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Two distinct plants are known as chamomile and are used interchangeably: German and Roman chamomile, Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile respectively. Although distantly related botanically, they both look like miniature daisies and are traditionally thought to possess similar medicinal benefits.
German chamomile flowers contain variable amounts of volatile oils, flavonoids, and coumarins among other components. It is perhaps best known as an addition to herbal teas, as it these components have a soothing fragrance.
Roman chamomile has been used for similar complaints as the German variety, primarily in Britain. The constituents also include volatile oils, flavonoids, and coumarins, among others compounds. Even with these similarities, the Roman chamomile flowers are "Unapproved" by the German Commission E for these conditions.
History; Source
Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a medicinal plant, mostly for gastrointestinal complaints. This practice continues today.
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and native to Europe and western Asia. German chamomile is the most commonly used. The dried and fresh flowers are used medicinally.
Whole dried flowers can be purchased for teas or capsules, while the full complement of components are found in liquid or dried extracts. The German chamomile flower is "Approved" by the German Commission E for internal use of gastrointestinal spasms and inflammations.
Function; Reasons For Use
Active constituents. The flowers of chamomile contain 1-2% volatile oils including alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin (usually converted to chamazulene). Other active constituents include the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These active ingredients contribute to chamomile's anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and smooth-muscle relaxing action, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Roman Chamomile (also Anthemis nobilis) is less active than German Chamomile, but may be used in the same manner as German Chamomile.
Chamomile has carminative, anti-Candida, some antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. More recently, the flavonoid apigenin has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety relieving) activity. This may explain its traditional use as a "relaxing" herb. Chamomile is often included in relaxing, digestive, and anti-candida formulations.
Both species of Chamomile have been used for a variety of ailments including: colic (especially in children), bloat, mild upper respiratory infections, premenstrual pain, anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile tea is also used to promote labor. Externally, Chamomile is used to treat sore and chapped nipples in nursing mothers, as well as minor skin infections and abrasions. Eye drops made from these herbs are also used for tired eyes and mild ocular infections.
According to HealthNotes, topical applications of chamomile have been shown to be moderately effective in the treatment of eczema [1,2]. One double-blind trial found it to be about 60% as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone cream [3]. Topical use of chamomile ointment was also found to successfully treat mild stasis ulcers bed sores in elderly bedridden patients [4].
References & Further Information
[1] Nissen HP, Blitz H, Kreyel HW. Prolifometrie, eine methode zur beurteilung der therapeutischen wirsamkeit kon Kamillosan®-Salbe. Z Hautkr 1988;63: pp.184-90
[2] Aergeerts P, Albring M, Klaschka F, et al. Vergleichende prüfung von Kamillosan®-crème gegenüber seroidalen (0.25% hydrocortison, 0.75% flucotinbutylester) and nichseroidaseln (5% bufexamac) externa in der erhaltungsterpaie von ekzemerkrankungen. Z Hautkr 1985;60: pp.270-7
[3] Albring M, Albrecht H, Alcorn G, Lüker PW. The measuring of the antiinflammatory effect of a compound on the skin of volunteers. Meth Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1983;5: pp.75-7
[4] Glowania HJ, Raulin C, Swoboda M. The effect of chamomile on wound healing - a controlled, clinical, experimental double-blind trial. Z Hautkr 1987;62:1262-71
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GLOSSARY
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antispasmodic
Preventing spasms.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Carminative
Agent relieving flatulence or gas.
Chapped
Roughened, reddened, or cracked skin, especially as a result of cold or exposure.
Colic
Cramping or spasms of a smooth muscle tube, such as the uterus (menstrual cramps) the ureters (passing kidney stones) or the stomach (stomach ache).
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Nipple (Areola, Nipples, Subareolar)
The small projection near the center of the breast containing the outlets of the milk ducts, OR the corresponding projection of the male breast. The areola is the darker tissue that encircles the nipple. Subareolar describes the location beneath the surface of the areola.
Quercetin
A highly active bioflavonoid which is absorbed most effectively in combination with bromelain.
Stasis
Static, atonic, unable to resolve or initiate change, resulting in lymphatic and venous stasis, congestion or stagnation. For example, an intestinal blockage.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Last updated: Nov 08, 2009
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