Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla is an annual plant with an erect, branched, and smooth stem, growing to a height of 15–60 cm. The leaves are long, narrow, bipin...
Botanical name: Matricaria chamomilla. Also known as: Babuna, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, English Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Scented Mayweed, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile, Mother's Daisy, Whig Plant, Manzanilla.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Spasmolytic, Sedative
Dosage
Tea: 3g dried flowers in 1 cup of water, twice or thrice a day
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- Virya: Cooling
- Vipaka: Pungent
Benefits
- Chamomile has demonstrated potential benefits in managing general health conditions
- Nervine
- Calming
- Digestive
- Anti-inflammatory
Traditional uses
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Digestive disorders
- Bloating
Dosha effects
- vata: aggravating
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Tea: Standard preparation as per API.
- Infused Ghee: Standard preparation as per API.
- Oil: Standard preparation as per API.
- Powder: Standard preparation as per API.
- Compress: Standard preparation as per API.
- Poultice: Standard preparation as per API.
- Tincture: Standard preparation as per API.
- Capsules: Standard preparation as per API.
- Essential Oil (diluted): Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, ragweed, or other plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family
- Allergic conditions such as asthma
- Children under 5 years (for essential oil use)
- Pregnancy (use with caution; avoid in large amounts)
- Past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus
Side effects
- Use with caution if allergic to plants, pollen, or essential oils. May cause allergic reactions, including skin irritation, itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but possible. Avoid use near eyes. Chamomile may have mild blood-thinning effects. Discontinue use 2 weeks before surgery. May worsen conditions sensitive to estrogen. High doses may cause drowsiness and vomiting.
Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May increase the risk of bleeding
- Sedatives (including alcohol): May increase sedative effects
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Clinical evidence
Chamomile has demonstrated potential benefits in managing general health conditions. A randomized clinical trial (PMID: 37442397) found that long-term chamomile treatment significantly reduced moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and aided in maintaining lower GAD symptoms compared to placebo, with significant reductions in body weight and mean arterial blood pressure. Additionally, a meta-analysis (PMID: 39742491) highlighted chamomile's potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, showing significant reductions in mucositis severity and pain level.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Nervine
- Calming
- Digestive
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Sedative
- Diaphoretic
- Skin Tonic
- Vulnerary
- Anxiolytic
- Stomachic
- Immune-calming
- Blood-thinner
- Vasodilator
- Emmenagogue
- Antiseptic
- Anti-allergen
- Anti-catarrhal
Classical clinical indications
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Digestive disorders
- Bloating
- Acidity
- Indigestion
- Colic
- Menstrual cramps
- Headaches
- Skin irritations
- Eczema
- Wounds
- Inflammation
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Colds
- Coughs
- Sinus congestion
- Sore throat
Frequently asked questions
What is Chamomile?
Matricaria chamomilla is an annual plant with an erect, branched, and smooth stem, growing to a height of 15–60 cm. The leaves are long, narrow, bipin...
What are the benefits of Chamomile?
Chamomile has demonstrated potential benefits in managing general health conditions. Nervine. Calming
How is Chamomile used in Ayurveda?
Tea: Standard preparation as per API.