Chamomile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

German chamomile

Roman chamomile
Chamomile or camomile (/kmmil/ KAM--meel or /kmmal/ KAM--myl)[1] is the common name for
several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae that are commonly used to make herb infusion to serve various
medicinal purposes. Popular uses of chamomile preparations include treating hay fever, inflammation, muscle
spasm, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorder, and hemorrhoids.[2]

Contents

1 Etymology
2 Species
3 Medical use
4 Pharmacology
5 Drug interactions
6 Adverse reactions

7 Pregnancy/Lactation
8 Cosmetic applications
9 Agriculture
10 See also
11 References
12 External links

Etymology
The word "chamomile" derives, via French and Latin, from Greek (khamaimlon), i.e. "earth apple",
from (khamai) "on the ground" and (mlon) "apple".[3][4] The more common British spelling
"camomile," is the older in English, while the spelling "chamomile" more accurately corresponds to the ultimate
Latin and Greek source.[5] The spelling camomile more accurately corresponds to the more immediate derivation
from French.[6]

Species
Some commonly-used species include:

Matricaria chamomilla (also known as Matricaria recutita),[7] German chamomile[8] or wild chamomile, the
most commonly-used species
Chamaemelum nobile, Roman, English or garden chamomile, also frequently used[8]

Loose leaf chamomile tea

A number of other species' common names include the word "chamomile". This does not mean they are used in the
same manner as the species used in the herbal tea known as "chamomile." Plants including the common name
"chamomile," of the family Asteraceae, are:

Anthemis arvensis, corn, scentless or field chamomile

Anthemis cotula, stinking chamomile
Cladanthus mixtus, Moroccan chamomile
Cota tinctoria, dyer's, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile
Eriocephalus punctulatus, Cape chamomile
Matricaria discoidea, wild chamomile or pineapple weed
Tripleurospermum inodorum, wild, scentless or false chamomile

Medical use
Chamomile has been used for inflammation associated with hemorrhoids when topically applied.[9] There is Level B
evidence that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and could be used to treat stress and
insomnia.[7] In 2009, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania concluded the first controlled clinical trial of
chamomile extract for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The results suggest chamomile may have modest
anxiolytic activity in patients with mild to moderate GAD, although the results have not since been replicated. [10]
Chemical components of chamomile extract have demonstrated anti-inflammatory,[2][11] antihyperglycemic,[2]
antigenotoxic,[12] and anticancer properties[2] when examined in vitro and in animal studies.[13]

Pharmacology
This section needs more medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources.
Please review the contents of the section and add the appropriate references if you can. Unsourced or
poorly sourced material may be removed. (April 2015)
Major chemical compounds present within chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol.[2][7] Other compounds
in chamomile include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins such as herniarin and umbelliferone,
phenylpropanoids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, flavones such as apigenin and luteolin, flavanols such
as quercetin and rutin, and polyacetylenes.[2][9] Apigenin has demonstrated chemopreventive effects against cancer
cells in the laboratory,[14] and alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have antiseptic properties, anti-inflammatory
properties, and reduces pepsin secretion without altering secretion of stomach acid.[9]
Anticancer effect Studies have shown that chamomile extracts have in vitro growth inhibitory effects on cancer
cells in skin, prostate, breast, ovarian, prostate cancer cell lines with minimal effects on normal cells.[2]
Anticoagulant effect Coumarin compounds in chamomile such as herniarin and umbelliferone may have bloodthinning properties. However the mechanism is not well understood.[15]
Antiinflammatory effect Several chemical constituents of chamomile such as bisabolol, chamazulene, apigenin,
and loteolin possess anti-inflammatory properties although exact mechanism is not well characterized.[2]
Antimicrobial effects Chamazulene, alpha-bisabolol, flavonoids, and umbelliferone have antifungal activities. A
number of in vitro studies showed chamomiles antimycobacteria acivity, inhibition of the growth of poliovirus and
herpes virus,[16] blockage of aggregation of Helicobacter pylori and numerous strains of Escherichia coli.
Chamomile oil was demonstrated in studies to be effective against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, and Bacillus species.[17]
Antispasmodic/antidiarrheal effects Bisabolol and flavonoids have demonstrated antispasmodic effects in animal
experiments. In human studies, chamomile tea in combination with other herbs (vervain, licorice, fennel, balm
mint) was shown to be effective in treating colic in children. Flavonoids and coumarins are considered smooth
muscle relaxants.[2][18]
CNS/sensory effects - Chemical compounds present within chamomile bind to GABA receptors, modulate
monoamine neurotransmission, and have neuroendocrine effects.[7]

Drug interactions
Apigenin and other compounds may interact with medications causing drug-drug interactions. Some of the possible
interactions include those with antiplatelet agents, anticoagulant agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Apigenin was found to interact with antiarrhythmic agents and antihypertensive agents in animal research. Other
interactions include those against sedative agents, antibiotic agents, and antianxiety agents. Remarkable symptoms
are exacerbation of effects of these agents that are used in combination with chamomile.[citation needed]

Adverse reactions
People who are allergic to ragweed (also in the daisy family) may also be allergic to chamomile, due to crossreactivity.[11][19] However, there is still some debate as to whether people with reported allergies to chamomile were
actually exposed to chamomile and not a plant of similar appearance.[2][8]

Pregnancy/Lactation
Because chamomile has been known to cause uterine contractions that can invoke miscarriage, the U.S. National
Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant and nursing mothers not consume Roman chamomile (also known as
Chamaemelum nobile).[20]

Cosmetic applications
Chamomile is frequently added to skin cosmetics to serve as an emollient, and for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Chamomile is also often used to enhance the color of blonde hair.[11]

Agriculture
The chamomile plant is known to be susceptible to many fungi, insects, and viruses. Fungi such as Albugo
tragopogonis (white rust), Cylindrosporium matricariae, Erysiphe cichoracearum (powdery mildew), and
Sphaerotheca macularis (powdery mildew) are known pathogens of the chamomile plant.[9] Aphids have been
observed feeding on chamomile plants and the moth Autographa chryson causes defoliation.[9]

See also

Mayweed

References
1.
"chamomile". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House. Retrieved 29 August 2014.

 Srivastava, JK; Shankar, E; Gupta, S (November 2010). "Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with
bright future". Molecular medicine reports 3 (6): 895901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMC 2995283.
PMID 21132119.
. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A GreekEnglish Lexicon at the Perseus Project
camomile. Online Etymology Dictionary
Oxford English Dictionary, online edition, entry "camomile | chamomile"
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Chamomile
Sarris, J; Panossian, A; Schweitzer, I; Stough, C; Scholey, A (December 2011). "Herbal medicine for
depression, anxiety, and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence". European
neuropsychopharmacology 21 (12): 841860. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.04.002. PMID 21601431.
"Chamomile". NYU Langone Medical Center. 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
Singh, O; Khanam, Z; Misra, N; Srivastava, MK (January 2011). "Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.):
An overview.". Pharmacognosy reviews 5 (9): 8295. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79103. PMC 3210003.
PMID 22096322.
Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J (2009-08-29). "A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.".
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 29 (4): 37882. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c. PMID 19593179.
Baumann, LS (2007). "Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals". Dermatologic therapy 20 (5): 330342.
doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00147.x. PMID 18045358.
Hernndez-Ceruelos, A; Madrigal-Bujaidar, E; De La Cruz, C (2002). "Inhibitory effect of chamomile
essential oil on the sister chromatid exchanges induced by daunorubicin and methyl methanesulfonate in mouse
bone marrow". Toxicology Letters 135 (12): 103110. doi:10.1016/S0378-4274(02)00253-9. PMID 12243869.
"Chamomile (German) | Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center". Mskcc.org. 2011-07-27. Retrieved 201207-06.
Patel, Deendayal; Shukla, Sanjeev; Gupta, Sanjay (2007). "Apigenin and cancer chemoprevention: Progress,
potential and promise (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 30 (1): 23345. doi:10.3892/ijo.30.1.233.
PMID 17143534.
Miller, LG (1998). "Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drugherb interactions". Arch intern Med. 158 (20): 2202211. PMID 9818800.
Suganda, AG; Amoros, M; Girre, L; Fauconnier, B (October 1983). "Inhibitory effects of some crude and
semi-purified extracts of indigenous French plants on the multiplication of human herpesvirus 1 and poliovirus 2 in
cell culture". Journal of Natural Product 46 (5): 626632. PMID 6317803.
Aggag, ME; Yousef, RT (Sep 1972). "Study of antimicrobial activity of chamomile oil". Planta Med 22 (2):
140144. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1099596. PMID 4628248.
Gardiner, P (2007). "Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Chamomile". Pediatric Review 28
(4): 1618. PMID 17400821.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012). "Chamomile". National Institutes of
Health. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
20.
"Roman chamomile: MedlinePlus". MedlinePlus. National Institutes of Health. 2012-02-16.
Retrieved 2014-08-30.

External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matricaria recutita.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile) medical and therapeutic information on

MedlinePlus
Chamomile fact sheet, NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Roman chamomile, the National Cancer Institute
PLANTS Profile: Anthemis tinctoria L. (golden chamomile), USDA
Texts on Wikisource:
o "Chamomile". Encyclopdia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911.
o "Chamomile". Encyclopedia Americana. 1920.

Categories:
Plant common names
Medicinal plants

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Chamomile Tea: Skin Benefits

1. Chamomile tea is innately instilled with amazing healing, anti-oxidant, cleansing and moisturizing properties
and is considered a full fledge skincare treatment (1).

2. Infused with great healing properties, chamomile tea accelerates the healing process of minor wounds and also
disinfects the wounds (2).
3. Chamomile tea is an excellent all-natural skin bleach (3). It lightens your complexion and renders it a healthy
glow naturally.
4. It is found to be very effective in soothing skin irritation and sunburns (4).
5. This magic potion is a powerhouse of antioxidants that help you fight acne and breakouts. It also works wonders
to eliminate acne scars (5).
6. It protects your skin from free radical damage, a chief contributor to premature aging (6), hence help retaining
your youthful charm for long.
7. Placing cooled down chamomile tea bags (7) under the eyes can help reducing under-eye dark circles and eye
puffiness. It also soothes your tired eyes.
8. When blended with powdered milk, chamomile tea provides you a great body and facial scrub (8). It sloughs off
the dead, dry skin cells revealing the underlying cells which are new.
9. If consumed on a regular basis, chamomile tea nourishes and moisturizes your skin from deep inside. You may
also want to use chamomile in your homemade beauty recipes to draw its beauty benefits.

Chamomile Tea: Hair Benefits

Chamomile tea has much to offer for hair care as well. Some of the best advantages of this herbal drink are as
follows:
10. A chamomile tea rinse brightens up the blonde hair instantly. If combined with henna, it makes natural
highlights for dark hair as well (9).
11. It is a wonderful hair lightener. Using chamomile tea as final hair rinse adds a stunning bright-golden light to
the brown hair. Use the treatment regularly to lighten your hair gradually (10).
12. Chamomile is also found to be highly effectual in preventing and eliminating dandruff. In addition, it also
soothes irritated scalp (11).

Chamomile Tea: Health Benefits

13. Chamomile tea has muscle relaxing properties. It relaxes muscles of the uterus and gives relief from menstrual
cramps. It increases glycine which reduces muscle spasms (12). Though too much of chamomile tea can upset the
stomach too. So in proper amounts, it can help you get relieved from stomach cramps during menstrual cycles.
Since it has muscle relaxing properties, a cup of chamomile tea after a hard days work can relieve stress too.

[ Read: Benefits Of Green Tea ]

14. Chamomile tea can be taken on a regular basis in proper amounts as it can help you sooth down the pains from
stomach ulcers (13). If you have gone through an operation following a stomach stone formation, then having
chamomile tea after having food or as directed by your physician, can help you stay away from re-formation of
stones.
15.Chamomile has anti-bacterial properties. It therefore increases the immune power of a person (14). Chamomile
tea taken during cold and cough helps a person recuperate from it faster.

[ Read: Simple Ways To Prepare Green Tea ]

16. Chamomile tea helps maintain blood glucose levels and therefore it helps in controlling diabetes mellitus
symptoms (15). Ask your physician for an effective dosage of chamomile tea.
17. Chamomile tea can be packed into small plastic packets or into compressors or even made into ice cubes and
used on tired eyes for treating dark circles (16) or sunken eye problems.
18. Chamomile tea can be used to treat hemorrhoids (17) by application of cooled chamomile tea for a soothing
sensation.
19. It reduces gas formation. It also helps you get rid of heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome (18).
20. A cotton ball can be dipped into cool chamomile tea and used on to rashes which appear on the back during
summers. Chamomile tea when consumed internally can sooth the system totally and helps you get rid of allergic
symptoms.

21. Regular intake of chamomile tea can help you get rid of migraines (19).
22. Chamomile tea has sedating properties (20). Regular intake of chamomile tea can help you get good sleep and
can give you relief from troubled sleep.

Chamomile Tea: Selection and Storage

While buying chamomile tea from a grocery-store or herbalist, always look for products formulated from
whole flower head. This will ensure you reap most of the benefits out of it.
It is also a great idea to prepare your own chamomile tea.
Preserve chamomile tea in an airtight jar and store in a dry place. Keep away from direct sun.

Chamomile Tea: Usage Tips

Chamomile tea can be easy brewed following a few simple steps.

First of all, warm up your tea pot by pouring some boiling water into it and then add some apple slices,
mashing it with a wooden spoon.
Afterwards, add some pre-washed chamomile flowers to the pot and pour-in two cups of boiling water.
Cover the pot and let the flowers steep for a couple of minutes.
Strain the tea and add some lemon juice or honey for added taste.

The best time of drinking this herbal tea is almost an hour before bed time. This will help you to sleep peacefully
besides offering other health and beauty benefits.

Matricaria chamomilla
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matricaria chamomilla

Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Tribe:
Anthemideae
Genus:
Matricaria
Species:
M. chamomilla
Binomial name
Matricaria chamomilla
L.

Synonyms
Chamomilla chamomilla (L.) Rydb.
Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert
Matricaria recutita L.
Matricaria suaveolens L.
Sources: NRCS,[1] ITIS[2]
Matricaria chamomilla (synonym: Matricaria recutita), commonly known as chamomile (also spelled camomile),
German chamomile,[3] Hungarian chamomile (kamilla), wild chamomile or scented mayweed,[4][5] is an annual
plant of the composite family Asteraceae. M. chamomilla is the most popular source of the herbal product
chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile.[3]

Contents

1 Etymology
2 Description
3 Distribution
4 Uses
o 4.1 Herbalism
o 4.2 Potential pharmacology
o 4.3 Possible side effects
5 Cultivation
6 See also
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links

Etymology
The word chamomile comes from the Greek (chamaimlon) meaning "earth-apple",[6] which is derived
from (chamai) meaning "on the ground"[7] and (mlon) meaning "apple".[8] It is so called because of
the apple-like scent of the plant.
Chamomile blue refers to chamazulene, the purified, deep-blue essential oil derived using steam distillation, rather
than the plant itself.

Description
M. chamomilla has a branched, erect and smooth stem, which grows to a height of 1560 cm (6-24inches). The
long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate.

Flowers of M. chamomilla:
A. Yellow disc florets
B. White ray florets
The flowers are borne in paniculate flower heads (capitula). The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while
the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German

chamomile from corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in
early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.

Distribution
M. chamomilla can be found near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia, and it has been widely
introduced in temperate North America and Australia. It often grows near roads, around landfills, and in cultivated
fields as a weed, because the seeds require open soil to survive.

Uses

Chamomile
Main article: Chamomile

Herbalism

Matricariae flos: Dried M. chamomilla flower as commonly used in herbal tea

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil in clear glass vial

German chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep
aid.[9] It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory[10] and bactericidal.[11] It can be taken as an herbal
tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for 10 to 15 minutes while covered to
avoid evaporation of the volatile oils. The marc should be pressed because of the formation of a new active
principle inside the cells, which can then be released by rupturing the cell walls, though this substance only forms
very close to boiling point. For a sore stomach, some recommend taking a cup every morning without food for two
to three months.[12] It has been studied as a mouthwash against oral mucositis[13]and may have acaricidal properties
against certain mites, such as Psoroptes cuniculi.[citation needed]
One of the active ingredients of its essential oil is the terpene bisabolol.[14] Other active ingredients include
farnesene, chamazulene, flavonoids (including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin and luteolin) and coumarin.[14]
Dried chamomile has a reputation (among herbalists) for being incorrectly prepared because it is dried at a
temperature above the boiling point of the volatile components of the plant.[citation needed]

Potential pharmacology
A 2006 review of the medical literature reported a number of beneficial effects for chamomile in in vitro and animal
tests, but added more human clinical trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Research with
animals suggests antispasmodic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering
effects for chamomile.[15] Chamomile has sped healing time of wounds in animals.[16][17] It also showed some benefit
in an animal model of diabetes.[18] In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant
properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.[14][19] Essential oil of
chamomile was shown to be a potential antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.[20]
Potential risks include interference with warfarin and infant botulism in very young children.[21][22]

The methanol extract of M. recutita showed potent antiallergic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast
cells in cell-mediated allergic models.[23]
A recent prospective clinical study found twice-a-day chamomile compresses were as effective as hydrocortisone
1% ointment on peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients.[24]
In 2009, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania concluded the first controlled clinical trial of chamomile
extract for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The results suggest chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity
in patients with mild to moderate GAD, although the results have not since been replicated.[25]

Possible side effects

Chamomile, a relative of ragweed, can cause allergy symptoms and can cross-react with ragweed pollen in
individuals with ragweed allergies. It also contains coumarin, so care should be taken to avoid potential drug
interactions, e.g. with blood thinners.
While extremely rare, very large doses of chamomile may cause nausea and vomiting. Even more rarely, rashes
may occur.[26] A type-IV allergic reaction with severe anaphylaxis has been reported in a 38-year old man who
drank chamomile tea.[27]

Cultivation
Soil type: German chamomile will tolerate many soils, but prefers a sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 7.0-7.5
and full sun.
Cultivation: In gardens, plants should be spaced 1530 cm (612 in) apart. Chamomile does not require large
amounts of fertilizer, but depending on soil tests, small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be
applied before planting.[28]
The amounts of major nutrients that German chamomile needs for growing and reproduction are:

P = phosphorus 2,000 ppm (0.2%)

K = potassium 10,000 ppm (1%)
N = nitrogen 8,500 ppm (0.85%)
S = sulfur 1,000 ppm (0.1%)
Ca = calcium 5,000 ppm (0.5%)
Mg = magnesium 2,000 ppm (0.2%)

See also

Chamomile
Roman Chamomile

References

1.
"Matricaria chamomilla". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 200806-15.
"Matricaria recutita". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
"German Chamomile". University of Maryland Medical Center. 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
Fitter R, Fitter A, Blamey M. 1989. The wild flowers of Britain and Northern Europe. Collins
Stace C. 1991. The New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press
, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
"Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)". herbwisdom.com. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
Bhaskaran, N; Shukla, S; Srivastava, JK; Gupta, S (Dec 2010). "Chamomile: an anti-inflammatory agent
inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by blocking RelA/p65 activity". Int J Mol Med 26 (6): 93540.
Tayel, AA; El-Tras, WF (2009). "Possibility of fighting food borne bacteria by egyptian folk medicinal herbs
and spices extracts". J Egypt Public Health Assoc 84 (1-2): 2132.
"Chamomile". Planet Botanic. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
"Healing action of topical chamomile on 5-fluoracil induced oral mucositis in hamster.". Support Care
Cancer 19 (5): 639646. Apr 28, 2010. doi:10.1007/s00520-010-0875-0. PMID 20424869.
McKay DL, Blumberg JB (2006). "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea
(Matricaria recutita L". Phytother Res 20 (7): 519530. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900. PMID 16628544.
Mckay, Diane L.; Blumberg, JB (July 2006). "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of
chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.)". Phytother Res. 20 (7): 51930. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900. PMID 16628544.
Jarrahi, Morteza (2008-03-20). "An experimental study of the effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract on
cutaneous burn wound healing in albino rats". Nat Prod Res. 22 (5): 4238. doi:10.1080/14786410701591713.
PMID 18404562.
Nayak, BS; Raju, SS; Rao, AV (July 2007). "Wound healing activity of Matricaria recutita L. extract". J
Wound Care. 16 (7): 298302. doi:10.12968/jowc.2007.16.7.27061. PMID 17708380.
Cemek, M; Kaa, S; Simek, N; Bykokurolu, ME; Konuk, M (2008-02-13). "Antihyperglycemic and
antioxidative potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats". Nat Med (Tokyo). 62
(3): 28493. doi:10.1007/s11418-008-0228-1. PMID 18404309.
Janmejai K. Srivastava; Sanjay Gupta (2007-11-14). "Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile
extract in various human cancer cells". J Agric Food Chem. 55 (23): 94708. doi:10.1021/jf071953k.
PMID 17939735.
Koch C, Reichling J, Schneele J et al. (2008). "Inhibitory effect of essential oils against herpes simplex virus
type 2". Phytomedicine 15 (12): 7178. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.09.003. PMID 17976968.
Segal, R; Pilote, L (2006-04-25). "Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla". Canadian Medical
Association Journal 174 (9): 12812. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051191. PMC 1435958. PMID 16636327.
Bianco, M; Lquez, C; De Jong, LI; Fernndez, RA (2008-02-10). "Presence of Clostridium botulinum
spores in Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) and its relationship with infant botulism". Int J Food Microbiol. 121
(3): 35760. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.11.008. PMID 18068252.
Chandrashekhar V.M., K.S. Halagali, R.B. Nidavani, M.H. Shalavadi, B.S. Biradar, D. Biswas, I.S.
Muchchandi (2011). "Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated
allergy model". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 137 (1): 336340. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.029.

 Charousaei F, Dabirian A, Mojab F. (2011). "Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone

ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study".
Ostomy Wound Manage 57 (5): 2836. PMID 21617262.
Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J (2009-08-29). "A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.".
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 29 (4): 37882. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c. PMID 19593179.
Readers' Digest Association
Andres, C; Chen, WC; Ollert, M et al. (2009). "Anaphylactic reaction to camomile tea". Allergol Int 58: 135
136. doi:10.2332/allergolint.c-08-63.
28.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/herbs/chamom.htm

Further reading

Graedon, Joe; Theresa Graedon (2001). The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies. St.
Martin's Griffin. p. 283. ISBN 978-0-312-26764-3.
Reader's Digest Association (1999). The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs. Reader's Digest.
p. 259. ISBN 978-0-7621-0132-0.
Wang, Mei; Avula, Bharathi; Wang, Yan-Hong (1 June 2014). "An integrated approach utilising
chemometrics and GC/MS for classification of chamomile flowers, essential oils and commercial products".
Food Chemistry 152: 391-398. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.11.118.

External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matricaria recutita.

Fair Trade Organic Chamomile Tea - Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile for IBD/Crohn's
Herbal Supplements in Pregnancy - Lists active chemical components of chamomile
Wild Chamomile in wildflowers of Israel
Chamomile tea 'may ease diabetes - BBC
Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile). Monograph.

Health Benefits of Camomile Essential Oil

Essential Oils
The health benefits of camomile essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antispasmodic, antiseptic,
antibiotic, antidepressant, antineuralgic, antiphlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emenagogue,
analgesic, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, sudorific, stomachic,
anti inflammatory, anti infectious, vermifuge, and vulnerary substance.
Camomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the Camomile plant, which is very popular as a flowering plant.
There are two types of Camomile, the Roman Camomile, which is scientifically known as Anthemis Nobilis and the
German Camomile, whose scientific name is Matricaria Chamomilla. Although the essential oils extracted from
both varieties are quite similar in some medicinal properties, their composition is different and they do possess
certain specific qualities that are worth noting.
Roman Camomile oil is composed of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Sabinene, Myrcene,
Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Farsenol, Cineole, Propyl Angelate and Butyl Angelate. German Camomile oil, on
the other hand, is composed of Azulene (also called Chamazulene), Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol Oxide-A & B and
Bisabolene Oxide-A.
While Roman Camomile oil is more calming and works as a better emenagogue, German Camomile oil is a very
powerful anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of a compound called Azulene.

It is a nitrogenous compound
and is responsible for giving the oil its characteristic deep blue color. However, these are not the only medicinal
properties of Camomile Oil. There are many more, and the properties given below include those of the Roman as
well as the German variety, except where mentioned otherwise.
You can find a surprising number of health benefits in essential oils; camomile oil is one of the best ways to
improve your overall health.

Health Benefits of Camomile Essential Oil

Sudorific & Febrifuge: As a sudorific, both varieties of camomile oil induce profuse perspiration, which helps to
remove toxins and agents that cause infections while simultaneously cooling down the body and effectively
providing relief from fever, thus serving as a Febrifuge.
Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Disinfectant, Bactericidal & Vermifuge: Both varieties have very good antiseptic and
antibiotic properties which do not let biotic infections develop, which are those infections due to biotic factors such
as bacteria and fungi. They also eliminate infections that are already present. These are good vermifuge agents as
well, which kill all sorts of intestinal worms. If applied to the hair, it kills lice and mites, keeping the hair and scalp
free from infections and damage.

Stimulant &
Antidepressant: Both varieties have been seen to be very effective in fighting depression and for raising spirits.
They eliminate feelings of sadness, depression, disappointment, and sluggishness while inducing a sort of happy or
charged feeling. Even smelling these oils can help a lot in overcoming depression and bringing about a good mood.
Anti-inflammatory & Sedative: While Roman Camomile is found to be effective in calming down annoyance,
anger and irritation, particularly in small children. The German variety, on the other hand, is found to be more
effective on adults for curing inflammation, particularly when it is located in the digestive or urinary system. They
also reduce blood pressure and curb the swelling of blood vessels.

Stomachic, Digestive, Hepatic, and Cholagogue: Being a stomachic, they tone up the stomach and ensure its
proper function. They also promote the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach and facilitate digestion. Being
Hepatic, which means being good for the liver, they ensure good health of the liver and the proper flow of bile from
it. They are also considered Cholagogues, meaning that they increase the secretion of Hydrochloric Acid, bile and
enzymes in the stomach, thereby promoting digestion.
Antirheumatic & Antiphlogistic: They cure dysfunctions of the circulatory system, stimulate circulation and
detoxify the blood from toxins like uric acid, thereby helping to cure ailments like rheumatism and arthritis, which
are caused due to improper circulation and accumulation of uric acid. These abilities classify them as good
antiphlogistics, any agent which reduces swelling and edema.
Cicatrisant & Vulnerary: They are very popular in the world of cosmetics, since they diminish the scars, marks
and spots on the skin and on the face, making them a cicatrisant. They both also protect wounds, cuts and bruises
from becoming infected, therefore also serving as a vulnerary.
Analgesic & Antineuralgic: They both have analgesic properties as well and efficiently reduce pain in muscles
and joints, headaches, sinuses, toothaches, and bone injuries. They are also very effective in relieving the severe
pain of neuralgia by constricting the blood vessels that surround the ninth cranial nerve and relieving the pressure.
Carminative: They are very good at expelling gas from the intestines and stomach while also curbing additional
gas formation. This also helps to relax the body and lower blood pressure. What is even more important is that the
effect of the oil also eliminates the more serious risks of excess gas, such as the trapping of gas in the wind pipe,
which can even be fatal.
Antispasmodic, Relaxant & Nervine: They calm almost all nervous disturbances or hyper-reactions which result
in convulsions, spasms, nervousness, and loss of control over limbs. They are Nervine, that is, they keep the nerves
and the nervous system in a state of good health and proper functioning.
Tonic: They are tonic in nature, meaning that they tone up the skin, muscles, and internal organs.
Other Benefits
Camomile essential oils are anti-allergenic, and they help cure acne by removing toxins and cleaning sebaceous and
eccrine glands through sweating. As a diuretic, they clean up the urinary system and the kidneys by stimulating
increased urination, they detoxify the blood and even increase strength. They can help cure viral infections like
mumps or measles and can be used in mouth washes as well, in order to keep away bad breath and eliminate oral
infections. German Camomile oil is a vasoconstrictor, so it reduces blood pressure by relaxing the constriction of
vessels, thereby protecting heart health and reducing the chances of developing conditions like atherosclerosis.
A Few Words of Caution
There are no specific risks of using either of the oils that has been widely displayed, except that it should be
avoided if someone has a direct allergy to camomile or to any other members of the Ragweed family, to which
Camomile belongs.

Blending: Camomile Oil forms very pleasant blends with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium,
Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Rose, Lemon, Lime and Ylang-Ylang Oil.