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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (eg.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
