Chamomile (chamomilla recutita, German chamomile, matricaria chamomilla, matricaria recutita, pin heads, Roman chamomile, wild chamomile)
Classes: Dermatology, Herbals; Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat, Herbals; Gastrointestinal, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Chamomilla recutita, German chamomile (chamomile)
Mucositis, chemo-induced
Swish orally and swallow TID; use 10-15 drops liquid extract / 100 ml warm water
Dyspepsia
1 mL PO TID (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc)
Dried flower heads
2-8 g PO TId
Tea
1 cup PO TID-QID; 3 g dried flower heads/150 ml water
Liquid extract
1-4 ml PO TID; 1:1 in 45% alcohoL
Tea poultice/rinse
Apply 3-10% ointment/gel PRn
Suggested uses of Chamomilla recutita, German chamomile (chamomile)
Flatulence, GI inflammatory disorders, GI spasms, inflammation (skin or mucous membrane), insomnia, menstrual cramps, motion sickness
Topical: hemorrhoids, mucositis (chemo-induced)
Efficacy
Classified as effective by German Commission e
Possibly effective for dyspepsia, colic and mucositis
Chamomilla recutita, German chamomile (chamomile) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Generally regarded as safe
Anaphylaxis
Contact dermatitis
Hypersensitivity reactions
Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, ragweed
Cautions
Asthma, concurrent CYP 3A4 substrates
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid use
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Chamomilla recutita, German chamomile (chamomile)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Tiglic acid esters: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Chamazulene: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antibacteriaL
Apigenin: anti-inflammatory (comparable to NSAIDs)
Azulene: anti-inflammatory
Umbelliferone: fungicidaL
Bisabolols: antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
