|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita)
|
| |
| Introduction |
Back to Top |
| The soothing properties of the chamomile flower have been used medicinally for centuries. Today, it is still used as a mild sedative for individuals with minor anxiety or nervousness. (1) Chamomile has a variety of other health benefits, including mild insomnia and topically as an effective wound-healing agent. |
 |
| Reported Uses |
Back to Top |
|
Chamomile is best known for calming the nerves without causing drowsiness or motor impairment. Other studies, however, have looked into chamomile's ability to soothe the digestive system and alleviate gas.(2)
Other studies suggest that chamomile may help the body ward off infections caused by certain bacteria and fungal strains.(3) Chamomile has also been shown to have weak activity similar to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.(4)
Chamomile has also been used in the form of a topical ointment to treat acne, skin infections, burns, and wounds.(2) A chamomile cream was tested against a 0.5% hydrocortisone cream and a placebo cream in patients with medium-degree atopic eczema. After a 2-week treatment, the chamomile cream showed a mild superiority over the 0.5% hydrocortisone and a marginal difference when compared to placebo.(5)
|
|
| Dosage Info |
Back to Top |
| Dosage Range |
|
Most Common Dosage |
|
Dosage Forms |
| 400 to 1600mg (standardized extract) daily, in divided doses.
Tea: Place one heaping teaspoonful in 1 cup hot water; steep 10 minutes, strain. Drink 3-4 times a day as needed.
Topically: Apply to affected area 3-4 times a day as needed. |
400mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day for stress.
Tea: Place one heaping teaspoonful in 1 cup hot water; steep 10 minutes, strain. Drink 3 times a day as needed.
Topically: Apply to affected area 3 times a day as needed. |
|
| |
|
|
| Toxicities & Precautions |
Back to Top |
| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when taking this dietary supplement. Individuals with severe ragweed allergy or allergy to members of the daisy and chrysanthemum family may be allergic to this dietary supplement.(6, 7, 8) These individuals should contact their physician before use. Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching.
|
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
|
| Footnotes |
Back to Top |
1 Wichtl M, in Bisset NA,ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Scientific Press. 1994; 140-42.
2 Kell T. More on Infant Colic. Birth Gaz. 1977;13(2):3.
3 Grochulski A, et al. Influence of Chamomile Oil on Experimental Glomerulonephritis in Rabbits. Planta Medica. 1972;21:289-92.
4 Rosenberg Zand RS, Jenkins DJ, Diamandis EP. Effects of natural products and nutraceuticals on steroid hormone-regulated gene expression. Clin Chim Acta. Oct2001;312(1-2):213-9.
View Abstract
5 Patzelt-Wenczler R, Ponce-Poschl E. Proof of Efficacy of Kamillosan(R) Cream in Atopic Eczema. Eur J Med Res. Apr2000;5(4):171-5.
View Abstract
6 Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:69-71.
7 Giordano-Labadie F, Schwarze HP, Bazex J. Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Chamomile Used in Phytotherapy. Contact Dermatitis. Apr2000;42(4):247.
8 de la Torre Morin F, Sanchez Machin I, Garcia Robaina JC, Fernandez-Caldas E, Sanchez Trivino M. Clinical cross-reactivity between Artemisia vulgaris and Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2001;11(2):118-22.
View Abstract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Copyright © 2000-2010 NHIOnDemand All rights reserved.
www.nhiondemand.com
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
|
|
|
