1. Chamomile
(Matricaria Chamomilla)
Chamomile It’s a relaxing nervine, meaning it decreases nervous system tension and
helps the body switch to a more parasympathetic nervous system function.
“Chamomile is probably the most widely used relaxing nervine herb in the western
world, and is safe for use in all types of anxiety and stress-related disorders.” David
Hoffman - Medical Herbalism
Botanical Name
Matricaria chamomilla (syn. M. recutita)
Other Common Names
German chamomile
Family
Asteraceae
2. Parts Used
flowering tops
Energetics
slightly warming, drying
Taste
bitter, pungent
Plant Properties
aromatic, relaxing nervine, carminative, relaxing diaphoretic, mild sedative,
antispasmodic, vulnerary, modulates inflammation
Plant Uses
irritability, restlessness, insomnia, indigestion, dyspepsia, gas, fevers, colds, flu,
teething, colic, externally for burns, rashes and conjunctivitis
Plant Preparations
tea, tincture, essential oil, infused oil, hydrosol, steam inhalation
Chamomile contains flavonoids, coumarins, volatile oils, terpens among other
compounds.
Toxicity: side effects are uncommon and may include nausea, dizziness, allergic
reactions. Rare cases of anaphylaxis- a life threatening allergic reaction- have
occurred in people who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products.
Drug interactions: chamomile may lower blood pressure slightly. Taking it with drugs
for high lood pressure could cause blood pressure to drop to low.
Also chamomile may lower blood sugar. Taking it with diabetes drugs could raise the
risk of hypoglycimia or low blood sugar.
Chamomile is a sweet (and bitter) herb that is used for healing by the ancients and
moderns alike. It calms the nervous system and brings a little sunshine in our lives.
3. Never hesitate to reach for it to decrease spasmodic pain, reduce anxiousness and
irritability, and to promote digestion.
Researchers have taken an interest in chamomile and have conducted several human
clinical trials to evaluate its ability to address both depression and anxiety. In an
exploratory study, researchers found that chamomile, even at a relatively small dose
(220 mg), was more effective than placebo in relieving both depression and anxiety.1
Another clinical study found that chamomile relieved mild to moderate anxiety in
people diagnosed with general anxiety disorder.2
How to Use Chamomile
Chamomile is commonly used in a variety of different preparations.
As a strong tea- the resulting drink is not entirely pleasant as the bitter principles really
come through. This strong preparation is ideal for relaxing muscle tension, soothing
acute anxiety, and promoting sleep. Chamomile is slightly diuretic, however, so it’s
best not to take directly before bed.
Chamomile can also be used as a tincture alone or in a formula. Also chamomile can
be used externally: infused into oil, as a poultice or fomentation, as an herbal bath, as
a diluted essential oil, or as a liniment.
Special Considerations
A small number of people are allergic or sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.
These people should avoid chamomile or approach it with caution.
4. References
1.Amsterdam, Jay D, Justine Shults, Irene Soeller, Jun James Mao, Kenneth
Rockwell, and Andrew B Newberg. “Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) May Provide
Antidepressant Activity in Anxious, Depressed Humans: An Exploratory Study.”
Alternative therapies in health and medicine 18, no. 5 (2012): 44-9. ↵
2. Amsterdam, Jay D, Yimei Li, Irene Soeller, Kenneth Rockwell, Jun James Mao,
and Justine Shults. “A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Oral
Matricaria Recutita (chamomile) Extract Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.”
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology 29, no. 4 (2009):
doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c. ↵
