Chamomile

DEFINITION

Chamomile is a herb with the botanical name Matricaria chamomila. It is also known as Wild Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile or Sweet False Chamomile.

DESCRIPTION

This herb is one of the best known of the garden herbs and is widely cultivated in Europe. Its value as a medicinal herb has been recognised for many hundreds of years and its use has even been recorded in ancient Egyptian manuscripts. Anglo-saxons believed it was one of the nine sacred herbs given to humans by the god Woden.
Chamomile has small flower heads with about fifteen white strap shaped, reflexed ray florets and numerous tubular yellow perfect florets. Chamomile flowers have both an aromatic and bitter taste. The flower heads are harvested and carefully dried. The flowers contain many active constituents including volatile oils (azulene, bisabolol, farnesine and other sesquiterpenes), sesquiterpene lactones, cyanogenic glycosides, acetylenic salicylate derivatives, valerianic acid, flavonoids, coumarins and tannins.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Chamomile may affect the rate of breakdown of a wide range of prescription medications.
-Chamomile may interact with anticoagulant medications (e.g. warfarin) and decrease the clotting ability of the blood.
-Chamomile has sedative properties and should be used with caution by people taking sedative medications such as benzodiazepines and alcohol.
-Chamomile tea contains substances called tannins, which may reduce the absorption of iron supplements if taken together.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions.

ANXIETY

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine for its relaxing properties. The flowers are noted for having a relaxant effect and clinical trials have confirmed the mild sedative action of Chamomile. The calming effects of Chamomile may help to relieve restlessness, tension, feelings of anxiety, migraine, tension headache and insomnia.

DIGESTION

Digestive problems involving indigestion, inflammation and ailments which are influenced by stress and nervousness, such as nervous dyspepsia and irritable bowel, may be relieved by Chamomile. The herb contains bitter constituents that stimulate appetite and digestive secretions that help reduce flatulence. The anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties of Chamomile can help relieve symptoms resulting from an over-active and/or sensitive digestive system (e.g. diarrhoea, flatulence or wind and cramping). Chamomile may be helpful in cases of peptic ulcers.

INFUSION

A Chamomile mouthwash, made from the infusion of the dried flowers of the herb with hot water, can be used to help relieve inflammatory conditions of the gums and mouth, such as gingivitis. An eye bath made from an infusion of Chamomile flowers may also be used to soothe inflamed, sore eyes. Chamomile is a popular choice as an ingredient in herbal throat gargles used to reduce the symptoms of a sore throat.

CHILDREN

Chamomile is a herb which is considered to be safe for children and infants to use. Children who suffer from Colic (Infantile) and restlessness may benefit from taking small amounts of Chamomile. Before giving Chamomile to a child, it is best to seek the advice of a Health Practitioner. If the child is asthmatic or prone to allergies, it is advisable to avoid Chamomile as it may aggravate the symptoms.

OTHER USES

Chamomile is used widely in skin preparations. The herbal extract is an ingredient in many creams and ointments which are used to help improve wound healing and inflammation. Chamomile has been proven useful for soothing mild skin irritation and is commonly used in the form of a compress.

PROPERTIES

Antispasmodic, carminative, analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, stimulates appetite, mild sedative, antiseptic and anti-catarrhal.

NOTES

-Possible side effects include allergy and contact dermatitis.
-Chamomile is not recommended in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
-Babies who are teething should not be given Chamomile as the herb has been associated with allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.