German chamomile
Overview:
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world. There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Although they belong to different species, they are used to treat the same health problems. Both are used to calm frayed nerves, to treat various stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections.
Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Historically, chamomile has been used to treat many conditions, including:
Chest colds
Sore throats
Abscesses
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Anxiety
Insomnia
Psoriasis
Acne
Eczema
Minor first-degree burns
Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)
Stomach ulcers
Children’s conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic
Although chamomile is popular, there aren’ t many studies that look at whether it works to treat these conditions. Animal studies have shown that German chamomile reduces inflammation, speeds wound healing, reduces muscle spasms, and serves as a mild sedative to help with sleep. But there are very few studies to see if the same is true in people. Test tube studies have shown that chamomile can kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Anxiety, insomnia
This is the most popular use for chamomile in the United States. So far there has been only one controlled, randomized clinical trial using chamomile to treat anxiety in people. It found that chamomile capsules reduced symptoms of anxiety in people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Animal studies have found that low doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.
Digestive problems
Chamomile has been used traditionally to treat stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic. It helps relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. But there are no good human studies on any of these conditions. One analysis of several studies found that product containing a combination of the herb iberis, peppermint, and chamomile seemed to help relieve symptoms of indigestion.
Gingivitis, mouth sores
Chamomile has been suggested as a treatment for these mouth problems. But so far there is no evidence that it works. When used as a mouthwash, there’ s some evidence that chamomile may help prevent mouth sores from radiation and chemotherapy — but here again, the results from studies are mixed.
Skin irritations, eczema
Chamomile is often used topically in a cream or ointment to soothe irritated skin, especially in Europe. Most evidence comes from animal studies, not studies with people. Two studies in people found that a chamomile cream helped relieve symptoms of eczema.
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