Botanical Index No. 230

Chamomile

matricaria recutita

Medicinal Actions

Analgesic, Anorectic, Anthelminthic, Antiaggregant, Antiallergic, Antialzheimeran, Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antiedemic, Antiherpetic, Antihistaminic, Antiinflammatory, Antilactagogue, Antioxidant, Antipeptic, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiulcer, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, Candidicide, Cardiodepressant, Carminative, Cholagogue, CNS-Depressant, Deodorant

Primary Conditions Treated

COX-2-Inhibitor Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor Demulcent Active against fungi Active against Candida albicans Reducing skin inflammation Eczema treatment Induced a deep sleep

General Dosage

2–4 tbsp fresh flower; 3–6 g dry flower; 4.5 g dry flower:22 ml alcohol/23 ml water; 2–8 g flower; 2–8 g flower 3 ×/day; 2–8 g flower as tea 3 ×/day; 2–3 tsp flower/cup water; 0.5–1 tsp tincture to 3 ×/day; 1–5 g several ×/day; 2–4 g 3 ×/day; 2–3 g per cup 3–4 ×/day; 10–40 drops tincture 3 ×/day; 4–6 ml tincture 3 ×/day between meals; 7–14 ml tincture/day; 1–4 ml liquid extract 3 ×/day; 3–6 ml/day liquid extract; 1–4 ml, 1:1 fluid extract, 3 ×/day; 0.5–4 ml liquid floral extract; 2–3 capsules 3 ×/day. 2–4 tbsp fresh flower; 3–6 g dry flower; 4.5 g dry flower:22 ml alcohol/23 ml water; 2–8 g flower; 2–8 g flower 3 ×/day; 2–8 g flower as tea 3 ×/day; 2–3 tsp flower/cup water; 0.5–1 tsp tincture to 3 ×/day; 1–5 g several ×/day; 2–4 g 3 ×/day; 2–3 g per cup 3–4 ×/day; 10–40 drops tincture 3 ×/day; 4–6 ml tincture 3 ×/day between meals; 7–14 ml tincture/day; 1–4 ml liquid extract 3 ×/day; 3–6 ml/day liquid extract; 1–4 ml, 1:1 fluid extract, 3 ×/day; 0.5–4 ml liquid floral extract; 2–3 capsules 3 ×/day.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 1, 2b. No contraindications, drug interactions, or side effects known. None reported. Class 1, 2b. No contraindications, drug interactions, or side effects known. None reported. Some people advise, perhaps overadvise, that sensitive people may have an allergic reaction to this. Patients who are allergic to ragweed, however, may experience cross-reactivity with chamomile, which can produce intense itching in the mouth if the mucosa becomes highly irritated. CAN cautions that the sesquiterpene lactones can cause allergic reactions. They add that cross-sensitivities with other aster relatives and celery exist. Because it is reputed to affect the menstrual cycle and to be a uterine stimulant, with excessive use, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. But SKY says no contraindications during pregnancy or lactation. Not recommended for teething babies. Because of coumarin content, may interfere with anticoagulant therapy. Highly concentrated hot tea is reportedly emetic. Keep all hot teas at a distance from the eyes.

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