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 similar conditions. Both are used to calm frayed nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections.

The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of 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

While studies in people are few, 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. Test tube studies have also shown that chamomile has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Anxiety, insomnia

This is the most popular use for chamomile in the United States. Studies in humans are few, but animal studies indicate that low doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.

Digestive complaints

Chamomile has antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. It is sometimes used to treat stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic.

Gingivitis, mouth sores

Chamomile has been suggested as a treatment for these conditions, but studies show conflicting evidence. When used as a mouthwash, chamomile has been found to prevent mouth sores associated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Skin irritations, eczema

Chamomile is often used topically in a cream or ointment to soothe irritated skin, especially in Europe. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may be moderately effective in treating eczema.

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.

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 has medicinal benefits. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and may limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

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

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 tblsp. (2 - 4 g) of dried herb, steep 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 3 - 4 times per day between meals.
• Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): Take 1 - 3 mL (100 - 150 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, use 3 times per day.
• Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water (or use tea) and inhale 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.

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.

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

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

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

Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) -- Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.

Sedatives -- Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, 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 herbs with a sedating effect, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.

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

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