Chamomile

Overview information

Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) is a well-known medicinal plant. The two common varieties are German and Roman chamomile. This extraordinary herb is commonly used to treat many ailments such as hay fever, insomnia, and inflammation. Because of its medicinal value, chamomile is often referred to as the star among medicinal species.

Active Compounds in Chamomile

Chamomile possesses many healing properties because it contains different compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids, natural compounds with pharmacological effects:

• α-bisabolol: an aromatic oil with anti-cancer properties and low toxicity for human cells.

• Bisabolol oxide A & B: compounds present in chamomile oil with pain relieving properties

• Chamazulene: an aromatic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

• Farnesene: a hydrocarbon that reduces oxidative stress.

• Apigenin: an effective anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compound

• Quercetin: a plant pigment that combats aging and oxidative stress

• Patuletin: a compound that relieves muscle spasms

  • Health Benefits of Chamomile

    Chamomile Reduces Inflammation

    Inflammation occurs due to the buildup of cyclooxygenase (COX) and nitric oxide (NO). A study in rats concluded that chamomile contains three terpenoids (α-bisabolol, bisabolol oxide A, and guaiazulene) that reduce inflammation by inhibiting COX. NO is produced by white blood cells in response to a threat or disease, and in high amounts can be toxic and leads to inflammation. Studies show that chamomile is an effective anti-inflammatory agent through decreasing NO production.

    Chamomile Alleviates Heartburn

    A study on 149 patients showed that chamomile, in combination with other herbs, effectively reduced heartburn in patients with several digestive disorders. However, because the treatment was a combination that included other herbs, the effectiveness of chamomile alone was not measured.

    Chamomile Treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease

    Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic disorders characterized by disruption and ulceration of the digestive tract. Herbal extracts are an effective and natural treatment for inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. A study on rat colon samples revealed that chamomile extract is able to decrease inflammation by reducing serotonin levels and inflammatory molecules (MPO, IL-6, NF-kB, TNFα, PGE2, and 8-iso-PGF2α).

    Chamomile Relieves Mucositis

    Mucositis is the painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the gut. A study involving 98 patients concluded that a mouth rinse of chamomile reduced symptoms of mucositis and prevented occurrence of severe mucositis in patients.

    Chamomile Reduces Eczema

    Eczema, medically known as atopic dermatitis, is an itchy inflammation of the skin. A study on rats concluded that German chamomile oil alleviates skin inflammation after application to the skin for 4 weeks.

    Chamomile Promotes Skin Healing

    Several animal studies have shown that chamomile extract promotes wound healing. Chamomile extract increased the rate of wound contraction and skin-cell formation in rats by increasing hydroxyproline (a peptide found in the skin that is responsible for healing). A study (RCT) involving 72 patients suggested that chamomile-treated wounds or cuts caused by surgery heal faster compared to those treated with hydrocortisone cream.

  • Chamomile Improves Sleep Quality

    A study (RCT) on 80 postnatal women with poor sleep quality showed that drinking chamomile tea significantly improved in sleep quality after 2 weeks. Another study (RCT) involving 80 elderly people over 60 yielded similar results. After 4 weeks of oral consumption of chamomile extract, the participants improved their sleep quality.

  • Chamomile Reduces Anxiety And Depression

    Chamomile can be used as a treatment for patients with generalized anxiety disorder by reducing depression, restlessness, and constant worrying. Several studies (RCT) concluded that long-term chamomile consumption reduces generalized anxiety disorder symptoms without significant side effects.

    Furthermore, a study has revealed that aromatherapy with Roman chamomile oil over a 2-week period reduced depressive-like behaviors in rats.

  • Chamomile May Slow Down Cancer

    Antioxidant compounds in chamomile have anti-cancer effects. Chamomile extract prevents and slows the progression of human breast cancer in a time and dose-dependent manner in a cell-based model. Roman chamomile suppresses the growth of breast cancer cells by killing cancer cells. Several studies have shown that apigenin, a compound in chamomile, inhibits growth in gut cancer cells.

    One major benefit of chamomile is that it minimally harms normal cells. Studies have shown that chamomile has low toxic effects as well as minimal growth inhibition in normal cells.

  • Chamomile Helps Reduce Diabetes Complications

    A study on rats showed that chamomile extract decreases blood sugar by reducing glucose absorption in the intestine. Due to excess blood sugar, individuals who suffer from diabetes have delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infections. A study on diabetic rats concluded that chamomile extract can improve the healing of oral ulcers by slowing down the rate of cell death (apoptosis) in the lining of vessels.

    In a study (RCT) involving 64 diabetic patients, chamomile tea showed beneficial effects on blood sugar control and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes.

  • Chamomile Alleviates Pain

    Stomach (perineal) pain is the most common complaint of mothers after surgical cuts to aid childbirth delivery. A triple-blind study of 114 women showed that chamomile cream can reduce this pain in women who have given birth for the first time. According to a study (RCT) involving patients with knee osteoarthritis, chamomile oil significantly reduced patients’ need for pain relievers.

  • Chamomile Relieves Xerostomia Symptoms

    Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth syndrome, is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva. In a study (DB-RCT) of 74 participants with xerostomia, a chamomile saliva substitute was effective in relieving symptoms in older participants. Participants who took chamomile experienced relief in the mouth and had better ease in swallowing food.

  • Chamomile Rids Parasites in the Gut

    A cell-based study showed that chamomile extracts exhibit anti-parasitic activity against Haemonchus contortus. Chamomile inhibited egg hatching and led to worm paralysis and/or death even at low concentrations.

    Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the presence of worms from the Anisakis genus in the gut. This disease is usually contracted through consumption of raw or undercooked fish. Symptoms of anisakiasis include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. An animal study concluded that chamomile essential oil can treat anisakiasis by producing damage to the parasite’s muscular and digestive systems, and ultimately killing, the worms.

  • Dose and Way of Usage

    Before each meal, have a cup.

  • Side Effects of Chamomile

    Chamomile May Trigger Allergic Reactions

    People who have allergic reactions to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies should avoid chamomile because they contain the same proteins. Although rare, chamomile may trigger allergic reactions such as skin rashes, asthma, and inflammation of the eyes. In rare cases, chamomile may lead to anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

  • Chamomile Interacts with Some Drugs

    Chamomile interacts with drugs such as warfarin, a common anticoagulant (anti-blood clotting). Warfarin is broken down by two proteins (CYP1A2 and CYP2C9), which are inhibited by chamomile. In a case study, a patient taking warfarin along with chamomile experienced increased internal bleeding.

    Cyclosporine is a drug that suppresses the immune system and is widely used in organ transplants to prevent organ rejection. Cyclosporine is broken down by the enzyme CYP3A4. Chamomile is known to decrease CYP3A4. Hence, patients taking cyclosporine should avoid chamomile products to prevent toxic buildup of cyclosporine in the body.