German Chamomile (Mazanilla, Matricaria, Hungarian Chamomile)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Matricaria chamomilla
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Petals/flower
Chemicals this herb contains:
Alphabisabolol
Azulene
Fatty acid
Furfural
Paraffin hydrocarbons
Sesquiterpene
Sesquiterpene alcohol
Tannins (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Weakens muscles. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Miscellaneous information:
Ice cream, candy and liqueur manufacturers use small, non-toxic amounts for flavoring.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Relieves spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle. Is used as a tonic. Is used as a sedative. Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract.

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:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

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

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

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

Generally regarded as safe when taken in appropriate
quantities for short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS