Chamomile

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Anthemis flores, A. nobilis
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Various parts of the entire plant, frequently differing by
country and/or culture
Chemicals this herb contains:
Antheme
Anthemic acid
Anthesterol
Apigenin
Chamazulene
Resin (See Glossary)
Tannic acid
Tiglic acid
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Used as an aromatic (See Glossary). Irritates mucous membranes. Decreases spasm of smooth or skeletal muscle. Reduces inflammation. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally. Kills bacteria on skin.

Miscellaneous information:
Flowers are used to make extract and herbal tea.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Internal use:
Treats minor infections. Treats diarrhea. Treats indigestion. Relieves cramps. Decreases intestinal gas.

External use:
Is used as a poultice (See Glossary). It is occasionally used as a way to apply medication to skin abscesses.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS