Camomile, more often called chamomile, is a general name for two species of plants: German camomile, Matricaria recutita, and Roman or English camomile, Chamaemelum nobile. Both species are found in Asia, Europe and North America. While German camomile is the more common variety, both are used similarly as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiviral properties.
Features
Camomile is related to the daisy and blooms into small, fragrant, yellow and white flowers in June and July. Camomile stems can grow up to 3 feet tall. It grows freely along roadsides, and in fields and gardens, preferring drier areas. Volatile oils found in the camomile flowers are the source of their healing properties.
History
Egyptians, Romans and Greeks have used camomile for thousands of years. The English Chamomile Company traces the herb's use back to ancient Egypt, where it served as an offering to the gods and was highly revered for treating "ague," or fever. The name camomile comes from the Greek word "chamomaela," meaning "ground apple," given to the plant after its fruity aroma of apples or quinces.
Uses
Camomile is used as a holistic treatment for a wide variety of health concerns. Camomile contains a mild sedative that depresses the central nervous system and relaxes muscles. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites easing anxiety and insomnia as the most common use of camomile in the United States. As a digestive aid, camomile is used to treat stomach and menstrual cramps, irritable bowls, indigestion and diarrhea. Other uses include preventing wound infection, reducing arthritic inflammation, healing mouth sores and soothing such skin conditions as eczema.
Forms
Camomile flowers are often boiled into a tea and imbibed before bed as a sleep aid. Alternately camomile can be consumed as an essential oil extract or as a supplement in capsule form. Camomile is also used in mouthwash, lotion and hair conditioner, and it is added to bath products because of its soothing properties and pleasant aroma.
Cautions
Although camomile is generally considered to be safe, it is a folk or holistic medicine, with little scientific evidence currently available to support the plant's medical uses. Creighton University Medical Center cautions against ingesting camomile while pregnant because it may have slight abortive properties. Allergic reactions may also occur in people with allergies to ragweed and other plants in the daisy family. Camomile should be avoided in combination with other sleep medications because it may increase the potency of the drugs.
