Family: Compositae; other members include daisy, dandelion, marigold
Genus and species: Matricaria chamomilla (German or Hungarian); Anthemis nobilis (Roman or English)
Also known as: Camomile, matricaria, anthemis, ground apple
Parts used: Flowers
HEALING with Chamomile
In Germany, where herbal healing is more mainstream than it is in the US, one pharmaceutical company markets a popular chamomile product called Kamillosan, which Germans use externally to treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and ulcers. Chamomile is so popular in Germany that many there call the herb alles zutraut – “capable of anything”.
1. Digestive Aid. Dozens of studies have supported chamomiles traditional use as a digestive aid. Several chemicals (primarily bisabolol) in chamomile oil appear to have relaxing action on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). In fact, one study shows chamomile relaxes the digestive tract as well as the opium-based drug papaverine.
2. Ulcers. Chamomile also may help prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing. In one experiment, two groups of animals were fed a chemical known to cause ulcers. Those also given chamomile developed significantly fewer. Then the animals that developed ulcers were divided into two groups. Those fed chamomile recovered more quickly.
3. Women’s Health. Antispasmodics relax not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. It’s antispasmodic properties supports its age-old use to soothe menstrual cramps and to lessen the possibility of premature labor. Oddly enough, it was also used to stimulate menstruation. Women should feel free to try chamomile both to soothe menstrual cramps and to promote the onset of menstruation, but pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal amounts.
4. Tranquilizer. Chamomile’s long history as a tranquilizer also has a scientific basis according to researchers who showed that the herb depresses the central nervous system. Try an infusion when you feel anxious, or add a handful of chamomile flowers to a hot bath.
5. Arthritis. In animal studies, the herb successfully relieves arthritic joint inflammation. Animal findings don’t necessarily apply to people, but chamomile has been used traditionally to treat arthritis. Try it and see if it works for you.
6. Infection Prevention. The Eclectic physicians of America were on the right track using chamomile compresses to prevent infections. Some studies show chamomile oil applied to the skin reduces the time it takes burns to heal. Other studies show the herb kills the yeast fungi that cause vaginal infections, as well as certain bacteria (Staphylococcus). Chamomile also impairs the replication of polio virus. For cuts, scrapes, or burns, brew a strong infusion, cool it, and apply in compresses.
7. Immune Stimulant. No one knew why chamomile prevented infections until British researchers discovered that the herb stimulated the immune system’s infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages and B-lymphocytes). Drink some when you have a cold or flu. It does no harm, and it just might help.
Rx for Chamomile
Use an infusion or tincture to take advantage of chamomile’s many proven healing benefits.
In Germany, where herbal healing is more mainstream than it is in the US, one pharmaceutical company markets a popular chamomile product called Kamillosan, which Germans use externally to treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and ulcers. Chamomile is so popular in Germany that many there call the herb alles zutraut – “capable of anything”.
1. Digestive Aid. Dozens of studies have supported chamomiles traditional use as a digestive aid. Several chemicals (primarily bisabolol) in chamomile oil appear to have relaxing action on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). In fact, one study shows chamomile relaxes the digestive tract as well as the opium-based drug papaverine.
2. Ulcers. Chamomile also may help prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing. In one experiment, two groups of animals were fed a chemical known to cause ulcers. Those also given chamomile developed significantly fewer. Then the animals that developed ulcers were divided into two groups. Those fed chamomile recovered more quickly.
3. Women’s Health. Antispasmodics relax not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. It’s antispasmodic properties supports its age-old use to soothe menstrual cramps and to lessen the possibility of premature labor. Oddly enough, it was also used to stimulate menstruation. Women should feel free to try chamomile both to soothe menstrual cramps and to promote the onset of menstruation, but pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal amounts.
4. Tranquilizer. Chamomile’s long history as a tranquilizer also has a scientific basis according to researchers who showed that the herb depresses the central nervous system. Try an infusion when you feel anxious, or add a handful of chamomile flowers to a hot bath.
5. Arthritis. In animal studies, the herb successfully relieves arthritic joint inflammation. Animal findings don’t necessarily apply to people, but chamomile has been used traditionally to treat arthritis. Try it and see if it works for you.
6. Infection Prevention. The Eclectic physicians of America were on the right track using chamomile compresses to prevent infections. Some studies show chamomile oil applied to the skin reduces the time it takes burns to heal. Other studies show the herb kills the yeast fungi that cause vaginal infections, as well as certain bacteria (Staphylococcus). Chamomile also impairs the replication of polio virus. For cuts, scrapes, or burns, brew a strong infusion, cool it, and apply in compresses.
7. Immune Stimulant. No one knew why chamomile prevented infections until British researchers discovered that the herb stimulated the immune system’s infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages and B-lymphocytes). Drink some when you have a cold or flu. It does no harm, and it just might help.
Rx for Chamomile
Use an infusion or tincture to take advantage of chamomile’s many proven healing benefits.
For a pleasant, refreshing infusion, use 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions.
Weak infusions of chamomile may be given cautiously to children under 2 for colic. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
For a relaxing herbal bath, tie a handful of chamomile flowers into a cloth and run your bathwater over it.
For cuts and scrapes or burns, brew a strong infusion. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply it as a compress.
SAFETY FACTOR
Chamomile tea might cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction – anaphylactic shock – in people allergic to ragweed. High conservatives immediately urged the millions of people with ragweed allergy to shun chamomile. Outraged herb advocates insisted chamomile was vilified unfairly.
Chamomile tea might cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction – anaphylactic shock – in people allergic to ragweed. High conservatives immediately urged the millions of people with ragweed allergy to shun chamomile. Outraged herb advocates insisted chamomile was vilified unfairly.
In a research, chamomile poses no health hazard. The only people who should think twice about using this herb (and its close relative, yarrow) are those who have suffered anaphylactic reactions from ragweed.
That doesn’t mean to say that reactions are impossible. Large amounts of highly concentrated preparations have caused some nausea and vomiting.
Chamomile is on the FDA’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, chamomile is safe in amounts typically recommended.
It should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If it causes minor discomforts such as nausea or vomiting, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Ref: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991.
