Herbs to Know: Chamomile

Common Name(s): Chamomile, German Chamomile

Scientific/Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla; recutita

Place of Origin: Europe

Commonly thought of: Common herb for sleep and relaxation.

Past Uses: Used for a number of things such as flatulence, colic, hysteria, and intermittent fever. Chest colds, Sore throat, Abscesses, Anxiety, Insomnia, Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema, Minor Burns, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Stomach Ulcers and child illnesses such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic

Active Constituents: Sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, and polyacetylenes are considered the most important constituents

Medicinal uses: Used primarily as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antispasmodic. Also used to help with stomach pain and sluggish digestion. It is known to be very effect for urinary tract pain as well as painful menstrual symptoms. Topically used to help heal wounds as well as clear up boils, shingles, and other skin infections. Can be used for inflammation of the mouth, throat and eyes, as well as hemorrhoids

Usually used as: Essential Oil, Tea, Cream/Ointment, Wash

Growing/Wildcrafting: Growing chamomile on rich, heavy, and damp soils should be avoided. It can also withstand cold weather with temperature ranging from 2°C to 20°C. The crop has been grown very successfully on the poor soils (loamy sand). The roots of the plant are shallow, the plant is unable to draw moisture from the lower soil and needs frequent irrigation to maintain moisture.

Cautions: Do not use if allergic to chamomile, ragweed, daises, chrysanthemums or pollen. Often used as an eyewash and can cause allergic conjunctivitis. May make asthma worse so people with asthma shouldn't take it. Should be avoided if pregnant as it may cause miscarriage. Can act like estrogen in the body so women with history of hormone sensitive cancers (Breast, Uterine, Cervical, Ovarian) should ask their doctor first. May cause drowsiness so do not take before driving. It is advisable to stop taking Chamomile at least two weeks before surgery as it may cause increased bleeding.

Drug Interactions: Do not take with Blood thinners (May increase bleeding risk), Sedatives such as antiseizure medication, barbituaries, drugs to treat insomnia or alcohol. It may lower blood pressure so do not take on any blood pressure medications. Do not take while taking any medications for diabetes. Chamomile is broken down by the liver in the same manner as some other drugs so it might cause problems with Fexofenadine (Seldane), drugs that can lower cholesterol, birth control pills, and some anti-fungal medication

Extra Notes: "Chamomile was used for the process of mummification in the ancient Egypt. Chemical compounds and oils that are used in medical and cosmetic industry are extracted from the flower. Homemade chamomile tea can be used for lightening of the blond hair. Besides its decorative morphology, chamomile can be very useful in the garden. It facilitates growth of the surrounding plants and even heals nearby sick plants."
-softschools.com

Where to find Recipes:
Chamomile Tincture -- Wellness Mama
Chamomile Bath & Tea Recipe -- Sara Dawn
Chamomile Eye Soother -- Mother Earth News (Bottom of page)
Chamomile Lotion -- Natures Garden Candles

How to make Preparations: The flowers and flower heads are the main organs of the production of essential oil. Soaking the heads in a carrier oil such as grapeseed can create a very nice oil to be used topically.

Dosages:
"Pediatric
Ask your doctor before giving chamomile tea to a child. Children under 5 should not take more than half a cup of tea per day.
To relieve colic: Some doctors suggest 1 - 2 oz. of tea per day. Your doctor may recommend other doses.

Adult:

• Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 - 3 heaping Tbs. (2 - 4 g) of dried herb, steep 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 3 - 4 times per day between meals.
• Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): 30 - 60 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, and use 3 times per day.
• Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water (or use tea) and breathe in 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: Use a cream with a 3 - 10% chamomile content for psoriasis, eczema, or dry and flaky skin."

- University of Maryland Medical Center

Sources:  

Singh, Ompal, Zakia Khanam, Neelam Misra, and Manoj Kumar Srivastava. "Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.): An Overview." Pharmacognosy Reviews. Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Spring 2011. Web. 17 June 2015. 

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "German Chamomile." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 7 May 2013. Web. 17 June 2015.  

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)