Chamomile

Chamomile

The medicinal herb Chamomile as an alternative herbal remedy – Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.Common Names–chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names–Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita Picture of Chamomile

• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) was traditionally used to help relieve occasional simple nervous tension. This herb helps to gently soothe and lessen frustration caused by common everyday overwork and fatigue. Active ingredients include volatile oil, flavonoids, valerianic acid, coumarins, tannins, salicylates and cyanogenic glycosides.

What Chamomile Is Used For

• Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.
• The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.
• It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How Chamomile Is Used

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

Herbal Remedy Products with Chamomile as one of the active ingredients

• Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.
• The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.
• It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

• This herbal product Serenite Jr™ contains the herb chamomile.

Serenite Jr™ – Herbal remedy to promote healthy sleep patterns for restful nights & refreshed mornings Promotes healthy sleep patterns in children and babies Helps settle occasional nighttime restlessness and fussiness Promotes healthy, restful sleep Helps manage common teething-related sleep disturbances Non-addictive and easy-to-administer Gentle enough for babies 6 months and older

• This herbal product Focus Formula™ contains the herb chamomile.

Focus Formula™ – Herbal supplement for mental focus Promotes concentration and healthy attention spans to stay on task Supports brain functions including concentration, information processing & memory Encourages normal energy levels and helps maintain a balanced mood

BioVent Drops™ – Natural remedy reduces asthmatic symptoms and improves respiratory function Improves respiratory functioning Reduces frequency and severity of asthma attacks Reduces allergic reactions Ensures strong immune system functioning Reduces stress-related asthma and respiratory problems Relaxes bronchioles and prevents bronchospasms

What the Science Says about Chamomile

• Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.
• Some early studies point to chamomile’s possible benefits for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children.
• NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children’s bowel disorders.

Side Effects and Cautions about Chamomile

• There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
• People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.