Chamomile: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for stomach cramps, intestinal bloating, and irritation of the mucous membranes. It is also used externally for gargles, compresses, and baths. Its main properties are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mildly calming, and antiseptic.

What Is German Chamomile and How Can You Distinguish It from Other Types?

German chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It grows to a height of 15–50(60) cm. The stem is smooth and branched, sometimes branching from the base. The leaves are divided two or three times into narrow, linear segments with pointed tips. The flower heads are made up of white ray florets around a center of golden-yellow tubular florets. At the beginning of flowering, the white rays point horizontally; toward the end, they bend downward.

The most reliable identifying feature is the flower head's receptacle. In German chamomile, it is cone-shaped and hollow inside. In similar species, such as scentless chamomile, the receptacle is solid and hemispherical or bluntly conical. German chamomile has a strong, distinctive scent. It flowers from May to September.

It grows in wastelands, rubbish-strewn areas, roadsides, fields, and around homes. It prefers fertile soil. It is common in Russia but rarely grows north of the 60th parallel. There is also another species, pineappleweed, or wild chamomile, which has no white ray florets, only greenish-yellow tubular florets. It is also used medicinally, but this article focuses primarily on German chamomile.

German Chamomile: Benefits, Composition and Main Properties

According to herbal medicine reference guides, the flowers contain essential oil, ranging from 0.12–0.5% to 0.8–1%, depending on the raw material. The oil contains chamazulene, bisabolol, other sesquiterpenes, and terpenoids. Chamazulene is the most valuable component of the oil. Its content ranges from 1.64 to 8.99%, averaging around 4.6%. The flowers also contain flavonoids, coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, mucilage, tannins, bitter compounds, choline, carotene, and small amounts of organic acids.

Chamomile's effects are described as follows:

• Antispasmodic — relieves spasms of the smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines;
• Anti-inflammatory — reduces irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes;
• Antiseptic and disinfectant;
• Mildly sedative — helps with increased excitability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances;
• Carminative — reduces bloating and fermentation;
• Diaphoretic — traditionally used for colds;
• Locally anesthetic — provides mild pain relief when applied externally;
• Wound-healing and soothing.

Herbal reference books note that chamomile preparations increase bile secretion, reduce spasms in isolated intestinal tissue, and have shown anti-ulcer effects in animal experiments. Essential oil may slightly increase and deepen breathing and dilate blood vessels in the brain. However, these are laboratory findings, not a reason to take the oil internally without medical advice.

German Chamomile: What Does It Help With and What Is It Traditionally Used to Treat?

German chamomile has traditionally been used for stomach and intestinal cramps, colic, bloating, belching, and flatulence. The infusion is used for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, painful menstruation, nervous overexcitability, and insomnia. For colds, people traditionally drink it as a diaphoretic, while gargles and mouth rinses are used for irritation of the throat and oral mucosa.

These uses are based primarily on traditional herbal practice. They do not mean that chamomile eliminates the underlying cause of a disease or replaces prescribed treatment. Chamomile should not be considered a proven laxative for constipation: its traditional use is mainly associated with cramps, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

How Should You Take German Chamomile Internally?

Traditionally, people drink chamomile flower infusions for stomach and intestinal cramps, colic, bloating, belching, and flatulence. They are also used for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, painful menstruation, nervous overexcitability, and insomnia, as well as a diaphoretic during colds.

Reference guides describe several preparations. One source recommends making an infusion with 1–2 teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. Another recommends pouring a cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of the plant material, letting it steep, and taking one tablespoon 3 times a day. For stomach pain, a cold infusion is sometimes recommended because it contains more mucilage and has a gentler effect.

A carminative tea made with chamomile, valerian, and caraway is prepared as follows: take 6 parts chamomile flowers, 4 parts valerian root, and 1 part caraway seeds. Pour a cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of the mixture, steep for 20 minutes, and strain. Take half a cup in the morning and evening for flatulence.

A medicinal plant reference guide mentions chamomile tincture at a dose of 15–25 drops. Alcohol-based extracts require caution and should not be used without consulting a healthcare professional.

Can German Chamomile Be Used Externally?

Chamomile infusions and decoctions are used externally as soothing, anti-inflammatory, and disinfecting preparations.

• Gargles and mouth rinses: for tonsillitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
• Compresses and poultices: for wounds, ulcers, boils, abscesses, eczema, skin irritation, burns, and frostbite.
• Warm poultices: steamed chamomile flowers are sometimes mixed with elderflowers and applied to inflamed areas.
• Wound irrigation: a decoction is used to rinse infected wounds and ulcers.
• Baths: traditionally used for nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, and aching legs.
• Cosmetics: chamomile decoction is used to wash light-colored hair to give it a golden tint; the infusion is used to wash the face and soften the skin.

Please note: do not use chamomile for eye inflammation, as it may increase irritation. Herbal reference books recommend eyebright rather than chamomile for the eyes. Avoid getting chamomile infusion into your eyes.

How to Brew German Chamomile Properly

The basic method is simple: pour hot water over dried flowers, cover, let them steep, and strain.

Classic infusion:

• 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water;
• Steep for 10–15 minutes;
• Drink warm.

For a stronger infusion for gargling or rinsing, use one tablespoon of the plant material per cup of boiling water.

Cold infusion:

• Pour cold boiled water over the same amount of plant material;
• Leave to steep for several hours at room temperature;
• Use for stomach pain when preserving more mucilage is important.

Do not boil it for a long time, as the essential oil evaporates. In older reference books, the term "decoction" was often used for a simple water-based extract, but today an infusion is more commonly prepared.

When and How Should You Harvest Chamomile Flowers to Preserve Their Properties?

The flower heads are collected for medicinal use. The best time is at the beginning of flowering, when the white ray florets are positioned horizontally. Harvest in dry weather, picking the flower heads by hand or combing the plants with special scoop-like combs. Avoid flower heads with long stems: the flower stalk should not exceed 3 cm for German chamomile and 1 cm for pineappleweed.

Dry the flowers quickly in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, or in a dryer at 40–50 °C. Spread them in a thin layer, using approximately 1 kg of plant material per 1 m². Do not stir them or overdry them. Finish drying when the receptacles become dry.

The finished raw material consists of whole flower heads with a strong, aromatic smell and a spicy, slightly bitter taste. Store them in a dry, dark place, away from strongly scented products. According to the standard, the moisture content of the raw material should not exceed 14%.

Chamomile flowers from May to September. Collect the flower heads as they open.

How to Find German Chamomile Abroad

The plant in question is *Matricaria chamomilla*. The synonym *Matricaria recutita* may also appear on the label. The flower heads are used, not the roots or fruits.

• USA: German chamomile, sometimes simply chamomile.
• Germany: Echte Kamille or Kamillenblüten.
• France: camomille matricaire or camomille allemande.
• Latin name: *Matricaria chamomilla* / *Matricaria recutita*.

Forms Available

Most commonly, chamomile is sold as loose dried flowers or tea bags containing the flowers. Liquid extracts and tinctures, as well as capsules containing flower powder or extract, are also available. The forms offered depend on the country and store.

Where to Look

• USA: health food stores, tea shops, and online retailers.
• Germany: pharmacies, including online pharmacies, Reformhaus health food stores, and tea shops.
• France: pharmacies, herbal and health food stores, tea shops, and online retailers.

Check the packaging for the Latin name, the plant part used — flowers/Blüten/fleurs — and whether the product is a medicinal herbal tea or an ordinary food-grade tea. If this matters to you, look for organic certification. Do not confuse German chamomile with Roman chamomile, *Chamaemelum nobile*. The word chamomile or camomille alone is not enough to identify the species.

Regulations vary: in the United States, chamomile dietary supplements do not receive prior FDA approval as medicines, while in Germany you can look for Kamillenblüten-Arzneitee, a medicinal chamomile tea, at a pharmacy.

German Chamomile: Benefits and Risks, Contraindications and Precautions

German chamomile is generally considered a low-risk plant when consumed as an ordinary tea, but there are some restrictions. Medicinal doses, including concentrated infusions and extracts, are considered potentially safe only for short-term use. Long-term use without medical supervision is not recommended. Buy the raw material from pharmacies or reputable producers, as poor drying or storage can cause it to spoil.

The main contraindication is an allergy to chamomile or other plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, sunflowers, and calendula. Possible reactions include contact dermatitis, hives, bronchospasm, and severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Pregnancy: there is insufficient information about safety. Modern sources do not recommend medicinal doses of chamomile during pregnancy. Ordinary tea consumed in food-like quantities is not the same as concentrated extracts or supplements.

Breastfeeding: there is little available information. Medicinal preparations should be used only after consulting a healthcare professional, especially if the baby is a newborn or premature. Children: short-term use may be possible, but long-term safety data are lacking. Do not give children concentrated extracts, essential oil, or multi-herb mixtures without consulting a pediatrician. Do not use chamomile for the eyes, as the infusion may cause irritation. Chamomile baths are not recommended for people with severe cardiovascular disease, open wounds, extensive skin damage, acute skin conditions, high fever, or severe infections.

Drug interactions:

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin and other blood-thinning medications.
• Sedatives: combining chamomile with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, opioids, or sedating antihistamines may increase drowsiness.
• Cyclosporine: there is a report of increased blood levels of the medication. Do not start taking chamomile supplements without medical advice.
• Medications metabolized by the CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes: laboratory studies suggest that chamomile may affect these enzymes. The clinical significance is unclear, but the risk is greater with concentrated preparations than with occasional tea.
• Oral contraceptives: preliminary evidence suggests that chamomile may reduce their effectiveness. Use additional contraception if taking medicinal doses.

Do not take chamomile essential oil internally. It is a concentrated product with different risks.

Typical side effects are rare and include nausea, dizziness, a mild rash, itching, and local irritation. If you experience wheezing, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, widespread hives, or fainting, stop using the product and seek urgent medical help.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if:

• Your abdominal pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool;
• Your stomach or intestinal symptoms recur frequently or do not go away after several days;
• You are allergic to plants in the daisy family or develop a rash after using chamomile;
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to give chamomile to a child;
• You take anticoagulants, sedatives, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, or medications with a narrow therapeutic window;
• You have chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease;
• You want to use chamomile as something other than tea, such as concentrated extracts, tinctures, or oil.

Chamomile does not replace medical care or prescribed treatment.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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