Description
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile, also known as German or true chamomile, is a widely recognised medicinal herb with a long history of traditional use. The flowers have traditionally been valued for their calming, digestive, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and are commonly used in herbal teas, liquid extracts and topical preparations.
Chamomile has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent and healing medicine. It is particularly valued for supporting healthy digestion, relaxation and nervous system wellbeing, as well as soothing minor inflammation and irritation of the skin and mucosa.
What Chamomile May Support
Chamomile has traditionally been used to support:
- Healthy digestive function, including bloating, minor spasms, dyspepsia, impaired digestion, colic and flatulence
- Gastrointestinal comfort, including irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal spasms
- Relaxation and nervous system wellbeing, including anxiety, restlessness and mild sleep difficulties
- Menstrual and women’s wellbeing, including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and menopausal tension
- Respiratory comfort during the common cold, hay fever, sinusitis, bronchitis and nasal congestion
- Comfort associated with migraine, vertigo and travel sickness
- Healthy skin and mucosal wellbeing, including minor inflammation and irritation
- Soothing of superficial wounds, eczema, bruises, sunburn, insect bites, mouth ulcers and haemorrhoids
- Symptomatic relief of respiratory tract irritation when used as an inhalation
Modern research has investigated Chamomile for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, sedative, anxiolytic, wound-healing, gastrointestinal and antispasmodic properties. Research has explored its potential role in areas including digestive complaints, anxiety and sleep, inflammatory conditions, wound healing, oral health and skin irritation. While research has shown promising findings in several areas, rigorous clinical research remains limited and further studies are needed to establish its effectiveness for specific health conditions.
Key Constituents
Chamomile contains a range of naturally occurring compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, spiroethers, phenolic acids, mucilage polysaccharides, tannins and essential oils. Notable constituents include apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, matricin, chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol.
Important Information
Chamomile is generally used as a calming and soothing herb, with traditional applications spanning digestive, nervous system, respiratory, menstrual, skin and mucosal wellbeing.
Pregnant women may use chamomile herbal tea; however, there is a lack of data for other preparations. The use of chamomile during pregnancy and lactation in preparations other than herbal tea is therefore not recommended.
Chamomile is contraindicated in people with a known sensitivity or allergy to plants of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, including ragweed, asters, marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums.
Chamomile should be monitored when used alongside hormonal replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, and antidiabetic medicines. Caution is also advised with central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines, and with tamoxifen.
If you take prescription medicines, have an existing medical condition or have a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family, seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
For more detailed information about Chamomile, including its traditional uses, constituents, research and clinical considerations, please see the full herbal monograph.
Read More: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)_Monograph
Read More: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)_Summary
