Chamomile

Scientific Name(S): Matricaria chamomilla L. and Anthemis nobilis L. Sometimes referred to as Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. L. Family: Compositae (Asteraceae).

Common Name(S): M. chamomilla, is known as German, Hungarian, wild, or genuine chamomile and A. nobilis is called English, Roman, Scotch, garden, lawn, sweet, and true chamomile (common chamomile).

Chamomile is a perennial herb that has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of the Ancient Egyptians. Chamomile is a known anti-spasmotic and a mild sedative, and may help soothe the muscles in the digestive tract. While no human studies have been performed on this supplement in relation to irritable bowel syndrome, it has been proven to reduce irritation and cramping in animals.

Botany: M. chamomilla grows as an erect annual and A. nobilis is a slow-growing perennial. The fragrant flowering heads of both plants are collected and dried for use as teas and extracts.

History: Known since Roman times for their medicinal properties, the plants have been used as antispasmodics and sedatives in the folk treatment of digestive and rheumatic disorders. Teas have been used to treat parasitic worm infections and as hair tints and conditioners. The volatile oil has been used to flavor cigarette tobacco.

Chamomile has been utilized as a skin wash to cleanse wounds and ulcers, and has been used to increase the sloughing of necrotic tissue and promote granulation and epithelialization. It has also been reported to have anti­inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, and deodorant properties. Various formulations of chamomile have been used to treat vomiting, colic, fever, flatulence, and cystitis.

Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile has been used as an antispasmodic and sedative. Teas have been used to treat parasitic worrr infections and as hair tints and conditioners. It has been used as a skin wash to increase the sloughing of necrotic tissue, promote granulation and epithelialization, as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, and for its deodorant properties. Various formulations have been used to treat vomiting, colic, fever, flatulence, and cystitis.

Side Effects of Chamomile

The tea has resulted in contact dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and other severe hypersensitivity reactions in people allergic to ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, and other members of the family Compositae- Do not use if currently taking anticoagulants or are allergic to ragweed pollens.

Interactions with other drugs:

Chamomile may reduce the effects of chemotherapy drugs including:

• Cisplatin
• Cyclophosphamide
• Docetaxel
• Fluorouracil
• Methotrexate
• Paclitaxel

Summary: The chamomiles are used widely. They exert significant antispasmodic activity in the GI tract and the potential for delaying concomitant drug absorption from the gut should be considered. Chamomile should not be used by people taking anticoagulants. There is evidence from animal models that some components of chamomile exert anti-inflammatory activity, but the extent to which this is observed in humans has not been established. The toxicity and teratogenicity potential appear to be low, but hypersensitivity has been reported.