Camomille

Related Terms

4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, abkit CamoCare Gold?, angelate esters, anthecotulid, anthemic acid, Anthemis arvensis, Anthemis cotula, Anthemis nobile, Anthemis nobilis, Anthemis xylopoda, anthemol, apigenin, apigenin-7-glucoside, apigetrin, apiin, Asteraceae (family), azulene, baboonig, babuna, babunah, babunah camomile, babunj, bunga kamil, cadinene, camamila, camomile, camomile sauvage, camomilla, camomille allemande (French), Campomilla, capric acid, chamaemeloside, Chamaemelum nobile L., chamazulene, chamomile flowers, chamomile mouthwash, chamomilla, chamomilla recutita, chamomillae ramane flos, chamomille commune, choline, classic chamomile, common chamomile, Compositae (family), coumarins, double chamomile, echte Kamille (German), English chamomile, farnesene, farnesol, Feldkamille (German), flavonoids, fleur de camomile, fleurs de petite camomille, Flores Anthemidis, flos chamomillae, fumaric acid, furfural, garden chamomile, germacranolide, German chamomile, grosse Kamille (German), grote Kamille (Dutch), ground apple, guaiazulene, heniarin, Hungarian chamomile, inositol, Kamille (German), Kamillen (German), kamitsure, kamiture, kleme kamille, lawn chamomile, low chamomile, luteolin, malic acid, manzanilla (Spanish), manzanilla chiquita (Spanish), manzanilla com?n (Spanish), manzanilla dulce (Spanish), matricaire, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria maritime (L), Matricaria recutita, Matricaria suaveolens, matricariae flos, matricariae flowers, matricarin, matricin, martricine, may-then, myricetin, nerolidol, nobilin, patuletin, oxalic acid, phenolic acids, phytosterol, pin heads, proazulenes, quercimeritrin, quercitin, quinic acid, Romaine, romaine manzanilla, Roman chamomile, romische Kamille (German), rutin, scopoletin-7-glucoside, sesquiterpenes, Simicort?, single chamomile, spanthulenol, spiroethers, sweet chamomile, sweet false chamomile, sweet feverfew, tannins, terpenoid, tiglic acid esters, triancontane, tricontane, true chamomile, umbelliferone, whig-plant, wild chamomile.

Background

Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is widely used in Europe. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including sleep disorders, anxiety, digestion/intestinal conditions, skin infections/inflammation (including eczema), wound healing, infantile colic, teething pains, and diaper rash. In the United States, chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea preparations advertised for mild sedating effects.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two major types of chamomile used for health conditions. They are believed to have similar effects on the body, although German chamomile may be slightly stronger. Most research has used German chamomile, which is more commonly used everywhere except for England, where Roman chamomile is more common.
Although chamomile is widely used, reliable research in humans to support its use for any condition is lacking. Despite its reputation as a gentle medicinal plant, there are many reports of allergic reactions in people after eating or coming into contact with chamomile preparations, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening, whole body allergic reaction.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Chamomile has been traditionally used as aromatherapy to relieve anxiety. Early evidence suggests chamomile has benefits for anxiety. Further research is necessary to make firm conclusions.

 C


Chamomile has been traditionally used as aromatherapy to relieve anxiety. Early evidence suggests chamomile has benefits for anxiety. Further research is necessary to make firm conclusions.

 C


Early research supports the use of chamomile to reduce blood vessel inflammation from chemotherapy injected into the vein. Further high quality research is necessary to form conclusions.

 C


Early research supports the use of chamomile to reduce blood vessel inflammation from chemotherapy injected into the vein. Further high quality research is necessary to form conclusions.

 C


It is uncommon for chamomile to be used for the heart, and there is little research in this area. Early research shows unclear results for the use of chamomile in heart disease. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


It is uncommon for chamomile to be used for the heart, and there is little research in this area. Early research shows unclear results for the use of chamomile in heart disease. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


In early study, inhaling steam with chamomile extract has been reported to help with cold symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


In early study, inhaling steam with chamomile extract has been reported to help with cold symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


In early research, chamomile, in herbal combination toothpastes and rinses, appears to be beneficial for tooth and gum health. Further research is needed to determine the effects of chamomile alone.

 C


In early research, chamomile, in herbal combination toothpastes and rinses, appears to be beneficial for tooth and gum health. Further research is needed to determine the effects of chamomile alone.

 C


Early evidence suggests chamomile extract helps with symptoms of depression in people with an anxiety disorder. Further research is required to confirm these results.

 C


Early evidence suggests chamomile extract helps with symptoms of depression in people with an anxiety disorder. Further research is required to confirm these results.

 C


Early study reports that chamomile with apple pectin may shorten the time children have diarrhea. Further research is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 C


Early study reports that chamomile with apple pectin may shorten the time children have diarrhea. Further research is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 C


The German Commission E authorized the use of chamomile for skin diseases. Limited evidence suggests that chamomile may benefit eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. Further research is needed.

 C


The German Commission E authorized the use of chamomile for skin diseases. Limited evidence suggests that chamomile may benefit eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. Further research is needed.

 C


Chamomile is used traditionally for numerous stomach and intestinal disorders, including digestion disorders, "spasm" or colic, upset stomach, gas, ulcers, and irritation of the stomach and intestines. However, currently there is a lack of reliable human research available in any of these areas. Additional study is needed.

C


Chamomile is used traditionally for numerous stomach and intestinal disorders, including digestion disorders, "spasm" or colic, upset stomach, gas, ulcers, and irritation of the stomach and intestines. However, currently there is a lack of reliable human research available in any of these areas. Additional study is needed.

C


Early study shows that using chamomile baths and bladder washes with antibiotics is more efficacious than antibiotics alone for hemorrhagic cystitis, a condition of bladder irritation with bleeding. Additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be reached.

C


Early study shows that using chamomile baths and bladder washes with antibiotics is more efficacious than antibiotics alone for hemorrhagic cystitis, a condition of bladder irritation with bleeding. Additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be reached.

C


Early study reports that chamomile ointment may improve hemorrhoids, or painful swollen veins in the rectum. Further evidence is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


Early study reports that chamomile ointment may improve hemorrhoids, or painful swollen veins in the rectum. Further evidence is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

 C


Early research of chamomile used in combination with other herbs shows benefit in infantile colic or excessive crying. Additional research evaluating chamomile alone is needed.

 C


Early research of chamomile used in combination with other herbs shows benefit in infantile colic or excessive crying. Additional research evaluating chamomile alone is needed.

 C


In early research, chamomile mouthwash had unclear effects on mucositis caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer. Further research is necessary.

 C


In early research, chamomile mouthwash had unclear effects on mucositis caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer. Further research is necessary.

 C


Limited research suggests that massage using chamomile essential oil may improve anxiety and quality of life in people with cancer. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.

 C


Limited research suggests that massage using chamomile essential oil may improve anxiety and quality of life in people with cancer. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.

 C


Chamomile preparations have been used on the skin to soothe inflammation. Limited evidence shows that chamomile may have some benefit for skin inflammation. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Chamomile preparations have been used on the skin to soothe inflammation. Limited evidence shows that chamomile may have some benefit for skin inflammation. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Traditionally, chamomile preparations, such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy, have been used for its calming effects and to help with sleep. Research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

C


Traditionally, chamomile preparations, such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy, have been used for its calming effects and to help with sleep. Research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

C


Early research suggests that chamomile douches may help with vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, with few side effects. Because infection (including sexually transmitted diseases), poor hygiene, or nutritional deficiencies can cause vaginitis, people with vaginitis should seek medical attention. Better research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn on the use of chamomile for vaginitis.

C


Early research suggests that chamomile douches may help with vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, with few side effects. Because infection (including sexually transmitted diseases), poor hygiene, or nutritional deficiencies can cause vaginitis, people with vaginitis should seek medical attention. Better research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn on the use of chamomile for vaginitis.

C


Early evidence on the use of chamomile for wound healing is promising. Further research is needed to draw a conclusion.

 C


Early evidence on the use of chamomile for wound healing is promising. Further research is needed to draw a conclusion.

 C


Evidence shows that chamomile spray has similar effects to normal saline on post-operative sore throat and hoarseness. Further research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

D


Evidence shows that chamomile spray has similar effects to normal saline on post-operative sore throat and hoarseness. Further research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Chamomile is commercially available as a liquid extract, tablets, capsules, tea, and tincture. Chamomile is frequently consumed as tea: commonly 1-4 cups of chamomile tea is taken daily (from tea bags). Chamomile has also been used in baths, compresses, poultices, rinses, and semisolid preparations. Traditionally, in baths, 5grams per liter of water or 0.8 grams of alcoholic extract per liter of water has been used.
For the common cold, 13-39 milliliters of alcoholic chamomile extract (Kneipp Kamillen-Konzentrat?) added to 1000 milliliters water at 50?C was inhaled for 10 minutes.
For post-operative sore throat/hoarseness due to intubation, 3-10 puffs (111-370 milligrams) of chamomile (Kamillosan?M spray) was inhaled through the endotracheal tube once before intubation.
For anxiety and depression, one capsule (220 milligram chamomile extract) has been taken by mouth daily for the first week, then two capsules were given daily for the second week, and subsequently increased by one capsule daily each week if anxiety continued.
For mouth ulcers or irritation from cancer treatment, an oral rinse of 10-15 drops of Kamillosan? Liquidum in 100 milliliters of water has been used three times daily through chemotherapy or a cycle of radiation; also a chamomile mouthwash (100 milliliters of water with 30 drops of a concentrated chamomile) has been swished and then spit three times daily for 14 days.
For sleep or sedation, 270 milligrams chamomile high grade extract has been taken by mouth twice daily for 28 days.
For eczema, Kamillosan? cream (2% ethanolic extract of chamomile flowers) has been used on the skin 2-3 times daily for up to four weeks.
For skin inflammation, German chamomile compresses or a 50 milliliters tube of 10% chamomile hydro-alcoholic extract have been applied to the affected skin twice daily for up to 28 days.
For vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, a douche of 30 milliliters diluted chamomile in 500 milliliters of water twice daily for 15 days has been used.
For wound healing, Kamille Spitzner? has been applied to wounds for 14 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chamomile may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chamomile may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a healthcare professional including a pharmacist about possible interactions.
Chamomile may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Chamomile may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking agents that alter blood pressure.
Chamomile may also interact with alcohol, agents for the skin, agents that alter heart rhythm, agents that increase urine flow, agents that reduce muscle spasms, agents used for stomach and intestinal conditions, antianxiety agents, antiasthmatics, antibiotics, antidepressants, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobials, antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents, calcium channel blockers, cardiac glycosides, cholesterol lowering agents, COX 2 inhibitors, depressants, disulfiram (Antabuse?), estrogens, hormonal agents, metronidazole (Flagyl?), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and warfarin.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, et al. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Altern Ther Health Med 2012;18(5):44-49.
Arsic I, Tadic V, Vlaovic D, et al. Preparation of novel apigenin-enriched, liposomal and non-liposomal, antiinflammatory topical formulations as substitutes for corticosteroid therapy. Phytother Res 2011;25(2):228-233.
Facchinetti F, Pedrielli G, Benoni G, et al. Herbal supplements in pregnancy: unexpected results from a multicentre study. Hum.Reprod. 2012;27(11):3161-3167.
Baradari AG, Khezri HD, and Arabi S. Comparison of antibacterial effects of oral rinses chlorhexidine and herbal mouth wash in patients admitted to intensive care unit. Bratisl.Lek.Listy 2012;113(9):556-560.
Charousaei F, Dabirian A, and Mojab F. Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study. Ostomy.Wound Manage. 2011;57(5):28-36.
Dell'Agli M, Di Lorenzo C, Badea M, et al. Plant food supplements with anti-inflammatory properties: a systematic review (I). Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2013;53(4):403-413.
Guimaraes R, Barros L, Duenas M, et al. Nutrients, phytochemicals and bioactivity of wild Roman chamomile: a comparison between the herb and its preparations. Food Chem 1-15-2013;136(2):718-725.
Reddy KK, Grossman L, and Rogers GS. Common complementary and alternative therapies with potential use in dermatologic surgery: risks and benefits. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013;68(4):e127-e135.
Reis PE, Carvalho EC, Bueno PC, et al. Clinical application of Chamomilla recutita in phlebitis: dose response curve study. Rev Lat.Am Enfermagem. 2011;19(1):3-10.
Sarris J, Panossian A, Schweitzer I, et al. Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2011;21(12):841-860.
Shimelis ND, Asticcioli S, Baraldo M, et al. Researching accessible and affordable treatment for common dermatological problems in developing countries. An Ethiopian experience. Int J Dermatol 2012;51(7):790-795.
Taheri JB, Azimi S, Rafieian N, et al. Herbs in dentistry. Int Dent J 2011;61(6):287-296.
Valussi M. Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2012;63 Suppl 1:82-89.
Varoni EM, Lodi G, Sardella A, et al. Plant polyphenols and oral health: old phytochemicals for new fields. Curr Med Chem 2012;19(11):1706-1720.
Zick SM, Wright BD, Sen A, et al. Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC.Complement Altern Med 2011;11:78.