Chamomile

By john | October 21, 2007

Chamomile is derived from the fresh or dried flowers of Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile. It contains a volatile oil that consists of up to 50% alpha-bisabolol, which reduces inflammation and is an antipyretic. Bisabolol also shortens the healing times of superficial burns and ulcers and inhibits development of ulcers.

Chamomile essential oil has antibacterial and slight antiviral effects. Chamazulene, a minor component of the oil, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin also contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect. Apigenin is primarily responsible for the anxiolytic and slight sedative effect through action on the central nervous system benzodiazepine receptors; it produces no anticonvulsant effects.

Bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and the essential oil of chamomile are probably best known for their antispasmodic effects. Other compounds in chamomile that exert antispasmodic effects include apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, and the coumarins umbelliferone and herniarine. Chamomile is available as capsules, liquid extract, raw herb, tea, and topical cream.

Benefits And Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile is used orally to treat diarrhea, anxiety, restlessness, stomatitis, he morrhagic cystitis, flatulence, and motion sickness. Teas are used mainly for sedation or relaxation.

Chamomile is used topically to stimulate skin metabolism, reduce inflammation, encourage the healing of wounds, and treat cutaneous burns. It’s also used for its antibacterial and antiviral effects.

The German Commission E has approved chamomile flower for use as an inhalation in skin and mucus membrane inflammations, bacterial skin diseases (including those of the oral cavity and gums), and respiratory tract inflammation and irritation. It’s also used in baths and irrigation for anogenital inflammation, and internally for GI spasms and inflammatory diseases.

Administration

Liquid extract:

For adults: 1:1 or 1:1.5 in 10% to 70% alcohol, 1 to 4 ml three times a day
For children ages 2 and older: 1:4 strength alcohol free extract, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon directly or in water or juice two to three times a day .
For children weighing 14 to 27 kg (31 to 60 lb): 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon directly or in water or juice two to three times a day .
For children weighing 27 to 41 kg (60 to 90 lb): 1/2 to 1 teaspoon directly or in water or juice two to three times a day .
For children weighing 41 to 54 kg (90 to 119 lb): 1 to 2 teaspoons directly or in water or juice two to three times a day.
Tea for GI upset: Prepared by steeping 1 tablespoon (3 g) of chamomile or 1 chamomile tea bag in 100 to 150 ml of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, then straining .
For adults and children older than age 6: Three to four times a day between meals .
For children ages 5 to 6: 100 to 120 ml once to four times a day .
For children ages 3 to 4: 50 to 80 ml once to four times a day .
For inflammation of mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, tea is used as a wash or gargle. For young children, tea should be diluted.
Topical cream: Applied four times a day to affected areas in both adults and children .
As a bath soak: 50 g added to 10 liters of water .
For massage: Raw herb or flowers Used in massage oils, as needed.

Side Effects of Chamomile

Adverse effects associated with chamomile include conjunctivitis, eyelid angioedema, nausea, vomiting, eczema, contact dermatitis, sedation, and anaphylaxis. The coumarin content of chamomile may antagonize or potentiate the effect of an anticoagulant. Increased sedation may occur when chamomile is used with benzodiazepines, central nervous system depressants, and alcohol.

Pregnant patients should avoid use because of emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Chamomile shouldn’t be used in teething babies or in children younger than age 2. Safety in breast-feeding patients and those with liver or kidney disorders has not been established, so these patients should avoid use.

Clinical considerations

Advise patient that chamomile may cause an allergic reaction or make existing symptoms worse in susceptible indviduals.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue, skin rash, tachycardia, and hypotension.
Since chamomile has antispasmodic activity in the GI tract, it may delay or alter the absorption of prescription medications given at the same time, Separate the administration of chamomile from other medications by 1/2 hours.
if patient is taking an anticoagulant, advise him not to use chamomile because of possible enhanced, anticoagulant effects.
lf patient is pregnant or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use chamomile.
Instruct parent not to give chamomile to a child before checking with a knowledgeable health care provider.
Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Germany’s Commission E authorizes the use of various topical chamomile preparations for a variety of diseases of the skin and mouth. Commission E has also authorized oral chamomile as a treatment for pain and inflammation in the stomach and intestines, and inhaled chamomile vapor for asthma and other lung problems.

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