Description
Botanical name
Matricaria recutita
This monograph describes German Chamomile, not Roman Chamomile.
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Chamomile has been a major medicine since the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek times. Germans describe chamomile as "alles zutraut", meaning that it is capable of anything, since traditional and modern research supports chamomile's broad range of use. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, healing, diaphoretic (sweat inducing during fever), relaxing, digestive tonic and carminative actions.
Conditions commonly used for
Externally:
Abrasions, burns, wounds, fungal invasion, microbial infection, oral and vaginal thrush, gum infections and mouth ulcers, insect bites, eczema, itch, impetigo, hives, chicken pox, infant acne, heat rash, diaper rash and any other skin inflammations.
Internally:
Digestive disorders - ulcers, heartburn and indigestion, colic, flatulence, bowel spasm, irritable bowel, inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), haemorrohoids
Nervous system ailments - insomnia, anxiety, respiratory tract irritation and spasm, nervous cough, childhood hyperactivity, poor appetite due to stress
Fever - as a supportive approach to fever management for children and adults
Common dosage range
nfants and children - please consult your health practitioner.
As a tea, 1 - 2 tsp of flowerheads steeped in one cup hot water for 15 minutes, taken up to 4 times/day or used as a wash or gargle.
Cautions, Contraindications and Side Effects
Chamomile is generally regarded as safe and well tolerated. Persons allergic to members of the daisy (Asteracea) family (ragweed) may have an allergic reaction to chamomile.
Links & Other Information
It is not within the scope of the YourHealth website to provide comprehensive information on documented or potential herb-drug interactions. Please seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner.
Contact YourHealth for referenced material regarding this herb, any conditions or therapies mentioned.
A Medical Practitioner specialising in Integrative Medicine, a qualified Nutritionist or Naturopath will be well trained in the use of nutrients, including their proper dosage, contraindications and potential drug interactions.
