Chamomile-Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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Chamomile is a plant that has been in use for long for its health benefits. Mankind has known this plant, studied, and utilized since the medieval ages.1 The chamomile plant belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae family which is also known as the Daisy family.
The generic name chamomile which is the name popularly used comes from the words ”Khamai”, which means on the ground and ”melon” which means an apple in Greek . Chamomile term is used collectively to refer to many plants that belong to the family Asteraceae which includes the
The German and Roman chamomile are known as the true chamomile due to their beneficial properties. They are very similar in appearance but differ slightly in the chemical content of the oils obtained from them.2,3,4 The German chamomile is the more commonly used of the two.5
Chamomile is authentic to the Southern and Eastern parts of Europe. It is grown in1:
It found its way to India during the rule of the Mughal emperors and is currently grown in the Northern parts of the country. The most prominent producer of this plant is Hungary.1
The flowers and leaves of the plant are usually used, the flowers being the part that is most used. The flowers can be used fresh or dried. The plant is harvested during the flowering phase on a sunny day during the morning time. The flower of this plant has a characteristic fruity fragrance and is daisy-like in appearance. It has a yellow center that is around 1- 1.5 cm wide and white petals.5,6
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Energy | 2.37 kcal |
| Total fat | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.47 g |
| Protein | 0 |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acid | 0.01 g |
| Vitamin A | 47.40 IU |
| Vitamin B | |
| Thiamine | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.03 mg |
| Folate | 2.37 mg |
| Potassium | 21.33 mg |
| Magnesium | 2.370 mg |
| Manganese | 0.100 mg |
| Calcium, | 4.74 mg |
| Iron | 0.19 mg |
| Copper | 0.04 mg |
| Zinc | 0.09 mg |
I strongly recommend the use of chamomile mouthwash. Mouth sores brought on by cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapies may be relieved by using chamomile mouthwash. Your mouth’s lining is calmed by the calming effects of chamomile. Both gingivitis (gum disease) and sores may be effectively managed with mouthwashes containing chamomile tincture as well as caraway, clove oil, Echinacea, menthol, molmol, peppermint and sage.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
This ayurvedic herb has diverse beneficial properties that help with its potential uses which are discussed as follows:
Chamomile tea is usually may be taken in cases of insomnia a sleep disorder marked by lack of sleep. The flavonoids and apigenin present in the herb might bind to a receptor in the brain (benzodiazepine receptor) which may causes slowing down of the brain activity and induces sleep. It might be used in children who are unable to fall asleep due to severe pain and in cases of difficulty falling asleep due to nervousness or anxiety.2, 3
Usually, the oil extracted from the flowers is inhaled as vapours and it might produce a calming effect and reduces pain as well. Thus, it may show beneficial effects in mild to moderate anxiety disorder.2,3
Animal studies have shown that chamomile delays the start of a seizure episode.2 Human trials are required to establish this effect of chamomile on humans.
The inhaled vapours produce calmness and reduce pain and can be used in headaches that appear before seizures, during nervousness, and during episodes of hysteria.3
However since insufficient studies are available, for conditions for brain it is important to consult your medical practitioner for advice as the herb may have different effects on individuals.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where a person experiences lack of appetite. Chamomile oil vapours may elevate mood, reduce nervousness, and stimulate the appetite and might thus be used in persons with anorexia nervosa.3
Chamomile tea can be taken to relieve the symptoms of a common cold. Another way in which the plant can be used for this purpose is by boiling the flowers in water and inhaling the steam so produced.8 You must consult a doctor for cold.
It is said that persons who consume more flavonoids might have a lesser risk of death due to coronary heart disease. Chamomile has a good amount of flavonoids, but more studies must be done to validate how useful it is in preventing coronary heart disease.2 You must always consult a qualified for diagnosis and
In studies chamomile has been found to help reduce blood sugar levels and diabetic complications by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing storage of liver glycogen. Studies have also found it to be protective for the pancreas. However, more studies need to be done to determine its usefulness in the treatment of diabetes.2 Diabetes is a serious health problem; hence, a proper diagnosis and treatment are needed. Please consult your doctor for proper advice.
Consumption of chamomile tea between meals might help to relieve heartburn, gastritis, gastric spasms (excessive gut muscle contraction), and flatulence.3,9 We may need further studies that can give evidence for these benefits on humans.
In osteoporosis, where the bone mass reduces, chamomile extract stimulates the bone-forming cells by interacting with the estrogen receptors (anti-estrogen effect) and may help improve the condition.2 It is always better to consult a doctor before you use chamomile for your bone problems there may be several underlying causes that may need to to analysed before prescribing chamomile for its benefits.
In eczema, where there are patches of irritated, inflamed, and cracked skin, external application of chamomile has been found to be useful in studies. Chamomile might be useful in case of bacterial infections, wounds, sunburns, corns, patchy areas on the scalp due to cradle caps used in infants, and skin irritation post-radiation therapy. Chamomile oil extract can be massaged, or a cloth can be soaked in chamomile tea and applied to the affected area. It might also be used as a cosmetic due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.2,3
I strongly recommend the use of chamomile to relieve diarrhoea and, on the contrary, constipation too. Chamomile has the potential to assist with these problems by soothing the irritated or inflamed inner lining of your digestive tract.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions are proven to help in wound healing.2,10 However these benefits need further studies for establish this fact.
Chamomile might be useful in reducing inflammatory pains like sciatica and neuralgias, any types of swellings like abscesses, inflammation of the vaginal lining (vaginitis), and lining of the mouth. For relief in vaginitis, a chamomile douche may be used.2 It is however, essential to consult your doctor before taking chamomile for such conditions.
Chamomile may have an antibacterial effect and is therefore useful for improving the health of the oral cavity.2 A professional dentist might be the best person to advice.
Many animal studies have shown that chamomile aids in reduction in cancer growth. This may be due to the apigenin chemical which is present in chamomile. Currently, human studies are being conducted on cancer with chamomile extracts.9 Moreover, for cancer conditions you must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Chamomile may be used for kidney stones and bladder stones alone or as a combination with other herbs in the Unani system of medicine in India.4 Animal studies have demonstrated a mild increase in urine formation as the flowers of Roman chamomile show urine stimulating properties.4,11 However, we need more studies to provide scientific evidence for these benefits of chamomile.
Also Read: Amaltas – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
Studies have shown that the oil extract of chamomile has very good mosquito repellent activity. Out of all the chamomile flower variants, the German chamomile has maximum mosquito repellent property.12
Although studies show the benefits of chamomile in different health conditions, this information is insufficient. Hence, there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of chamomile on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using chamomile for any medical condition.
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Also Read: Foods to Avoid When Taking Lamotrigine: A Detailed Guide for Safe Consumption
US-FDA includes chamomile in its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list, but the safety in young children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in disease of the liver and kidney has yet to be established by conducting studies. Some of the know side effects are as follows:
Also Read: Sarpagandha – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
Chamomile is contraindicated in pregnancy as it may cause the uterus to contract and can induce an abortion or pre-term labour.16
Safety during breastfeeding is not yet fully established; therefore, it shouldn’t be self-medicated. Consult a gynaecologist before taking any chamomile formulation.2
Traditionally, chamomile has been used in infants and young children for various conditions, but safety data is not yet fully established. Therefore, one must avoid usage in this age group.2
Also Read: Echinacea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
Chamomile is a blood thinner and can lead to bleeds if given with anticoagulants e.g., warfarin.14
As chamomile is a blood thinner, it is best avoided when the person is taking anti-platelet drugs e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.14
Chamomile is well known for reducing pain as it brings about calmness, and induces sleep; therefore, monitoring is needed if the person is already on drugs that slow down the brain e.g., sedatives or tranquilizers.15
CYP-450 is an enzyme in the liver that metabolizes many drugs in the body like diazepam, amiodarone, etc. Thus, taking chamomile might increase the levels of these drugs in the body leading to toxicity. Therefore, caution is to be taken.15
Therefore, your Ayurvedic physician’s advice is to be followed thoroughly, as their prescription is based on keeping your health condition in mind. Please ensure to disclose all medications prescribed and currently being used to your doctor at the time of consultation.
Also read: Shankhpushpi – Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & Drug Interactions
In Hindi chamomile is called Babuna.1
The chamomile flower is the part that is used most, and it has a yellow center (1 – 1.5 cms wide) with white petals.5
The flower of this plant should be harvested near full bloom which is for a period of 3 – 6 weeks during March-April.1, 17
In an airtight glass at room temperature, chamomile can be stored for long-term.3
Chamomile belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae) which includes a lot more plants as well.4
Chamomile (Matricari recutita) and Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) both belong to the same Asteraceae family but are different species.4,18
Chamomile (Matricari recutita) and Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) both belong to the same Asteraceae family but are different species.4,19
Chamomile mainly contains vitamin A, vitamin B, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron copper, zinc, and has around 0.47g of carbohydrates but no caffeine. Therefore, it is caffeine-free.7
Chamomile has some amount of coumarin which is a chemical that prevents blood from clotting; thus it is a blood thinner and not to be taken if patients are on anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs due to the risk of bleeding.14 We may need further studies that can give evidence for these benefits on humans. Consult your doctor for better advice.
Chamomile contains chemicals that have insecticidal action. Therefore, can be used as a mosquito repellant.11
It is useful in dogs also, for various skin conditions.20
Traditionally it has been in use in babies in the past but currently, the safety is not fully established therefore use must be avoided.2
Yes, in adults if they are not on medications that interact with Chamomile, pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking drugs metabolized by CYP-450 enzyme, etc.2,15,16
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Last updated: Apr 11, 2024
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