An Herb You Should Meet: Chamomile

An Herb You Should Meet – Chamomile

Article in a Nutshell

Herb: Chamomile

Latin Name: Matricaria Chamomilla

Family: Asteraceae/Compositae: Asteraceae is known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family.

Varieties Most Utilized: German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Roman Chamomile (Chameamelum nobile)

History

Chamomile is considered one of the most ancient herbal medicines known to mankind. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-anxiety therapeutic properties, modern-day science considers chamomile an herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. It is approved by Germany’s Commission E (a group of scientists, doctors, pharmacologists, and toxicologists) to treat coughs and bronchitis, fevers, colds, inflammation, infection, wounds, and burns. (1)

The use of Chamomile has been documented in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Indian, and Asian medical writings. As early as 500 BCE, documentation shows Hippocrates, “the father of medicine,” regularly used chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects to treat skin conditions such as erythema and xerosis. (2)

According to the American Botanical Council, a leading resource of science-based publications, and the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, chamomile has been used to treat over 50 health conditions in humans, including digestive issues, wound healing, hypertension, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), menstrual conditions, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), acute respiratory infection, and asthma. (3)

Health Benefits of Chamomile

Of the many varieties of chamomiles, the two most commonly used are German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Both offer medicinal benefits and are often used interchangeably; however, they differ slightly in their chemical properties. (4)

German (Blue) Chamomile

Contains higher quantities of chamazulene, which has been found to increase the number of macrophages available to fight infection. (5) (6)
Calms dry, irritated, or flaky skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, and promotes healing and regeneration of damaged skin tissue. (7)
Calms the mind and body in menstrual and menopausal conditions, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). (8)

German (Blue) Chamomile

Roman Chamomile

Has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and is highly calming. (9)
Provides restful sleep, and relief from sore muscles, spasms, arthritis, headaches, and migraines.
Is effective at balancing mood swings. For children, it is used for teething, colic, and temper tantrums because of its natural calming and soothing effects. (10)
One study found chamomile to be associated with increased levels of hippurate and glycine in the body. Hippurate results from a breakdown of tea flavonoids and has been linked to increased antibacterial activity. Glycine is an amino acid that relaxes nerves and relieves muscle spasms. These findings support chamomile’s ability to promote healthy immune function, fight infections, and relieve pain associated with PMS. Both hippurate and glycine levels remained elevated for up to two weeks after this study, suggesting that drinking chamomile tea can lead to prolonged medicinal benefits. (11)

“ Chamomile essential oils are often used in aromatherapy
to improve mood and relieve stress. ”

Over 120 medicinal properties have been identified in chamomile. The most important therapeutic properties contributing to chamomile’s beneficial effects are terpenoids, such as chamazulene and bisabolol and flavonoids, including apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. (12)

Chamomile’s effectiveness is due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, analgesic, anxiolytic, sedative, and antispasmodic properties.

Some additional nutritional benefits, such as potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B9, can be found in a cup of chamomile tea. (13)

How Chamomile Supports the Body

Anxiety

Chamomile contains terpenoids, flavonoids, and lactones, including matricin and apigenin, which have been found to stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter associated with stress reduction. (14)

Traditional herbalists have used chamomile to help calm people under stress because of its active ingredients, which stimulate the production of neurotransmitters associated with mood, such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Deficiency in these chemical compositions is linked to depression and anxiety. (15) (16)

Additionally, promising clinical research indicates chamomile’s ability to counteract allergies, insomnia, and anxiety associated with ADHD. These findings suggest the possibility of combining stimulant treatment with chamomile in order to give lower doses of pharmaceutical drugs. (17)

Diabetes

Chamomile improves hyperglycemia and diabetic complications by suppressing blood sugar levels and increasing liver glycogen. Studies further support its protective effect on pancreatic beta cells (endocrine cells that synthesize, store, and release insulin) by reducing hyperglycemia-related oxidative stress. (18) (19)

Chamomile has been shown to significantly improve carbohydrate digestion and sugar absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, due to its flavonoid content, chamomile has been shown to improve myocardial and high blood pressure conditions often associated with diabetes. (20) (21) (22)

Skin

A German study of people who had undergone dermabrasion for the removal of tattoos found that chamomile creams promoted faster wound healing than corticosteroids. (23)

Chamomile’s active anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties provide a calming and soothing effect on the skin while promoting tissue regeneration. As a result of these benefits, research confirms its effectiveness as an ingredient utilized in skin care products associated with anti-aging, baby creams, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. (24)

European countries and organizations, including the German Commission E, have approved the use of chamomile creams and essential oils for skin conditions resulting from certain types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. (25) (26)

Digestion

Digestion begins in the mouth, where common, yet painful ulcers known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) can occur. Chamomile, used as a mouth rinse, has been proven to provide a safe and effective treatment for RAS by controlling pain and burning sensations without producing any adverse side effects compared to prescribed medications. (27) (28)

Thanks to chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties, research finds the use of chamomile to be an effective treatment for numerous gastrointestinal conditions, including digestive disorders, colic, upset stomach, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, chamomile can be more effective in inhibiting gastric acidity than commercial antacids. (29) (30) (31)

Anticancer Properties

A recent study determined that cancer cells were more likely to die off when treated with chamomile extract, suggesting it can reduce cancer cell growth. (32)

Another study, supported by the National Cancer Institute, investigated a component of chamomile oil called apigenin. This study confirmed apigenin could inhibit the growth of and induce cell death in human cancer cells. (33)

Additional Health Benefits

Promising studies reported chamomile to be an effective treatment for chronic acute respiratory infections, whereby scientists agree there is a need for further research. (34)

Based upon Chamomile’s calming, sedative, and anticonvulsant (antiepileptic, antiseizure drug) effects, research supports its use as an effective and safe aid for sleep and insomnia conditions. (35)

How to Use Chamomile

Chamomile comes in different forms for both internal and external use.

It is most often consumed as an herbal tea, but it also can be taken orally as drops, capsules, or tinctures; applied topically in creams, lotions, bath products, and compresses; or even inhaled as a vapor from steeping tea.

Chamomile essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to improve mood and relieve stress. The essential oils can be blended into massage oils, lotions, or creams, and applied to the skin. (36) (37)

When used in large dosages, chamomile may cause nausea or vomiting.

How to Use Chamomile

Chamomile comes in different forms for both internal and external use.

When used in large dosages, chamomile may cause nausea or vomiting.

Contraindications

Although Roman chamomile is considered a mild herb and is relatively safe for most people, there are a few side effects and contraindications. It is recommended to consult with a trusted health care professional prior to using chamomile, especially if you: (38)

Have seasonal allergies to ragweed or other plants, including chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
Have asthma (or any other health condition).
Are taking any medication associated with organ transplants (cyclosporine), blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.
Are taking any type of medication or substance that can cause drowsiness, such as narcotics, barbiturates, alcohol, anti-seizure drugs, some types of anti-depressants, or benzodiazepines.
Are undergoing hormone therapy, as chamomile may have an estrogenic effect that can interfere.
Are taking any medications that are broken down in the liver such as Fexofenadine (Seldane), statins (drugs that lower cholesterol), birth control pills, or some antifungal drugs.
Are pregnant or nursing. The safety of chamomile for children has not been well established.
Have liver or kidney disease.

Final Thoughts

Chamomile flowers carry a symbolic meaning for rest, peace, poise, and calmness. It has been one of the most important medicinal herbs since ancient times, but ironically, it can be found growing near roads or landfills and is often mistaken as a weed. Given chamomile’s relaxing properties and fragrance, coupled with its beautiful daisy-like flowers and bright yellow centers, it is easy to see where its associations with the sun and positive energy come from.

In today’s busy world, where most people experience stress, anxiety, and depression, chamomile’s abundant soothing health benefits make it a perfect addition for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. If you are not allergic to its bounty of goodness or taking medications that may have contraindications, enjoy a cup of chamomile tea or diffuse it as an essential oil. Cast your worries aside and stay feeling relaxed, knowing that a serene state of calm is always on the horizon. To your good health!

About the Author

M. Moriah Mor, ND, CHN, is a Naturopathic Practitioner, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and founder of GreenSilk.com. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier lifestyles through education, nutrition, and premium natural health products. With more than 18 years in the wellness field, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute, AMCC, and the University of Southern California. She is passionate about researching the latest breakthroughs in holistic health.

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