Chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla

Detailed Description

There is wisdom in old sayings—“Take off your hat to chamomile, kneel before elder,” and “Where there is chamomile and bistort, there is no pain, there is no death.”

Botanical Information

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual herb reaching up to 80 cm in height. Its roots are shallow and remain close to the surface. The stem is smooth, green, upright, and branched. The long, straight leaves are either bipinnate or tripinnate. Flowering begins in early summer. The blossoms, measuring 1–3 cm across, grow from a branched inflorescence, with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, each ray typically having five teeth. The flowers exude a strong, aromatic scent. The fruit is a yellow-brown achene.

Origin and Distribution

Chamomile is found throughout most of Europe and the temperate parts of Asia. It is widely cultivated, especially in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, France, Russia, former Yugoslav republics, and Brazil. The largest exports go to Germany where the plant’s essential oils are distilled. Chamomile has also been introduced and is cultivated in regions of India, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Jammu, and Kashmir, as well as in North and South America, New Zealand, and Australia. Wild chamomile favors roadsides, fields, and meadows.

Usage / Dosage

Chamomile is extensively used not only in traditional herbal remedies but also in cosmetics. Many commercially available products contain chamomile in some form. For generations, chamomile has been regarded as a universal remedy, particularly suitable for children and infants. Its Latin name, derived from “mater” (mother), reflects its historic popularity as a healing herb for women and girls. Ancient Egyptians revered chamomile as the plant of the sun god, and the Swiss herbalist J. Kunzle frequently praised its virtues.

One of its most notable compounds, bisabolol, has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiseptic activity. The antimicrobial effects (not limited to bisabolol) have been verified in several in vivo studies with evidence for inhibition of bacterial colonization in gram-negative strains. Polysaccharides in chamomile have verified antibacterial, immunostimulant, and some antiviral properties. Clinical research has shown that chamomile extracts support epithelialization and tissue regeneration, especially when used as a mouthwash, likely owing to apigenin.

A 2006 review summarizes scientific evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on chamomile’s benefits. Animal research indicates chamomile possesses spasmolytic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic effects. In diabetic rodent studies, chamomile extract was linked to reduced blood glucose levels and lower postprandial glycemia in ill animals. Other studies showed improved cholesterol levels and lipid profiles.

Extracts also show promise against leishmaniasis. Additional effects observed in vivo are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, anti-ulcer, and supportive of healing for intestinal diseases, epithelialization, and granulation, and the reduction of localized inflammation and swelling. Chamomile promotes skin barrier healing, enhances skin comfort, and stimulates wound healing processes including epithelialization and granulation of minor wounds.

Benzoic acid derivatives have shown antipyretic potential. Sesquiterpenes and azulenes are responsible for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic actions. The anti-inflammatory potential of chamomile extract has also been observed by measuring TNF-alpha levels in mice. Smaller clinical studies have reported that chamomile reduces swelling and pain in joints and improves flexibility, as well as lower back pain, although statistical significance was not reached.

Chamomile essential oil has been tested for osteoarthritic knee pain, with local topical applications helping to alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and swelling. Compared to mefenamic acid, chamomile extracts showed a more significant reduction in the severity and frequency of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, indicating a potential analgesic effect.

Animal studies highlight chamomile's strong antioxidant and antidiarrheal effects, which are dose-dependent and affect intestinal fluid balance. In human patients with acute diarrhea, a combination of myrrh, chamomile extract, and activated charcoal was shown to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated—comparable to standard therapeutic care in international studies.

The terpene-rich essential oils in chamomile assist bile acid secretion and promote digestion. Bisabolol appears to help heal gastric ulcers. Chamomile independently supports digestion, soothes smooth muscle spasms in the digestive tract, helps metabolize consumed fatty acids, and regulates appetite.

A small clinical study found that postpartum women drinking chamomile tea experienced reduced anxiety, insomnia, boredom, and depression. Substantial research highlights using chamomile alone for restlessness, to promote relaxation and mental wellness. Chamomile baths can calm frazzled nerves and relieve exhaustion.

Chamomile contains bioflavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, known for anti-angiogenic effects, which may explain their inclusion in experimental treatments for tumors and cancerous conditions. Animal in vivo studies describe an anticancer effect via suppression of neovascularization and support for healthy cell production.

Environmental and in vivo tests show chamomile constituents reduce oxidative markers (peroxides, peroxidized lipids, heavy metals) through various mechanisms, underscoring their antioxidant benefits. This antioxidant action may further explain its anti-inflammatory effects, as acknowledged by health authorities reviewing evidence on health claims. Coupled with immunomodulating agents, chamomile’s antioxidant activity positively stimulates the immune system, helping the body target immune responses to both external and internal stressors.

Inhalation of steam from chamomile tea or decoctions opens the airways, relieves respiratory symptoms (such as a runny nose), and reduces the severity of colds and flu. Chamomile supports respiratory tract health and soothes symptoms like cough and labored breathing during respiratory infections.

Traditional and Folk Uses

In folk medicine, chamomile is consumed as a tea or decoction for its antiflogistic (anti-inflammatory), carminative (anti-bloating), spasmolytic (anti-cramping), analgesic (pain-relieving), and diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) benefits. It is recommended for gastrointestinal cramps, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Topically, chamomile promotes wound healing, helps treat inflammation of the mouth, mucous membranes, eye conjunctiva, and the urogenital tract. Internally, it is used for catarrh of the GI tract, gastric ulcers, asthma, and allergies. In traditional medicine, chamomile inhalations are used to treat colds and upper respiratory tract infections, including for infants. Sometimes it is recommended as a mild laxative with anti-inflammatory action.

Cautions

Excessive intake can, in rare cases, cause nausea and vomiting. Reports of skin rashes are very rare (only one case documented).

Active Compounds

The key constituents of chamomile include sesquiterpenes (azulene, apigenin, bisabolene, bisabolol, borneol, caryophyllene, farnesene, farnesol, geraniol, germacrene, guaiazulene, chamazulene, chamomillol, caryophyllene, kaempferol, nerolidol, thujone, matricarin, and more), aromatic acids (salicylic, caffeic, dihydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic), coumarins (coumarin, coumaric acid, herniarin, umbelliferone), steroids (sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids (patuletin, quercetin, rutin, quercitrin), flavanones (naringenin and others), carbohydrates (glucose, fructose), essential oils (1-3%, mainly monoterpenes and polyynes), polyacetylenes, glycosides (4-methoxycinnamic acid derivatives), plus vitamins C, B1, and B2.

To date, 120 chemical compounds have been identified in chamomile as secondary metabolites, including 28 terpenoids, 36 flavonoids, and 52 other bioactive compounds.

Traditional Dosage

Chamomile is commonly taken as an infusion—one to two teaspoons (5–10 grams) steeped in 250 ml of water just off the boil (up to 95°C) for 10–15 minutes in a covered vessel. Depending on concerns and complaints, chamomile may be taken 1–3 times daily (best on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating) for several days up to three months.

For washes or as a bath additive, two handfuls of chamomile are scalded and steeped briefly. The same applies for warm compresses (alternatively steeped in milk). For inhalation, pour boiling water over chamomile and breathe in the steam under a towel. Chamomile ointment is made by warming 250g of pork lard with two handfuls of chamomile, mixing, and letting it stand overnight in a cool place. The next day, gently warm the mixture again and strain through a linen cloth into clean jars or containers.