Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. There are two common varieties: German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Matricaria recutita sometimes referred to as German chamomile, is a herb that is native to Europe, Africa and Asia and is now also grown in North America.
Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years and was known by ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures. The hollow, bright gold cones of the flowers are packed with disc or tubular florets and are ringed with about fifteen white ray or ligulate florets.
Bioactive constituents of chamomile
There are different classes of bioactive constituents present in Matricia chamomilla L. dried flowers and they are as follows:
- Sesquiterpenes
- Flavonoids
- Coumarins
- Vitamins
- Phenolic acids
- Glucosides
The active ingredients in chamomile are chamazulene, apigenin and bisabolol. The sedative effects may be due to a benzodiazepine-like compound in the flower head.
Traditional uses of chamomile
Traditionally, chamomile has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent and healing medicine. As a traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin irritations, bruises, burns, canker sores, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pain, haemorrhoids, mastitis and other ailments.
Externally, it has been used to treat diaper rash, cracked nipples, chicken pox, ear and eye infections etc. Most of the above uses have been investigated scientifically through research to back up some of the traditional claims.
Science-based uses for chamomile
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Anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties
The flowers contain 1-2% volatile oils that possess anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties. A study in human volunteers demonstrated that chamomile flavonoids and essential oils penetrate the superficial skin surface into the deeper skin layers. This is important for their use as a topical anti-inflammatory agent.
Inflammation is associated with many gastrointestinal disorders complaints, such as oesophageal reflux, diverticular disease and inflammatory disease. Studies have shown that chamomile can inhibit H. Pylori, the bacteria that can contribute to stomach ulcers.
It is believed to help reduce smooth muscle spasms associated with various gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. It is often used to treat mild skin irritations, including sunburn, rashes, sores and even eye inflammations. More research is needed to validate its value in treating these conditions.
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Sleep aid/sedation
Chamomile preparations such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy have been used to treat insomnia and induce sedation (calming effects). It is widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. The sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
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Natural antidepressant
Chamomile has antidepressant properties. The sweet aroma of this oil calms you down and helps you relax. It lifts your mood and leaves you rejuvenated. The Roman variant has been used during pre-natal massages to help the expecting mother relax. When used with lemongrass oil, the nerve-soothing properties help calm hyperactive children.
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Analgesic
Life-hampering arthritis pain can be relieved with chamomile oil. Just dab a little warm oil in the affected region and give a gentle massage to improve circulation, and ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Those who suffer from headaches due to colds, sinusitis, and migraine can also rely on this oil for quicker relief. Steam inhalation with this oil can decongest the chest and unclog the stuffy nose. It aids in faster recovery from fever.
- Diabetes
It has been seen through studies that this herb ameliorates hyperglycemia and diabetic complications by suppressing blood sugar levels, increasing liver glycogen storage and inhibiting sorbitol in the human erythrocytes.
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Antidote for stomach disorders
The oil is known to have a positive impact on assorted stomach disorders, including gastrointestinal issues, diarrhoea, constipation and even gallstones. It improves digestive powers and relieves the gas accumulated in the abdomen. It is a good cure for bloating. Its antimicrobial properties allow the oil to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the gut, keeping you safe from various gastrointestinal disorders.
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Helpful for sciatica and painful conditions
The oil is good for back pain. Just warm a little of the oil and apply it to the affected area. Roman chamomile oil is a better choice for sciatica-induced pain. A massage with oil soothes the sciatica nerve. Make sure you apply the oil to the lower back, hips as well as legs.
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Moisturise and soften hair
Chamomile oil easily qualifies as wonderful oil for the hair and scalp. It is very effective on dry and brittle hair. It retains the moisture level and strengthens the hair from within, leaving behind soft and strong tresses.
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Natural anti-dandruff agent
Chamomile is an effective natural solution for hair lice and dandruff. It soothes irritated scalp. It hydrates the scalp, thus easing the associated irritation and itching.
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Good for acne and eczema
Chamomile oil is good for acne and eczema. A dab of this oil can alleviate the painful condition of acne. The inflammation and redness clear and you will be able to enjoy scar-free skin. When mixed with evening Primrose oil, it handles inflammation better. It is a natural antidote for eczema-like skin conditions.
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Eases skin rashes and scarring
Mix 3 or 4 drops of Roman chamomile oil with coconut oil and dab it on your skin. This calms any kind of irritation your skin might be experiencing. It can hydrate and moisturize your skin; adding radiance to the skin. It is also known to be effective in healing sunburns.
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Makes skin young and blemish-free
Regular application of chamomile oil can get rid of crow’s feet and dark circles around the eyes. It eases the blemishes and evens the skin tone. It has skin-repairing, regenerating and strengthening properties, which in turn keeps your skin young and refreshing.
Precaution when using chamomile
Chamomile is generally well tolerated, although individuals allergic to other plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) may experience an exacerbation of their allergic symptoms with the consumption of chamomile.
Side effects and safety profile of chamomile
- Chamomile is part of the Compositae family; which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and other herbs, should be alert for allergy symptoms.
- When ingested in the form of a highly concentrated tea, it has also been shown to induce vomiting.
- It might interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; drugs with sedative properties such as a benzodiazepine.
- It may inhibit cytochrome P-450. Therefore, patients who are taking other drugs metabolized by the enzyme system should be used with caution when ingesting chamomile products.
How is chamomile presented?
- Dried chamomile flowers are packaged for tea.
- It also comes in form of oil. The oil is popularly used in aromatherapy. The oil is available in two variants, namely German and Roman. The Roman variant is popularized for its anti-inflammatory properties, while the German variant is known for its analgesic, sudorific, febrifuge, digestive, vermifuge and antiseptic properties.
Dosage
This herb is most commonly prepared as a hot water infusion (tea) of 1 to 3g (2g equals 1 tablespoon) of the flowers, steeped in a cup covered with a saucer, and taken three to four times daily.
Conclusion
Chamomile has been used as a herbal medication since ancient times, is still popular today and probably will continue to be used in the future because it contains various bioactive phytochemicals that could provide therapeutic effects. There is a need for more studies or research to be carried out on chamomile and for results validated in clinical trials.
This will help in developing chamomile as a promising therapeutic agent. It is advisable to use it properly, discriminately and within recommended limits or else it will be unsafe and harmful. This article is strictly for educational purposes. Always consult your doctor any time you may consider using chamomile in any form.