbal Tea Preparation in Infantile Colic," J Pediatr, 1993; 122:650-652].
Chamomile Preparation
Chamomile is available as dried flower heads, tea, liquid extract, capsules, and topical ointment.
- Chamomile cream is applied to the affected area of skin 1 to 4 times daily.
- Chamomile tea can be made by pouring boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers and steeping for 10 minutes.
- Chamomile tea can be used as mouth rinse for oral sores.
- Chamomile tinctures and pills should be taken according to the directions on the label.
While chamomile is listed by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), it is always wise to talk with your doctor before including medicinal herbs into your diet. The list below offers some precautions.
Chamomile Safe Use:
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking the blood thinning medicine warfarin (Coumadin).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Chamomile may cause an allergic reaction or make rashes worse in some sensitive people.
- Not recommended for teething babies.
- Do not take chamomile if you have hay fever, allergy to ragweed or asthma (breathing problems).
- Chamomile may cause drowsiness, so be careful while driving an automobile or operating machinery.
The inclusion of chamomile is a positive step toward promoting wellness. Herbs have a long history of beneficial use and, used moderately and correctly, are a tremendous resource for good health.
