Chamomile has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek and Egyptian medical guidelines for conditions ranging from nervous disorders to infection, but like many traditional remedies, chamomile's benefits haven't been subjected to modern scientific inquiry. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of its traditional use. As with any herbal remedy, if you're considering adding chamomile flower to your health regimen, check with your health care provider to discuss the herb's benefits and risks.
Identification
When people talk about the benefits of the chamomile flower, they're usually talking about German chamomile. Though there's another common type of chamomile, known as Roman chamomile, most of the research involving chamomile has been done using German chamomile, explains MedLine Plus, an online health information resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Chamomile flowers look like miniature daisies, with white petals circling around a yellow center.
Significance
It's not clear exactly what ingredients in chamomile give the flower its potency, but chamomile's essential oils may have the ability to soothe inflammation as well as having mild antibacterial, antifungal and antibacterial powers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benefits
Though research into the benefits of the chamomile flower is limited, early studies show some promise for treating certain health conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Chamomile flower may help soothe anxiety and relieve insomnia, improve digestive health issues and relieve skin discomfort such as eczema, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Use
Chamomile flower can be used in a few different ways, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Steep 2 or 3 generous tablespoons of fresh or dried chamomile flowers for 15 to 20 minutes in hot water to make a tea, or add fresh chamomile flowers to boiling water to make an herbal infusion for inhalation. For irritated skin, add handfuls of fresh or dried chamomile flowers to your bathwater or mix ground chamomile flowers with water to make a thick paste to treat skin irritation.
Warning
Allergic reactions, including shortness of breath and anaphylaxis, are common in people who take chamomile internally or topically, especially for people who have allergies to ragweed or other plants in the Asteraceae family. If you have allergies, check with your health care provider before using chamomile. Chamomile may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people who have existing bleeding disorders. Because chamomile can cause sleepiness, you shouldn't take it if you plan to participate in activities that require you to be alert, such as driving.
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