Chamomile (chamomilla recutita, German chamomile, matricaria chamomilla, matricaria recutita, pin heads, Roman chamomile, wild chamomile)

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