Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile)

by MedlinePlus

Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and is widely used in Europe. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including sleep disorders, anxiety, digestion/intestinal conditions, skin infections/inflammation (including eczema), wound healing, infantile colic, teething pains, and diaper rash. In the United States, chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea preparations advertised for mild sedating effects.

German chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ) and Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ) are the two major types of chamomile used for health conditions. They are believed to have similar effects on the body, although German chamomile may be slightly stronger. Most research has used German chamomile, which is more commonly used everywhere except for England, where Roman chamomile is more common.

Although chamomile is widely used, there is not enough reliable research in humans to support its use for any condition. Despite its reputation as a gentle medicinal plant, there are many reports of allergic reactions in people after eating or coming into contact with chamomile preparations, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Common cold

In early study, inhaling steam with chamomile extract has been reported to help common cold symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Diarrhea in children

Preliminary study reports that chamomile with apple pectin may reduce the length of time that children experience diarrhea. However, neither the design nor the results are well reported, and it is not clear if benefits might be due to chamomile or to pectin.

Gastrointestinal conditions

Chamomile is used traditionally for numerous gastrointestinal conditions, including digestion disorders, "spasm" or colic, upset stomach, flatulence (gas), ulcers, and gastrointestinal irritation. However, there is no reliable human research in any of these areas. In large doses, chamomile may cause vomiting.A brief meta-analysis using a combination product, STW 5 (containing Iberis, peppermint, chamomile) concluded that STW 5 appears to be a valid therapeutic option for patients seeking phytotherapy for their symptoms of functional dyspepsia. However since this is a combination product more study of chamomile alone for this condition is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

Hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder irritation with bleeding)

Preliminarystudy reports that the combination of chamomile baths plus chamomile bladder washes and antibiotics is superior to antibiotics alone for hemorrhagic cystitis. Additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be reached. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a potentially serious condition for which medical attention should be sought.

Hemorrhoids

Preliminary study reports that chamomile ointment may improve hemorrhoids. Better evidence is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Mucositis from cancer treatment (mouth ulcers/irritation)

Poor-quality studies have used chamomile mouthwash for the prevention or treatment of mouth mucositis caused by radiation therapy or cancer chemotherapy. Results are conflicting, and it remains unclear if chamomile is helpful in this situation.

Quality of life in cancer patients

A small amount of research suggests that massage using chamomile essential oil may improve anxiety and quality of life in cancer patients. However, this evidence is not high quality. It is not clear if this approach is superior to massage alone without essential oils. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Sleep aid / sedation

Traditionally, chamomile preparations such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy have been used for insomnia and sedation (calming effects). Small, poor-quality studies report mild hypnotic effects of chamomile aromatherapy and possible sedative properties of tea, although there are no well-designed human trials in these areas. Better research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)

Vaginitis may involve itching, discharge, or pain with urination. Chamomile douche may improve symptoms of vaginitis with few side effects. Because infection (including sexually transmitted diseases), poor hygiene, or nutritional deficiencies can cause vaginitis, medical attention should be sought by people with this condition. Better research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn regarding the role of chamomile in the management of vaginitis.

Post-operative sore throat/hoarseness due to intubation

A human trial compared chamomile extract spray with normal saline spray (control), administered before placement of a breathing tube (endotracheal tube), to determine effects on post-operative sore throat and hoarseness. Chamomile was found not to prevent post-operative sore throat and hoarseness any more than normal saline.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abdominal bloating, abrasions, abscesses, acne, anorexia, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipruritic, antiseptic, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bedsores, blocked tear ducts, burns, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chickenpox, constipation, contact dermatitis, convulsions, delirium tremens (DTs), diaper rash, diaphoretic, diuretic (increasing urination), dysmenorrhea, ear infections, eye infections, fever, fistula healing, flu-like symptoms, frostbite, fungal infections, gas, gingivitis, gum irritation, hay fever, heartburn, heat rash, hives, impetigo, infantile colic, insect bites, intestinal cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, liver disorders, malaria, mastitis (breast inflammation), menstrual disorders, morning sickness, morphine withdrawal, motion sickness, nausea, neuralgia (nerve pain), osteoporosis, parasites/worms, perineal healing, poison ivy, psoriasis, restlessness, sciatica, sea sickness, seizure disorder, sinusitis, skin infections, teething pain (mouth rinse), uterine disorders.

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