Herbs & Supplements

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Uses

Note: Many different species of chamomile grow throughout the world. The type commonly available in the United States is known as German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). It is slightly different from the Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobilis or Anthemis nobilis) that is more common in Europe. While these two plants belong to different species, they are closely related and both are used for similar conditions.

In the United States, oral chamomile is used primarily for relaxation and sleep. However, its reputation is based mainly on tradition. Although few human studies have been conducted to evaluate chamomile, it has shown some sedating and anti-anxiety effects for laboratory animals. In one study, chamomile attached to receptors in the body that are also the targets of prescription sedative medications. Low doses produced a calming effect, while higher doses were more likely to cause sleep.

Chamomile also has antispasmodic effects, which means it may relieve or prevent uncomfortable muscle contractions--especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it has also been used to treat minor gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, motion sickness, and stomach cramps. Bisabolol, one of the chemicals in chamomile has shown antispasmodic activity in studies of laboratory animals. A small study of infants with colic showed that a tea containing chamomile and four other herbal ingredients relieved symptoms of colic about twice as often as a liquid with no active ingredients. All the children in the study were over two weeks old.

Chamomile is also thought to have a soothing effect on the tissues inside the mouth, nose, and throat. Sometimes, chamomile is boiled in water and the steam is inhaled to relieve a stuffy nose or congested chest. A chamomile mouthwash has been tested in clinical studies for the relief of mucositis--painful mouth sores that may develop in patients receiving radiation or drug therapy for cancer. Results are conflicting, however. In one study of about 100 cancer patients, a chamomile mouth rinse helped to prevent, delay, or lessen the occurrence of mucositis; but no particular benefit was seen in a later study. More research is needed for all of the potential oral uses of chamomile.

Topically, chamomile can be applied to the skin as a wash or a poultice for hemorrhoids and minor skin irritations. A poultice is usually a soft cloth that has been soaked in a medication, possibly heated, and applied to an aching or injured area of skin surface. Chamomile contains chemicals in a group known as azulenes, which are believed to block the production of histamine by body cells. Histamine is a chemical released in allergic responses. It causes inflammation, itching, and muscle spasms. Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that chamomile has anti-inflammatory effects. It may also be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, but no animal or human studies verify its anti-infective activity.