Scientific Name: Chamomile
Other Names: Anthemis nobilis, Genuine chamomile, German Chamomile, Goberneradora, Hungarian chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, Roman Chamomile

Who is this for?

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--very few human studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of chamomile. However, it has shown some sedating and anti-anxiety properties for laboratory animals. In one study, chamomile attached to receptors in the body that are also the targets of prescription sedative medications. Receptors are specialized places within cells that attract only certain substances. 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 (GI) tract. Therefore, it has also been used to treat minor GI 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 does have some anti-inflammatory effects. It may also be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, but no animal or human studies verify its anti-infective activity.

Some evidence shows that chamomile can worsen asthma; therefore, individuals with asthma should avoid using it.

Pregnant women should not take chamomile because its antispasmodic effects may relax the uterus, potentially causing a miscarriage.

Precautions

If chamomile is applied to the skin, it should be kept away from the eyes. To avoid eye irritation, the eyes should not be touched if chamomile has been handled or if the hands have been used to apply chamomile cream, ointment, salve, wash, or other topical form.

What side effects should I watch for?

Vomiting has been reported after taking very high doses of chamomile.

Taking chamomile orally is not thought to affect the eyes. However, some individuals have had an allergic-type reaction to topical chamomile that was applied in or near their eyes. Results included inflammation, itching, pain, redness, swelling, and watering.

Multiple cases of skin rash from touching chamomile plants have been reported in the medical literature. Chamomile belongs to the same family of plants as daisies, chrysanthemums, and ragweed. Individuals who are sensitive to any of the plants in the same family may also be sensitive to chamomile.

What interactions should I watch for?

Prescription Drugs

Chamomile contains chemicals that may increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the antiplatelet or anticoagulant may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.

• Antiplatelet drugs include clopidogrel and Ticlid
• Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin

When chamomile is used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the prescription drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that can cause sleepiness include:

• Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam
• Drugs for insomnia such as Lunesta, Rozerem, zaleplon, and zolpidem
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin, and nortriptyline

Chamomile is broken down by certain enzymes in the liver; therefore, it may interfere with the use of prescription drugs that are processed by the same enzymes. These drugs may include:

• Allergy drugs such as fexofenadine
• Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Cancer drugs such as etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, or vincristine
• Drugs for high cholesterol such as lovastatin
• Oral contraceptives

Non-prescription Drugs

Chamomile may decrease the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so chamomile should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.

The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine and doxylamine can be enhanced by taking chamomile at the same time. Diphenhydramine and doxylamine are contained in many over-the-counter sleep aids as well as in some cough and cold products, therefore caution should be used when taking these medications with chamomile because excessive drowsiness may result.

Herbal Products

Theoretically, if chamomile is used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. The most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting include:

• Danshen
• Devil's Claw
• Eleuthero
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Gingko
• Horse Chestnut
• Papain
• Panax Ginseng
• Red Clover
• Saw Palmetto

Chamomile may cause excessive sedation if it is taken with other sedating herbs such as:

• Catnip
• Hops
• Kava
• St. John's Wort
• Valerian

Foods

No interactions between chamomile and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol when taking chamomile may result in increased drowsiness.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how chamomile interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

Should I take it?

German chamomile is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, but it now grows in most temperate climates. Its feathery leaves and white and yellow, daisy-like flowers appear on annual plants that grow to about two feet in height. Its flowers have a smell described variously as slightly like apples or pineapple. The plants spread rapidly--making them a nuisance weed for farmers and gardeners. Steam distilling German chamomile flowers produces thick, dark bluish-green oil that may fade to a tan color after several months. The effectiveness and distinct smell of German chamomile oil do not diminish over time, however.

English (Roman) chamomile flowers are very similar to those of German chamomile--with white petals surrounding a yellow center, but the plants are much different. English chamomile is a ground-covering perennial that seldom grows taller than about one foot. Its branches are covered in short fuzz. Believed to have originated in northern Europe, it grows in a much more limited area--primarily the cooler countries of Western Europe. Oil distilled from English chamomile is lighter in color, aroma, and consistency than German chamomile oil.

The flowers of either chamomile species are gathered during the summer when the plants are in full bloom. Most commonly, they are dried to be used for medicinal purposes, but chamomile flowers may also be distilled to produce oil that is used to flavor foods and also as an ingredient in cosmetics, shampoos, and soap. Chamomile may be added to stored foods or other dry goods to prevent the growth of fungus.

Dosage and Administration

Chamomile is usually taken as a tea that can be made by soaking 4 teaspoons of the dried flowers in about 6 ounces of boiling water for about 10 minutes. After the flowers are removed from the liquid, adults may take the warm or cooled tea up to four times a day. In clinical trials, infants were given tea no more than three times a day.

Commercial forms of chamomile are widely available. In the U.S., it generally comes as capsules, extracts, or tinctures. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then the solid particles are filtered out. Tinctures are less concentrated than extracts, but they are prepared in a similar way. Full strength chamomile extract or tincture can be dropped under the tongue or diluted in a drink. Strengths and directions for use differ among chamomile products, so the directions on the package purchased should be followed.

For application to the skin, chamomile tea is prepared, cooled and applied as often as needed. In Europe and South America, chamomile creams and ointments are common, but they are not readily available in the United States.

Summary

Chamomile is used mainly to promote relaxation and sleep. It is also used for motion sickness and stomach upset. Applied topically, it soothes irritated tissue.

Risks

Because chamomile might make asthma worse, individuals with asthma should not take it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid chamomile because of possible negative effects to the fetus and infants . Chamomile should be kept away from the eyes to avoid eye irritation.

Side Effects

Few side effects are associated with taking chamomile, although when it is taken in high doses, vomiting may result.

Individuals allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums or ragweed may also experience allergic reactions to chamomile.

Interactions

Because it promotes sleepiness, chamomile can increase the sedation associated with certain prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and other dietary supplements. Care should be taken when using it at the same time as taking drugs for anxiety, colds and coughs, epilepsy, or insomnia. Many other medications cause drowsiness and chamomile can also interfere with the way the body breaks down drugs in the liver, so a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before taking chamomile with any prescription, non-prescription, or herbal product.

Chamomile can also interfere with the way the body breaks down drugs in the liver. You should discuss your other medications with your doctor or pharmacist before you take chamomile.

Last Revised April 11, 2008

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Last Revised April 11, 2008

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

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