# Chamomile: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

> Chamomile: benefits, uses, preparation and precautions according to herbal reference books, explained by Dr. Boris Wydoff.

- URL: https://celitel.online/en/blog/romashka-uspokaivaet/
- Author: Dr. Boris Wydoff — https://celitel.online/en/about/
- Published: 2026-09-23
- Language: en

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

## What is German chamomile and how can you tell it apart from other types?

German chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae). It grows 15–50(60) cm tall. The stem is bare, branched, sometimes branching from the base. The leaves are twice- or three-times pinnately divided into narrow linear, awl-shaped pointed segments. The inflorescences are flower heads. The outer flowers are white ray florets, while the inner ones are golden-yellow tubular florets. At the beginning of flowering, the white rays are positioned horizontally; by the end they bend downward.

The most reliable feature is the receptacle. In German chamomile it is cone-shaped and hollow inside. In similar species, for example scentless chamomile, the receptacle is solid, hemispherical, or blunt-conical. German chamomile has a strong, characteristic aroma. It blooms from May to September.

It grows on wastelands, rubbish areas, roadsides, fields, and near homes. It prefers fertile soils. In Russia it is widespread, but it rarely grows north of the 60th parallel. There is also another species — pineapple weed, or scentless chamomile. It has no white ray flowers, only tubular greenish-yellow ones. It is also used, but this article focuses primarily on German chamomile.

## What is it useful for and what does it contain?

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

The effects of chamomile are described as follows:

- antispasmodic — relieves spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines;
- anti-inflammatory — reduces irritation and swelling of mucous membranes;
- antiseptic and disinfecting;
- mild sedative — helps with increased excitability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances;
- carminative — reduces bloating and fermentation;
- diaphoretic — used for colds;
- local anesthetic — mild pain relief when used externally;
- wound-healing and softening.

Herbal references note that chamomile preparations increase bile secretion, reduce spasms of isolated intestines, and have anti-ulcer effects in animal experiments. Essential oil slightly increases and deepens breathing and dilates the blood vessels of the brain — but these are laboratory findings, not a reason to take the oil internally on your own.

## How to take chamomile internally?

Traditionally, an infusion of the flowers is drunk for stomach and intestinal spasms, colic, bloating, belching, and flatulence. It is used for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, painful menstruation, overexcitement, insomnia, and also as a diaphoretic during colds.

Reference books describe different preparations. According to one source, the infusion is made from 1–2 teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. According to another, a tablespoon of raw material is poured with a cup of boiling water, infused, and taken one tablespoon 3 times a day. For stomach pain, a cold extract is sometimes recommended: it contains more mucilage and acts more gently.

Carminative tea from chamomile, valerian, and cumin is prepared as follows: take 6 parts chamomile flowers, 4 parts valerian root, and 1 part cumin fruits. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture with a cup of boiling water, infuse for 20 minutes, and strain. Take half a cup in the morning and evening for flatulence.

A chamomile tincture in a dose of 15–25 drops is mentioned in a medicinal plant reference book. Alcohol extracts require caution and should not be used without consulting a doctor.

## Can it be used externally?

Externally, chamomile infusion and decoction are used as a softening, anti-inflammatory, and disinfecting remedy.

- Gargles for the throat and mouth: for tonsillitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
- Lotions and compresses: for wounds, ulcers, boils, abscesses, eczema, skin irritation, burns, and frostbite.
- Poultices: steamed chamomile flowers are sometimes mixed with elderflower and applied to inflamed areas.
- Washes: wounds and ulcers with pus are washed with a decoction.
- Baths: for nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, and leg pain.
- Cosmetics: chamomile decoction is used to wash light hair for a golden tint; the infusion is used to wash the face to make the skin softer.

Please note: chamomile should not be used for eye inflammation — it may increase irritation. Herbal references recommend eyebright for the eyes rather than chamomile. Do not allow the infusion to get into the eyes.

## How to brew chamomile so it tastes good and keeps its benefits?

Preparation rules: dried flowers are poured with hot water, covered, allowed to infuse, and strained.

Classic infusion:
- 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water;
- infuse for 10–15 minutes;
- drink warm.

If a stronger infusion is needed for gargling or washing, take a tablespoon of raw material per cup of boiling water.

Cold extract:
- pour the same amount of raw material with cold boiled water;
- infuse for several hours at room temperature;
- use for stomach pain when it is important to preserve more mucilage.

Do not boil for a long time: essential oil evaporates. In old reference books, “decoction” often meant simply a water extract, but today an infusion is more commonly prepared.

## When and how to collect flowers so they keep their strength?

For medicinal purposes, flower heads are collected. The best time is the beginning of flowering, when the white ray flowers are positioned horizontally. They are collected in dry weather, picking the heads by hand or combing the plants with special collecting combs. Do not take heads with long flower stalks: in German chamomile the stalk should not exceed 3 cm, and in scentless chamomile — 1 cm.

Dry quickly, in the shade, in a ventilated room, or in a dryer at 40–50 °C. Spread in a thin layer: about 1 kg of raw material per 1 m². Do not stir and do not overdry. When the receptacle becomes dry, finish drying.

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

Chamomile blooms from May to September. Flower heads are collected as they open.

## How to find German chamomile abroad

This refers to *Matricaria chamomilla*; the synonym *Matricaria recutita* may also appear on labels. Flower heads are used, not roots or fruits.

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

### In what form is it sold?

Most often it is loose dried flowers or tea bags containing flowers. Liquid extracts and tinctures, capsules with flower powder or extract are also available. The availability of these forms depends on the country and store.

### Where to look

- **USA:** health food stores, tea shops, online.
- **Germany:** Apotheke, including online, Reformhaus, and tea shops.
- **France:** pharmacie, herbal and health food stores, tea shops, online.

Check the Latin name on the package, the plant part — flowers/Blüten/fleurs — and whether the product is a medicinal herbal tea or an ordinary food tea. If this matters, pay attention to organic certification. Do not confuse German chamomile with Roman chamomile — *Chamaemelum nobile*. The simple word chamomile or camomille is not enough to determine the species.

Rules vary: in the USA, chamomile supplements do not receive prior FDA approval as medicines, while in Germany pharmacies may offer Kamillenblüten-Arzneitee — medicinal tea.

## Who can be harmed by chamomile and where is caution needed?

German chamomile is considered a low-risk plant when used as an ordinary tea, but there are limitations. Medicinal doses (concentrated infusions, extracts) are considered possibly safe only for short courses. Long-term use without medical supervision is not recommended. Buy raw material from pharmacies or trusted producers: poor drying or storage can lead to spoilage.

The main contraindication is allergy to chamomile and other plants of the daisy family/Asteraceae: ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, sunflowers, calendula. Contact dermatitis, hives, bronchospasm, and severe reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

Pregnancy: there is insufficient safety data. Modern sources do not recommend medicinal doses of chamomile during pregnancy. Ordinary tea in food amounts is not the same as concentrated extracts or supplements.

Breastfeeding: there is little data. Medicinal products should only be used after consulting a doctor, especially if the baby is a newborn or premature.

Children: short-term use may be possible, but long-term data is lacking. Do not give children concentrated extracts, essential oil, or multi-component herbal mixtures without a pediatrician.

Do not use chamomile for the eyes: the infusion may cause irritation.

Chamomile baths are not recommended for severe cardiovascular diseases, open wounds, extensive skin damage, acute skin diseases, high fever, or severe infections.

Drug interactions:
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: chamomile may increase bleeding risk when taking warfarin and other blood-thinning medicines.
- Sedatives: additional drowsiness is possible when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, opioids, or sedating antihistamines.
- Cyclosporine: there is a report of increased blood levels of the drug; do not start chamomile supplements without a doctor.
- Medicines metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 enzymes: in laboratory studies chamomile may affect these enzymes; the clinical significance is unclear, but the risk is higher with concentrates rather than occasional tea.
- Oral contraceptives: preliminary data suggest a possible reduction in effectiveness; when using medicinal doses, use additional contraception.

Do not take essential oil internally: it is a concentrate with different risks.

Typical side effects are rare: nausea, dizziness, mild rash, itching, local irritation. If wheezing, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, generalized hives, or fainting occurs — stop use and seek urgent help.

## When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:
- abdominal pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool;
- stomach or intestinal symptoms recur frequently or do not go away for several days;
- you are allergic to plants of the daisy family or develop a rash after chamomile;
- you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to give chamomile to a child;
- you take anticoagulants, sedatives, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, or medicines with a narrow therapeutic window;
- you have chronic heart, liver, or kidney diseases;
- you want to use chamomile not as tea but as concentrated extracts, tinctures, or oil.

Chamomile does not replace medical care and does not cancel prescribed treatment.

## From the editors

The article was prepared using herbal medicine reference materials and traditional sources. It does not replace a doctor's consultation: professional evaluation is necessary before using any herbal remedies.

## FAQ

**Q: What is German chamomile used for?**
A: Traditionally, the infusion is taken for stomach spasms, bloating, gastritis, colitis, painful menstruation, and insomnia. Externally — for rinses, compresses, wound washing, and baths.

**Q: How to brew German chamomile?**
A: Pour 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers with a cup of boiling water, cover, infuse for 10–15 minutes, and strain. For external use, take a tablespoon per cup.

**Q: What are the contraindications of German chamomile?**
A: Allergy to Asteraceae plants, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood without medical advice. Caution is needed when taking anticoagulants, sedatives, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives.

**Q: Can eyes be washed with chamomile?**
A: No. With eye inflammation, chamomile may increase irritation. Herbal references use eyebright for the eyes. Avoid getting the infusion into the eyes.

**Q: How much chamomile tea can be drunk?**
A: In ordinary food amounts, tea is considered safe for short courses. Medicinal doses should not be taken for a long time without medical supervision.

**Q: Can chamomile be used during pregnancy?**
A: Current data do not recommend medicinal doses of chamomile during pregnancy. Ordinary tea in food amounts is not the same as concentrates, but it is better to discuss it with a doctor.

**Q: What is the difference between German chamomile and scentless chamomile?**
A: German chamomile has white ray flowers, while scentless chamomile does not. The receptacle of both species is hollow, but scentless chamomile has smaller flower heads on shorter stalks.

**Q: How to store dried chamomile flowers?**
A: In a dry, dark place, separately from strongly scented products. The moisture content of the raw material should not exceed 14%. Shelf life is according to the manufacturer's or pharmacy's recommendation, usually up to 1–2 years.


_Educational content; it does not replace medical advice._