Chamomile

What is chamomile

Chamomile, a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family, Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs and has traditionally been used for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. There are two types of chamomile, namely German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human diseases such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. There have been developed many different preparations of chamomile, but the most popular one is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day.[1][2][

Chamomile health benefits

Chamomile is one of the most extensively used herbs for its many varieties of health benefits. People use chamomile for its mild sedative, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. It’s an effective remedy for sleep and relaxation. It has gained noteworthy attention as a health-promoting herb with evident effects in promoting several diseases of elderly people. Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid particularly abundant in the ligulate flowers of the chamomile plant (68% apigenin of total flavanoids) which play a significant role in inflammation or cognitive performance and Alzheimer’s disease. The common health benefits of chamomile include:Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [3] Reduces anxiety and depression [4] Has pain reducing properties [5] Helps people fight cancer [6] Improves heart health [7] Boosts the immune system [8] Improves digestion [9] Promotes skin health [10] Keeps gum and teeth healthy [11] Helps in common cold [12] May improve hemorrhoids [13] Helps fight infections [14] Promotes sleep [15] Helps people with diabetes [16] Is effective for wound healing [17] Has influence on cognition and mood [18]Chamomile has been approved by the German E Commission for internal use to relieve of gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and for external use to relieve of inflammation of the skin and bacterial skin diseases, and respiratory tract inflammation.[19]

how chamomile works?

A number of clinical studies have examined the effects of topical preparations of chamomile. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether or not chamomile influenced skin reactions induced by radiation treatment where treatment with chamomile appeared to delay the onset and reduce the frequency of skin reactions.
Several of chamomile’s flavonoid constituents may produce anxiolytic activity by affecting γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin neurotransmission or by modulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function. Additionally, apigenin (a chamomile constituent) has been shown to bind to benzodiazepine receptors and reduce GABA-activated activity in cultured nerve cells, an effect that is blocked by the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788.
Apigenin, found in relatively high amounts in chamomile (840 mg/100 g), has been reported to possess cancer–reducing properties in vitro.

Consideration and recomendation

Chamomile is usually well tolerated and side effects are rare. However, it can cause drowsiness and, in large doses, vomiting. It also has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, although such reactions are very rare. Avoid it if you are allergic to these plants: chamomile, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. Skin creams with chamomile can cause allergic eczema and irritate the eyes.[20]
Chamomile is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult a pediatrician before giving chamomile to infants and children.

An appropriate dose of chamomile may differ for different medications. Doses in adults vary extensively and ranges from 25 mg to 2000 mg per day.
You are recommended to take chamomile 3 times a day. Usually, chamomile is ingested when brewed as a tea and tablets are more difficult to locate, but may offer better dosage control. Liquid extract is generally dosed at 1–4 ml 3 times daily (TID), and tincture is dosed at 15 ml 3 to 4 times daily (TID or QUID).[21]

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