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 Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain chamomile. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacists or health care providers before starting. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two major types of chamomile used for health conditions. They are believed to have similar medical effects, although German chamomile may be slightly stronger. Most research has used German chamomile, which is more commonly used everywhere except for England, where Roman chamomile is more common. Scientists have studied chamomile for the following health problems:
Chamomile has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking chamomile for any unproven use.
Allergies People should avoid chamomile if they are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. Examples include aster, chrysanthemum, mugwort, ragweed and ragwort. Chamomile tea has been reported to cause difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) and allergic skin reactions in some individuals. Chamomile eyewash may cause allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). Side Effects Impurities in chamomile products may cause side effects. Studies report that chamomile is usually well tolerated, except in patients with allergic reactions triggering asthma or causing skin rash. Chamomile may cause drowsiness in some individuals. Use caution if you are driving or operating heavy machinery. In theory, chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking chamomile before some types of surgery; discuss this with your health care provider. In large doses, chamomile can cause vomiting. An older, poor-quality study reports slight increases in blood pressure from chamomile, but this is not enough evidence to make a firm conclusion. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding In theory, chamomile may act as a uterine stimulant or may cause abortion; it should be avoided during pregnancy. Chamomile is usually not recommended during breast-feeding, because there is not enough research in this area. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs In theory, chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with chamomile, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Chamomile may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Be aware that many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl) or disulfiram (Antabuse). An extract containing Marticaria chamomile, Sideritis euboea, Sideritis clandestine, and Pimpinella anisum was associated with selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) properties against osteoporosis. Theoretically, chamomile may interact with SERM drugs such as raloxifene or tamoxifen, a prescription drug used for cancer. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements In theory, chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic (Allium sativum). Chamomile may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Tinctures contain alcohol and may increase these effects. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Like other herbal products, chamomile concentration is not standardized. Storage and method of extraction are believed to play an important role on the stability of chamomile constituents. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Tea or infusion: A dose of 150 milliliters of boiling water poured over three grams of fresh flower heads then steeped for 10 minutes has been taken three times per day by mouth. One to four cups of chamomile tea (from tea bags) has also been used daily. Liquid extract: A dose of one to four milliliters (1:1 in 45 percent alcohol) three times per day has been taken by mouth. Tincture: A dose of 15 milliliters (1:5) three to four times per day has been taken by mouth. Capsules or tablets: A dose of 400 to 1,600 milligrams has been taken in divided doses by mouth daily. There are no standard doses for chamomile used on the skin, in douches or as mouthwash. The following doses are based on natural medicine publications and textbooks: Paste, plaster or ointment: A topical preparation containing 3 percent to 10 percent chamomile flower heads has been used. Douches: Preparations of 3 percent to 10 percent chamomile have been used as a douche. Mouth rinse or gargle: A dose of 1 percent fluid extract or 5 percent tincture has been used. Bath: A dose of five grams of chamomile per liter (1/4 gallon) of water or 0.8 grams of alcoholic extract per liter of water has been used. Children (Younger Than 18) There are not enough scientific data to recommend chamomile for children. Some natural medicine textbooks recommend that the dose of chamomile tea for children should be half of the adult dose. Chamomile is popular as a home remedy for many conditions. Teas and liquid extracts are used as a sleep aid and for anxiety. Ointments and baths are sometimes used to treat rashes, eczema and skin irritation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend chamomile for any health problem. Even though most people think of chamomile as being a mild plant, there are many reports of allergic reactions in those taking chamomile by mouth or using it on their skin. People taking drugs or herbs should be careful when taking chamomile because there may be a greater chance of bleeding. Chamomile may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by other drugs or herbs. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Chamomile Natural Standard reviewed more than 150 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated June 02, 2005 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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