Scientific name: Anthemis nobilis, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita

Other names: Camomile

Medical uses and remedies:

Anxiety
Antispasmodic
Arthritis (for joint inflammation)
Blocked tear ducts
Canker sores
Colic
Diarrhea
Digestion
Eczema
Fever
Gingivitis
Heartburn
Immune system stimulant (white blood cells)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Menstrual cramps
Mouth ulcers
Peptic ulcers
Periodontal disease
Sedative (mild)
Skin irritations
Stimulant
Ulcers
Wound healing
Yeast infections

Dosage:

Tea - 1 bag (or roughly 1-2 g) up to 4 times per day

Homemade tea - 15 g (1/2 ounce) of flowers added per 1 pint of boiling water, steeped around 15 minutes, up to 2 cups per day

Capsules or tablets - 1 capsule/tablet of 2-3 g, 3 times daily between meals

Tincture - 1 dose of 4-6 ml, 3 times daily between meals

Cautions and side effects:

Large amounts of chamomile tea should not be taken during pregnancy, as uterine contractions may occur. Chamomile should not be used when an individual is taking blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, or by persons with poor blood clotting.

Individuals with ragweed, elecampane, or arnica allergies may have allergy symptoms when using chamomile, so it should be avoided. Additionally, any sensitivities to other plants in the Asteraceae family (also known as Compositae, sunflower, aster, or daisy family) may mean that a reaction could occur due to chamomile. Patients with asthma should use particular caution with chamomile, especially if they also have allergies or sensitivities to these plants.

Nausea, vomiting and rashes have been reported in rare circumstances involving excessively large doses of chamomile. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Volatile oils (1-2 percent)
Bioflavonoids - apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.