When herbalists begin their study of healing plants, one of the most common is chamomile. What is most notable at first is the number of spellings for the same plant. Quite quickly the Latin names become important: matricaria recutita for German chamomile and Chamaemelium Nobile for Roman chamomile. Both German and Roman varieties have similar actions but should be studied separately.
German Chamomile ( Matricaria Recutita
German chamomile has numerous actions on the body. Among them are:
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-microbial
- antiseptic (mild)
- anti-peptic ulcer
- antispasmodic
- mild nerve sedative
Historically, chamomile has been used by the ancient Egyptians to treat fevers. The Greeks and Romans used chamomile to treat headaches as well as kidney, liver and bladder problems. The Vikings used chamomile the same way modern beauty product manufacturers do, to enhance the lustre of blonde hair.
Modern herbalists use chamomile for a number of issues. It is recommended for:
- Wound healing and inflammation. Chamomile relieves inflammation and encourages tissue healing when applied externally.
- Digestion: Studies have shown that chamomile has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract making it antispasmodic.
- Menstrual cramps: The antispasmodic effects of chamomile assist in the lessening of menstrual cramps.
- Arthritis: Chamomile's anti-inflammatory action relieves inflammation of arthritic joints.
- Immune stimulant: British researchers discovered that the herb stimulates the immune system's white blood cells.
Chamomile Tea
Of all the herbal teas, chamomile is one of the most commonly known. It can be taken for ulcers, digestive issues, menstrual cramps and more but the single most common use of chamomile tea is as a tranquilizer.
Studies have shown that chamomile depresses the central nervous system lessening anxiety. Studies in animals have shown that low doses of chamomile may reduce anxiety and higher doses can promote sleep.
To make chamomile tea, place two to three teaspoons in one cup of boiling water. Steep covered (to retain the volatile oils) for 15 minutes and drink. This can be repeated four to five times per day.
Roman Chamomile
Historically, Roman chamomile has been used in pregnancy; however, it is not recommended to take chamomile of any kind during pregnancy to avoid the risk of miscarriage.
The actions of Roman chamomile are similar to those of German chamomile but also include:
- analgesic (mild) for pain relief
- carminative to relieve gas
- skin de-sensitizer
- anti-emetic to prevent vomiting
Roman chamomile is effective for calming hyperactive children and infants. A single drop of the essential oil on the nose of an infant has been known to be effectively calming. The essential oil is also effective against candida albicans and staphylococcus aureus.
Drug Interactions with Chamomile
It is important to be aware of drug interactions with chamomile, which may includeinteractions with the following:
- Anti-coagulants: Chamomile may increase bleeding when taken with blood thinning medications such as Warfarin.
- Sedatives: Because of its sedative actions, chamomile should not be taken with prescription sedatives as it can increase their actions.
In Germany, there are many that believe that chamomile can do anything. While that is an overstatement, it is clear that the health benefits of chamomile are many.
References:
Bartram Thomas FNIMH, Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Marlowe & Company New York
Castleman Michael, The Healing Herbs, Rodale Press Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Joy Borthwick - Joy has been a Chartered Herbalist since 2001 and obtained her Herbal Consulting degree in 2005 from Dominion Herbal College. She has been ...
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