Therapeutic Uses
- Digestive Problems – Several chemicals in chamomile oil – primarily bisabolol – have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, making the herb an antispasmodic.
- Ulcers – Chamomile may help prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing. In animal studies, those who received chamomile developed significantly fewer ulcers. In addition, those who were fed chamomile recovered more quickly.
- Anxiety – a compound in chamomile oil, apigenin, binds to the same cell receptors as the family of tranquilizers and anti-anxiety drugs that includes diazepam (Valium). This suggests that chamomile would have similar effects. Chamomile also has a mild sedative effect.
- Stress – In animal studies, researchers found that in animals exposed to chamomile vapor, stress hormone levels fell significantly.
- Diarrhea – A German study found that when giving children suffering from diarrhea chamomile tea versus a placebo, those dinking the chamomile tea were significantly more likely to be cured.
- Depression – After completing psychological tests to assess mood, people were given chamomile. Their mood was observed to shift from negative toward positive. As chamomile’s mood elevating effects are mild, it is unlikely to have any effect on those with serious depression. However, for minor, everyday blues, a cup of chamomile tea might help.
- Infections – Studies show that chamomile oil applied to the skin reduces the time required for burns to heal. The herb also has anti-inflammatory action, owing to the azulene compounds it contains. Chamomile kills candida albicans yeast fungi and staphylococcus bacteria, as well as impairs replication of the polio virus.
- Enhanced Immunity – Chamomile stimulates the immune system’s infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages and B-lymphocytes).
- Women’s Health Concerns – Chamomile’s antispasmodic properties support its age-old use to soothe menstrual cramps. Chamomile can also be used to stimulate menstruation.
- Arthritis – Chamomile successfully relieves arthritis-related joint inflammation in animals. It has been used traditionally to treat arthritis in people as well.
Medicinal Uses: *Anxiety *Aromatherapy *Burns *Candida/yeast *Children *Cramps/abdominal *Dental/Oral Care *Depression *Digestion *Ear *Eczema *Facial Care *Gastritis/ulcer *Hair *Herbal Steam *Herbal Teas *IBS *Rashes *Skin Care *Sleep/Insomnia *Stress *Sunburns
Chamomile Side Effects: People who are allergic to ragweed or members of the Compositae family (chrysanthemums) should avoid contact with chamomile because it could produce dermatitis or anaphylaxis.
Chamomile Drug Interactions: Chamomile contains the natural blood-thinners known as coumarins. Since these chemicals in the herb are similar to the prescription drug warfarin (Coumadin), avoid chamomile teas when taking warfarin. If you are on blood-thinners, check with your doctor before using chamomile.
