German chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
Coliuc
Dyspepsia
Gastrointestinal spasms
Treating or preventing mucositis induced by radiation therapy or chemotherapy - buccal use - Indications with no proof of efficacy:
Anogenital inflammation - topical use
Bacterial skin diseases, including those of the mouth and gums - topical use
Hemorrhoids - topical use
Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Leg ulcers
Mastitis - topical use
Menstrual cramps
Mild sedative effect (popular use)
Motion sickness
Nervous diarrhea
Skin and mucous membrane inflammation - topical use
Security
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
- Adverse Effects: Not Frequent
Description
Part of the plant used: flower
Chamomile is an annual plant whose medicinal value has been known since the Roman Empire. In addition to its medicinal value, it was used as a hair colorant or conditioner. Harvested while in bloom, the very odorous flowerheads are dried and then steeped (tea) or used to produce an extract.
Several medicinal properties are associated to chamomile: anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, deodorant, antibacterial, increased wound healing. Many of these properties appear to be related to the activity of the components of the essential oil found in the plant's flowerheads (chamazulene and bisabolol). The azulene derivatives can inhibit histamine release and thus diminish allergic and inflammatory reactions. Bisabolol has anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties.
Direction of use
- Treating or preventing mucositis induced by radiation therapy or chemotherapy:
Used doses:
Oral rinse made with 10 to 15 drops of liquid extract in 100 ml warm water 3 times a day. - Anogenital inflammation (topically):
Doses used:
Bath/irrigation: 50 grams in 10 litres of water
Gel/ointments: preparations containing 3 to 10% chamomile - Skin and mucous membrane inflammation (topically):
Doses used:
Gel/ointments: preparations containing 3 to 10% chamomile - Bacterial skin diseases, including those of the mouth and gums (topically):
Doses used:
Gel/ointments: preparations containing 3 to 10% chamomileG Gargle: fresh, cold tea, - Inflammatory diseases of the GI tract and GI spasms:
Doses used:
Tea: 3 to 4 times a day, between meals.
How to prepare chamomile tea:
Add 3 g chamomile to 150 ml boiling water Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes Strain before drinking. |
There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that chamomile is effective in any other indications.
Precautions
- Side effects
Chamomile is not associated with any particular toxicity. Too strong a tea can cause nausea. Some people may be allergic to chamomile; severe anaphylactic reactions may occur. Do not apply this product near the eyes, since it may be irritating. - Contraindications
People who are allergic to chrysanthemums, ragweed and daisies should not use chamomile. - Interactions
Chamomile contains anticoagulant components. It can interfere with the activity of oral anticoagulant agents (Coumadin). Concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties can cause additive effects. Before taking chamomile, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are not interactions with your regular medications. - Pregnancy and breatfeeding
Chamomile can affect the menstrual cycle and cause fetal malformations when administered to animals during pregnancy. Because of these effects, chamomile is contraindicated during pregnancy. In breast-feeding there is insufficient reliable information concerning its safety. Women who breast-feed should avoid its use.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Lininger S. et Al. The Natural Pharmacy, Prima Health, 1998
- Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002
- Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
- Facts & Comparisons, The Lawrence review of Natural Products, 1999
- Passeportsanté.net. Camomille allemande. www.passeportsante.net
- Herbal Companion to AHFS DI, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2001
- Taylor J. CE: Phytomedicinals: Uses, precautions, and drug interactions. Drug Topics 2003;1:79
- Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Interactions, The Pharmaceutical Journal 2003; volume 270
- Natural Therapeutic Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
- Health Canada, Natural Products Database
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