Chamomile has long history of use in herbal medicine. The chamomile used in herbal medicine is actually a group of plants. The different members of the group, and the medicinal oils extracted from them are often sold under different names such as German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile and Blue Chamomile. The use of the herb spread through Europe with the Romans and it is listed as one of the Anglo Saxon sacred herbs. Culpeper’s famous herbal lists its use. It is traditionally used for many purposes, internally and externally, including skin and hair lightening, as a sedative, as an anti-inflammatory and as an aid in the treatment of colic, kidney stones and fevers.
The Plant
The plant is a low growing one producing small daisy like flowers. The different varieties of chamomile are similar in their uses. The flower heads are gathered from the plant when they are dry in summer and used as they are, or the essential oil is extracted from them. Cold extraction results in a yellow oil and steam extraction in a blue oil. The chemical composition of both the oils and the flower heads is complex and it is not clear exactly which compounds are responsible for the medicinal activity.
Extracts of chamomile flowers are added to many cosmetics and shampoos. They are mainly added as a lightening agent. For home use you can buy the flower heads and steep them in boiling water for fifteen minutes before using as a rinse on blonde hair to brighten it.
Chamomile creams are soothing and healing. Commercially available preparations have been shown to improve healing in dermatitis and eczema, as well as commonly being used to sooth cracked nipples. Studies have shown its benefit in wound healing. It is often combined with Calendula in these preparations. Chamomile cream is effective in nappy rash.
Sedative
Perhaps the most common use of chamomile is as a sedative. Tea can be made from the flower heads, or a few drops of essential oil placed on the pillow. Extracts from chamomile are known to bind to the same parts of the brain as benzodiazepines.
Gastro-intestinal
Chamomile tea is used for digestive upsets. It has an antispasmodic and sedative effect aiding in stomach cramps, dyspepsia and flatulence. It is very useful for settling a nervous stomach or in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, particularly where diarrhoea predominates. The relieving action of the tea is rapid, within a few minutes, so it can be used on an as needed basis. To make the tea drop four or five flower heads into up and pour over boiling water. Leave for five minutes then remove the flower heads. You can sweeten to taste.
Other uses
Chamomile is recommended by some sources for use in mouthwash and poultices due to its soothing, healing and antibacterial properties. Commercial preparations are available to sooth teething in babies. These work well, but should be used strictly according to the directions.
Who shouldn’t use it?
Patients with an allergy to other members of the daisy family are likely to have an allergy to chamomile; this includes daisies, ragweed, tansy, feverfew and wormwood. No data exists for the chamomile in pregnancy so it is better avoided.
Patients already on sedatives, particularly benzodiazepines may experience increased sedation. Patients taking NSAIDs can expect a beneficial effect; and no other drug interactions have been reported. As always, if you have any concerns check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Chamomile flowers are a safe herb to use for stomach upsets and sedation. Chamomile creams are very effective in skin healing. The oil should not be taken; it has to diluted heavily before use to avoid toxicity. If it is swallowed a visit to the emergency room is necessary.
