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Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients.

Most American chamomile products are not standardized to any particular constituent. Many German chamomile products, such as Kamillosan®, which contains 20mg chamomile essential oil per 100 grams of cream, are standardized to a minimum value of chamazulene and alpha-bisobolol. Tablets and capsules of chamomile may be standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin and 0.5% essential oil per dose. Examples of standardized chamomile preparations include Nutritional Dynamics German Chamomile® (400mg chamomile flower per capsule, standardized to 1.25% apigenin and 0.5% essential oil), Nature's way® German chamomile (125mg extract standardized to 1.25% apigenin), and Nature's way® German Chamomile (350mg chamomile flower per capsule, standardized to essential oil).

Adults (18 years and older)

Tea/infusion : 150 milliliters of boiling water over 2 to 4 grams of fresh flower heads then steeped for 10 minutes, has been taken by mouth 3 times daily. One to 4 cups of chamomile tea taken daily (from tea bags) has also been used.

Liquid extract/tincture: As a liquid extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol), 1 to 4 milliliters taken by mouth 3 times daily has been used. As a tincture (1:5 in alcohol), 15 milliliters taken 3 to 4 times per day has been used.

Capsules/tablets : 400 to 1,600 milligrams taken by mouth daily in divided doses has been used.

Skin use: There are no standard doses for chamomile used on the skin. Some natural medicine publications have recommended paste, plaster, or ointment containing 3% to 10% chamomile flower heads.

Douche: There is no standard or well-studied dose for chamomile used as a douche. Some natural medicine publications have recommended a preparation containing 3% to 10% chamomile.

Mouth-rinse/gargle: 1% fluid extract or 5% tincture has been used.

Bath: 5 grams of chamomile per liter (1/4 gallon) of water or 0.8 grams of alcoholic extract per liter of water has been used.

Children (younger that 18 years)

There is not enough reliable scientific data available to recommend the safe use of chamomile products in children. Some natural medicine textbooks recommend that the dose of chamomile tea for children should be half of the adult dose.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

There are multiple reports of serious allergic reactions to chamomile taken by mouth or as an enema, including anaphylaxis, throat swelling, and shortness of breath. Skin allergic reactions have been frequently reported, including dermatitis and eczema. Chamomile eyewash can cause allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye).

People with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae ( Compositae ) family should avoid chamomile. Examples include: aster, chrysanthemum, mugwort, ragweed and ragwort. Cross-reactions may occur with celery, chrysanthemum, feverfew, tansy, and birch pollen. Individuals with allergies to these plants should avoid chamomile. Contact skin allergy has been reported.

Tags: Herbal Medicine

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