Chamomile: The Relaxing Bedtime Drink

HEALTH TALK

Chamomile tea (Photo – Pixabay.com).

Chamomile extracts are the dried flower heads of Matricaria recutita (referred to as the German Chamomile) or Anthemis nobilis (Refered to as the Roman Chamomile).

By H. S. Nemr

Source and chemical components

It is widely grown in the US, Europe, and South America. Both kinds of Chamomile contain flavonoids (apigenin and other compounds), terpenoid volatile oils (Chamazulene, bisabolol and other compounds), and tiglic acid esters.

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In animal studies, the chamomile volatile oil was reported to have anti-allergic and sedative properties. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that bisabolol and chamazulene exert anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects. Bisabolol has shown anti-ulcerative effects in rats by inhibiting the development of alcohol induced or stress induced ulcers.

Loose chamomile tea (Photo – commons.wikimedia.org).

Therapeutic uses/Reported folk uses

External uses: Chamomile is used topically in folk therapy to manage minor wounds, cracked nipples, mouth sores, rheumatic pain and conjunctivitis.

Internal uses: Oral chamomile extracts, capsules, and tea bags are promoted as a sedative and anxiolytic in cases of nervousness, to manage insomnia, in the management of cold and flu, to induce menstruation, and as a digestive aid.

Dosage

Tea or infusion: 3 grams of fresh flower heads or 1 tea bag three times daily. The tea bag should be infused in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Liquid extract: 1-4 ml three times daily

Adverse reactions and precautions

Allergic reactions to chamomile are rare,

Skin: Contact dermatitis.

ENT: Allergic conjunctivits.

GU: Menstrual irregularities.

Chamomile should be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Interactions

Excess doses of Chamomile extract may delay the absorption of other medications if taken concurrently. Excess doses of Chamomile extract may interact with warfarin and benzodiazepines.

H.S. Nemr is a graduate of BAU pharmacy school. He is currently a medication safety officer at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare system.

References

1. Professional’s Handbook of Complementary Alternative Medicines,Springhouse, 2^nd edition.
2. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences/ Longwood Herbal Task Force/ http://www.longwoodherbal.org/
3. Medline Plus, National institute of health http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus