German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, has a long history as an herbal folk remedy in the treatment of anxiety, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal upset, gingivitis and skin ailments. Primarily ingested as a tea, chamomile shows evidence of efficacy in human studies that back up its popular claims. While generally considered safe, chamomile---a relative of daisy and ragweed---should be used with caution in individuals who are allergic to plants in the daisy or ragweed family.
Sedative
Animal studies suggest that low doses of chamomile relieve anxiety, while high doses promote sleep, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In the August 2009 volume of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, a study demonstrates chamomile's anti-anxiety properties in human subjects suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Drink a cup of chamomile tea to relax after a stressful day or before bed, but use with discretion if you're taking any medication that already has a sedative effect.
Muscle Relaxant
Chamomile relaxes smooth muscle and is useful in relieving symptoms of abdominal and menstrual cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, gas and colic. A study described in the January 4, 2005, issue of Science Daily, attributes chamomile's antispasmodic effect to elevated levels of glycine---an amino acid known to ease muscle cramps---in the blood of study participants who ingested chamomile tea daily for two weeks. Consume several cups per day to benefit from chamomile's antispasmodic properties.
Analgesic
Mouth ulcers and gingivitis are often debilitating effects of chemotherapy and dental disease. Chamomile tea used as a mouthwash showed significant reduction in patients' oral pain in a study described in the July-August 2006 volume of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Rinse with cool chamomile tea as often as necessary to relieve the pain associated with mouth sores.
Anti-Inflammatory
Chamomile is traditionally used as a cream or ointment for skin irritation and eczema, as stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center. While animal studies indicate that chamomile reduces inflammation, human clinical trials on topical chamomile preparations show mixed results. Research found that chamomile demonstrates a mechanism of action similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a study described in the November 4, 2009, volume of Life Sciences. Exercise caution when using chamomile topically, however, if you are allergic to ragweed.
Blood Thinner
Coumarin, the precursor to the anticoagulant dicumarol, is found in modest amounts in chamomile. As reported in the April 25, 2006, volume of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the potential exists for interactions between chamomile and blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin. Avoid ingesting chamomile if you take any kind of blood-thinning medication, including aspirin.
Member Comments