There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes ragweed, echinacea, and feverfew. And both have been used traditionally to calm frayed nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections. The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of conditions including chest colds, sore throats, abscesses, gum inflammation (gingivitis), psoriasis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, minor first degree burns, inflammatory bowel disease (namely, ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, and children's conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic. While studies in people are few, animal studies have demonstrated German chamomile's ability to reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, reduce muscle spasms, and to serve as a mild sedative to help with sleep. Laboratory studies have also shown some antimicrobial properties, meaning that it may fight against a variety of infections. In Europe, chamomile is commonly used as a digestive aid, to treat mild skin conditions, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and as a tension reliever.

The tiny daisy-like flowers of German chamomile have white collars circling raised, cone-shaped, yellow centers and are less than an inch wide, growing on long, thin, light green stems. Sometimes chamomile grows wild and close to the ground, but you can also find it bordering herb gardens. It can reach up to three feet high. German chamomile is closely related to Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), which, although less commonly used, has many of the same medicinal properties.

The dried flowers can be used to make chamomile tea. The flowers can also be crushed and steamed so that the oil they contain, which is blue, can be extracted and packaged separately. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

German chamomile is available as dried flower heads, tea, liquid extract, and topical ointment.

Pediatric

To relieve spasms or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract: 1 to 2 ml (30 to 60 drops) of German chamomile liquid extract, undiluted or mixed in juice or water, three times daily.

Adult

• Tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaping tablespoons of dried herb, steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink three to four times per day between meals to relieve stomach pain, heartburn, gas, and other digestive discomforts. Tea may also help bring on drowsiness for those having trouble sleeping.
• Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): Take 100 to 150 drops of tincture three times per day for gastrointestinal complaints or to aid in falling asleep.
• Gargle or mouthwash: Make a tea as above, then let it cool. Gargle as often as desired to soothe inflamed gums, sores in the mouth, or sore throat.
• Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water (or use tea) and inhale the steam to calm a cough.
• Bath: Use 1/4 lb of dried flowers per bath, or add 5 to 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: Apply cream with a 3% to 10% crude drug chamomile content for psoriasis, eczema, or dry and flaky skin.

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

German chamomile is considered generally safe by the FDA. Highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting, however, and those who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, asters or feverfew should avoid chamomile because it is in the same plant family. Allergic reactions are somewhat common, actually, and may include stomach cramps, tongue thickness, swollen lips and eyes (called angioedema), conjunctivitis (pink eye), itching, hives, throat tightness, and even shortness of breath. The latter two symptoms are medical emergencies (called anaphylaxis) and medical care should be sought urgently.

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Sedatives
Because of its calming effects, chamomile probably should not be taken in conjunction with sedative medications (particularly those that belong to a class called benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and lorazepam) or alcohol.

Warfarin
Patients taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin should use German chamomile only under the careful supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Although not proven scientifically, this herb, in theory, may enhance the effects of the medication.

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