Monographs – Chamomile (German)

Binomial:

Matricaria chamomilla/recutita

Common names:

Chamomile, German Chamomile, wild chamomile, may weed, ground apple, maythen [4], manzanilla (Spanish), whig plant [4]

Family:

Asteraceae

Parts used:

Flowers

Native to:

Southern Europe [7]

Distribution:

Egypt, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, N. America, temperate Asia and North Africa [4] Spread widely in the middle ages.  Commonly grown in and imported from Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, France, Greece, Hungary and Egypt [4].

Botanical Description:

A daisy-like self-seeding annual that grows 10 cm – 80 cm on smooth stems.

Narrow, delicate leaves (bi- to tripinnate). Florets are white, circling a yellow bulbous centre evenly. Flowers placed separately and are 10 mm – 30 mm in diameter. When crushed, flowers have an apple-like scent [10].]

Grows best in well drained soils with full sun settling on it.

Generally flowers in June and July in the UK.

Should be sown in spring, directly into the ground once the temperature has warmed to 15⁰C – 20⁰C [7].

Harvesting:

Gather flowers when fully open in the morning when dew has dried. Preparations of fresh herb retain more volatile oils, whereas dry, accentuate the bitter constituents.

Dry flower heads somewhere cool, away from direct sunlight so as not to destroy the plant’s volatile oils [7].

Like calendula, the more you pick, the more will grow, with chamomile.

History and other traditions:

Chamomile has a long history of medicinal use; some believe stemming right back to Neanderthal times [10] and was one of the nine sacred herbs of the Anglo Saxons.

In Europe it was used as a strewing herb in the Middle Ages, hung in bundles or placed on the floor and on furniture [4]. And in England it was so commonly used that “it is but lost time and labour to describe it”.

The name chamomile stems from the Greek “khamaemleon” which means “earth apple”. Believed to be due to chamomiles fruity fragrance.

Medicinal summary:

Primarily used for pain, tension, fever and the digestive tract. Chamomile is considered especially beneficial for repetitive pain; it has strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity, soothing not only teething infants but those suffering menstrual cramps and similar.

Wood states that it is specifically indicated for those individuals who tend to “complain, whine and demand” [8], not unlike a baby or an adult who acts the baby when ill or in pain.

Chamomile is one herb which is particularly well-suited to babies and the conditions they suffer, be it colic, earache or colds and flu. As a gentle herb, it is quite safe to give to everyone from infancy into old age, as long as they aren’t allergic to flowers in the Asteraceae family.

One of my first positive experiences with chamomile was in using the essential oil to ease my increasingly worse hayfever.

Constituents:

• Amino acids [8]
• Coumarin derivatives (umbelliferone) [4][6][8][11]
• Fatty acids [8][11]
• Flavonoids (luteolin,apigenin, quercetin) [4][6][11]
• Glycosides [6]
• Mucilage[8]
• Patuletin [4]
• Phenolic acids
• Salicylic acid [6][11]
• Sesquiterpene lactones (which are bitter) [8]
• Spiroethers (en-yn dicycloether) [4]
• Terpenoids (α-bisabolol, α -bisabolol oxide A and B, chamazulene) [4]
• Tannins [6][11]
• Vitamins
• Volatile oils (azulene which is blue and has long been believed to hold the majority of chamomiles medicinal properties, chamazulene) [6][8][11]

Actions:

• Analgesic [4][11]
• Anti-inflammatory [4][5][6][7][10][11]
• Antihistamine [4][8][11]
• Antimicrobial (volatile oils) [10][11]
• Antiseptic [11]
• Antispasmodic [3][4][10][11]
• Anxiolytic [10]
• Bitter [11]
• Carminative [3][4][5][6][7][10][11]
• Diaphoretic [3]
• Emmenagogue (mild) [4]
• Nervine [3][4][5][11]
• Relaxant [7][11]
• Vasodilatory [6]
• Vulnerary [4][11]

Energy:

• Cooling
• Drying
• Oily
• Slightly warming (Rosalee de la Foret)
• Relaxing
• Sweet
• Bitter

Taste:

• Aromatic
• Bitter (mild)
• Fruity
• Pungent
• Sweet

Preparations:

• Oils
• Salves
• Infusion
• Tincture
• Baths
• Baking
• Essential oil
• Compress
• Hydrosol

Recipes:

• Chamomile and ginger tea
• Chamomile and ginger cookies
• Chamomile and ginger tincture
• Chamomile, catnip, yarrow and elderflower (for colds and flu in children)
• Warm chamomile milk before bed

Safety:

• Don’t take during pregnancy (though it is not clear if this recommendation is research-based or theoretical) [6].
• Be careful when used alongside anticoagulants [4].
• Avoid in those with a known allergen to the Asteraceae family.
• Safe to use with babies and children, topically and internally in small doses [5][10].

Dose:

• Tincture: 1 ml – 4 ml 3 x a day (1:5 in 40%) [6]
• Infusion: 2 tsp – 3 tsp per cup 3 x a day [6]
• Glycerite: Dried flowers (1:6) 1 ml – 5 ml, 1 – 4 x a day [3].

Uses:

Children

Chamomile is an excellent nervine for both adults and children [3][4][6], helping to settle even the most sensitive and fussy. Wood even specifies that chamomile is best indicated for the “whiny” [8].

When combined with peppermint and lemon balm it can help bring down a fever [4] or with peppermint, elderflower and yarrow it’s combined actions are great support for colds and flu [3].

A mild infusion has traditionally been used for colicky or teething babies, either added to milk or to soak fabric which can then be chewed on [3][4][10]. Its analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions are likely the reason chamomile works so effectively in these ways.

Chamomile can even be passed on a baby through the mother’s milk so can be utilised in this way to soothe a baby, with the mother drinking cups of the infusion, rather than feeding it to the baby directly.

The infusion can also be added to a baby or infants’ bath to help sooth sleep-deprived children settle down, whether before bed or at other times. [7]

Hormones

Chamomile is an effective ally for PMS and in easing mild menstrual cramps due to its nervine, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions. It’s said that chamomile is supportive in dispersing stagnation and draining fluids [4][8], offering an emmenagogue action and aiding dysmenorrhea (when brewed quite strongly) [19].

Even after menstruation has ceased, chamomile is noted as being a supportive herb for those suffering through menopausal depression. Again, this is likely due to its nervine and anxiolytic actions.

Skin

Considered one of the top skin herbs available, chamomile is used medicinally and for more cosmetic purposes.

It can be applied topically for anti-inflammatory action on the likes of sunburn, painful spots and pimples, cuts and wounds, and even topical fungal infections (alternatively it can be beneficial to ease symptoms of internal fungal infections if taken internally) [4].

Some forget that our skin doesn’t only cover the flesh we most frequently see in the mirror but includes mucous membranes within our nasal cavity. When used as part of a steam inhilation, chamomile can soothe theses mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation and bringing relief in cases of cold, flu and allergies.

The essential oil can also be of benefit when used topically. Containing azulene and chamazulene, it has particularly anti-inflammatory qualities and can be added to creams and lotions for use on rosacea, acne, eczema and psoriasis [4][10].

Digestion

Chamomile is used widely across Europe as a digestive remedy. Combines carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and mild bitter actions[6]. Hoffman points out that the range of constituents held within “act together as a biologically evolved whole, each contributing specific effects to create a wonderfully rounded digestive remedy” [6].

A strong infusion can ease indigestion, griping pain, nausea and diarrhoea, and some find it beneficial for menstrual cramps. When infused strongly, the bitter constituents are far more potent which is often what helps with much of the digestive issues, however, chamomiles antispasmodic properties are also of value here. Its nervine actions are also of digestive benefit; when we are relaxed, we move from “fight or flight” mode to the preferred “rest and digest” mode when we are eating.

Some of the most notable digestive conditions that chamomile is often used to support with, include:

• gastrointestinal inflammation;
• settling the stomach and helping to expel gas;
• aiding in cases of stomach aches, nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and constipation; and
• helping those with stomach ulcers via vulnerary and modulatory properties [4][7];

A final note on one of the many ways in which chamomile supports the digestive system is how it increases circulation to the digestive system through vasodilatory activity [6].

Anxiety/sleep

As a powerful nervine, chamomile calms the nerves by helping us to switch from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system state (or from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” [4]. Through this action it can also help to relax the muscles.

Chamomiles antispasmodic effects also help ease the symptoms of stress whilst gently affecting the central nervous system [14][15][18].

Research has also shown that chamomile helps to maintain significantly lower GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) symptoms [15] which is not surprising due to its anxiolytic action.

Blends well with oat straw, lavender, linden and other gentle herbs for a relaxing infusion before bed.

Pain

When used with other nervines and anti-inflammatories chamomile can be a helpful aid when suffering pain, swelling and infection across the body [3].

Its strong antispasmodic action can have a powerful effect on joints, nerves and muscles, helping with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic pain and fibromyalgia [4]. The essential oil, when used diluted and massaged into the affected area can also help with joint pain, tendonitis, RSI and skin conditions. Alternatively, similar results may be found by adding an infusion added to a bath [4].

On a smaller scale, chamomile has been found to help with gingivitis, gum inflammation and sores when the infusion is used as a mouth rinse [4][7]. It’s also helpful in soothing pink eye and conjunctivitis when applied topically, either as a compress or the cooled teabags [4]. As an eyewash, it has been found to offer some protection from UVB and corneal cell damage [15]. It can even soothe itchy haemorrhoids via a sitz bath [4]

Chamomile’s antimicrobial action can be helpful in easing colds, flu and allergies as well as making it a superb wound healer when used as a wound wash or compress [12]. This action, amongst others, is also likely what makes it a useful steam inhalation that can help bronchitis, catarrh, asthma and spasmodic coughs.

Researchers have also found topical application of chamomile can support pain relief in non-aura migraines [17] as well as providing beneficial pain relief when use with Melissa officinalis after orthopaedic surgery [22].

On a more sensory level, chamomile is calming and cooling which can be helpful in just handling pain.

Animals

Chamomile is such a gentle herb that it can even be used effectively with animals. It has a calming effect when sprinkled on their food twice a day.

Miscellaneous

Other uses of chamomile include its inclusion as a flavouring agent in alcohol, bitter tonics and teas as well as desserts and sweets [4] Cosmetically it can be used as a hair wash by those with blonde hair it can help keep the tone light [4].

References:

Websites

1. Commonwealth Herbs: https://commonwealthherbs.com/chamomile-herb-week/
2. Herbs with Rosalee – https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/chamomile-benefits.html

Books

3. Easley, T. and Horne, S. 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.
4. Rose, N. 2019. The Prisoner’s Herbal. London:Active Distribution.
5. Codekas, C. 2018. Healing Herbal Infusions. Salem: Page Street Publishing.
6. Hoffman, D. 2003. Medical Herbalism. Rochester:Healing Arts Press.
7. Fowler, A. 2019. A Modern Herbal. London:Michael Joseph.
8. Wood, M. 2008. The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1. Berkeley:North Atlantic Books.
9. Langeslier, K. 2020. Herbal Revolution. Salem:Page Street Publishing.
10. Chown, V. and Walker, K. 2017. The Handmade Apothecary. London:Kyle Books.
11. Richardson, N. 2020. Your Period Handbook: Natural Solutions for Stress Free Menstruation. London:Aeon Press.

Journals/Articles

12. Glowania, H. J., Raulin, C. and Swodoba, M. 1987. Effect of camomile on wound healing – A clinical double-blind study.
13. Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E. and Gupta, S. 2010. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. 2010.
14. Mao, J. J., Xie, S. X., Keefe, J.R., Soeller, I., Li, Q. S. and Amsterdam, J. D. 2016. Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. In: Phytomedicine. 23(14):1735-1742.
15. Keefe, J. R., Mao, J.J., Soeller, I., Li, Q.S. and Amsterdam, J.D. 2016. Short-term open-label chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. 23(14):1699-1705.
16. Bigagli, E., Cinci, L., D’Ambrosio, M. and Luceri, C. 2017. Pharmacological activities of an eye drop containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts in UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation of human corneal cells. In: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B. 173:618-625.
17. Zargaran, A., Borhani-Haghighi, A., Salehi-Marzijarani, M., et al. 2018. Evaluation of the effect of topical chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oleogel as pain relief in migraine without aura: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. In: Neurological Sciences. 39(8):1345-1353.
18. Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Q.S., Xie, S.X. and Mao, J.J. 2019. Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression [published online ahead of print. In: Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 10.1089/acm.2019.0252.
19. Pattanittum, P., Kunyanone, N., Brown, J., et al. 2016. Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea. In: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 3:CD002124.
20. Soltani, M., Moghimian, M., Abtahi-Eivari, S. H., Shoorei, H., Khaki, A. and Shokoohi M. 2018. Protective Effects of Matricaria chamomilla Extract on Torsion/ Detorsion-Induced Tissue Damage and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rat Testis. In: International Journal of Fertility and Sterility. 12(3):242-248.
21. Reeza, S. et al. 2020. Evaluating the effect of Matricaria chamomilla and Melissa officinalis on pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management in patients after orthopedic surgery. In: International Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology.