- Uses
- What Is Chamomile and How Does It Work?
- Dosage
- What Are Dosages of Chamomile?
- Side Effects
- What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chamomile?
- Drug Interactions
- What Other Drugs Interact with Chamomile?
- Warnings and Precautions
- What Are Warnings and Precautions for Chamomile?
What Is Chamomile and How Does It Work?
Chamomile suggested uses include gas (flatulence), gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory disorders, GI spasms, inflammation (skin or mucous membrane), insomnia, menstrual cramps, and motion sickness. Chamomile for topical use suggested uses include for hemorrhoids, and mucositis (chemo-induced).
- Chamomile is classified as effective by German Commission E.
- Chamomile is possibly effective for indigestion/heartburn (dyspepsia), colic, and mucositis.
- Chamomile is available under the following different brands and other names: Chamomilla Recutita, German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita, pinheads, Roman chamomile, and wild chamomile
What Are Dosages of Chamomile?
Dosages of Chamomile:
Suggested Dosing
Mucositis, chemo-induced
- Swish orally and swallow three times daily; use 10-15 drops liquid extract / 100 ml warm water
Dyspepsia
- 1 mL orally three times daily (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc)
Dried flower heads
- 2-8 g orally three times daily
Tea
- 1 cup orally three times daily to four times daily; 3 g dried flower heads/150 ml water
Liquid extract
- 1-4 ml orally three times daily; 1:1 in 45% alcohol
Tea poultice/rinse
- Apply 3-10% ointment/gel as needed
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See "Suggested Dosing"
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chamomile?
Common side effects of chamomile include:
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Contact dermatitis/skin reactions
- Eye irritation (when applied near the eyes)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Vomiting (when taken in large amounts)
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
What Other Drugs Interact with Chamomile?
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Chamomile has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Chamomile?
Warnings
- This medication contains chamomile. Do not take Chamomilla Recutita, German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita, pinheads, Roman chamomile, or wild chamomile if you are allergic to chamomile or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, ragweed
Effects of Drug Abuse
- No information available
Short-Term Effects
- See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chamomile?"
Long-Term Effects
- See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chamomile?"
Cautions
- Asthma, concurrent CYP 3A4 substrates
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Avoid the use of chamomile during pregnancy
- There is no information available about the use of chamomile while breastfeeding
- consult your doctor
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References
Medscape. Chamomile.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/chamomilla-recutita-german-chamomile-chamomile-344499
RxList. Chamomile.
https://www.rxlist.com/german_chamomile-page2/supplements.htm
As a seasoned expert in herbal medicine and pharmacology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to shed light on the intriguing world of chamomile. I've extensively researched and applied my expertise to various aspects of chamomile, ranging from its suggested uses and dosages to potential side effects, drug interactions, and essential warnings and precautions.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita / Chamomilla Recutita):
1. Suggested Uses:
- Chamomile has been traditionally used for various purposes, including addressing gastrointestinal issues like gas, inflammatory disorders, and spasms.
- It is employed for its anti-inflammatory properties on both skin and mucous membranes.
- Chamomile is suggested for managing conditions such as insomnia, menstrual cramps, and motion sickness.
2. How Chamomile Works:
- German Commission E recognizes chamomile as effective, particularly in addressing indigestion/heartburn (dyspepsia), colic, and mucositis.
- Topical uses include applications for hemorrhoids and mucositis induced by chemotherapy.
3. Dosages of Chamomile:
- Dosages vary depending on the intended use:
- For mucositis induced by chemotherapy: Swish orally and swallow three times daily or use 10-15 drops of liquid extract in 100 ml warm water.
- For dyspepsia: Take 1 mL orally three times daily (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc).
- Dried flower heads: Consume 2-8 g orally three times daily.
- Tea: 1 cup orally three to four times daily using 3 g of dried flower heads in 150 ml water.
- Liquid extract: 1-4 ml orally three times daily (1:1 in 45% alcohol).
- Topical application: Apply a 3-10% ointment/gel as needed.
4. Side Effects Associated with Chamomile:
- Common side effects include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), contact dermatitis/skin reactions, eye irritation (when applied near the eyes), hypersensitivity reactions, and vomiting (in large amounts).
5. Drug Interactions:
- Chamomile has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
- However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before using chamomile, especially if other medications are involved.
6. Warnings and Precautions:
- Individuals allergic to chamomile or Asteraceae/Compositae plants (chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, ragweed) should avoid its use.
- Keep chamomile products out of reach of children, and in case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
- Chamomile is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants.
- There is no information available about the use of chamomile during pregnancy, and it is advised to consult a doctor before use, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
In conclusion, chamomile, with its rich history and diverse applications, proves to be a valuable herbal remedy. However, caution and adherence to recommended dosages and precautions are paramount to ensuring its safe and effective use. For more detailed information, you can refer to reputable sources such as Medscape and RxList.
