GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family
native to Europe and western Asia. Chamomile can promote relaxation and it is a reliable
remedy for skin irritation.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Chamomile improves tissue
regeneration, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the immune-boosting activity of white blood cells, thanks to the action of chemical flavonoids. Both
varieties are effective as mild sedatives, although German
chamomile appears to have more anti-inflammatory
action. In addition to its anti-inflammatory action chamomile also has antispasmodic
properties, therefore it may be
useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and
inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease. As it relaxes smooth muscle, chamomile may also help to reduce menstrual cramps.
The compounds responsible for chamomile’s sleep-promoting
properties are still being determined, although a recent
study done on apigenin, a flavonoid derived from German chamomile, found clear antianxiety and
mild sedative effects.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Chamomile is available as a dried whole herb
(to be used as a tea or bath infusion) and in packaged teas, tables, capsules, concentrated drops,
tinctures, and extracts. Follow dosage directions on
labels
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Both oral and topical chamomile products are considered very non-toxic and are gentle enough
for use in children, or during pregnancy and lactation. An
extremely remote concern is that people with an allergy to
some other herb in the daisy family would also be allergic to chamomile. The herb has been
reported as being a potential trigger of severe anaphylaxis,
for this reason people with allergies to plants of the
Asteraceae family (ragweed, aster and chrysanthemums)
should avoid using chamomile. The herb may also increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the
effects of warfarin therapy. Chamomile-based skin creams
should not come in to contact with the eyes.
