Matricaria Chamomilla

 

Matricaria Chamomilla [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0207+0114

Common name:   

Chamomile
(Bone, 2003. p. 137). 

Latin binomial:

Matricaria Chamomilla  
(Bone, 2003. p. 137).

Family:   

Compositae 
(Bone, 2003. p. 137).

Parts used:  

Flower 
(Bone, 2003. p. 137).

Active contituents: 

• Essential oil, 
• Flavonoids, 
• Coumarins, 
• Proazulenes, 
• Plant acids, 
• Fatty acids, 
• Polysaccharides, 
• Choline, 
• Amino acids 

(L,Braun. M, Cohen. p. 300).

Actions:

Anti-inflammatory Spasmolytic Carminative Mild sedative Antiulcer Vulnerary Diaphoretic  (Bone, 2003. p. 137).

• Antipuritic, 
• Antispasmodic
• Antimicrobial
• Wound healing 

(Braun & Cohen. p. 300).  

Indications:

Practitioners should consider prescribing in formulations in the context of: Gastrointestinal spasm, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowl syndrome, flatulence and bloating Acute, uncomplicated diarrhea, in combination with pectin* Infertile colic* in combination with lemon balm, vervain, licorice and fennel. Anxiety Travel sickness, nervous diarrhea Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea Restlessness, anxiety Teething problems in children Topical treatment for eczema and wound healing Topical treatment for leg ulcers Topical treatment for skin inflammation Topical treatment for mucous membrane infections; including those of the gums and oral cavity Topical treatment for bacterial skin diseases

(Bone, 2003. p. 137).

Contraindications: 

Known allergy 
(Bone, 2003. p. 137).   

Cautions:

People with a known sensitivity to other member of the compositae family (e.g., ragweed, daises, chrysanthemums) should avoid oral and topical application of chamomile and chamomile products 
(Bone, 2003. p. 137).

Dosage:

3-6 ml of 1:2 high grade liquid extract **per day (Bone, 2003. p. 138) 20-40 ml of 1:2 high grade liquid extract**per week (Bone, 2003. p. 138) High-grade liquid extracts providing quantified levels of bisabolol are recommended (Bone, 2003. p. 138).

References: 

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Braun, L. Cohen, M. (2010) Herbs and natural supplements; an evidence-based guide. Elsevier: NSW.