German Chamomile: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Wild Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomile, Small Chamomile
Scientific name(s)
Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Sesquiterpenes
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Quercetin
Apigenin
Polyphenols
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Chamomile relieves colic in infants. An herbal tea made from German chamomile, vervain, fennel, and balm after each colic episode for 7 days has shown increased relief in infants compared to a placebo. Clinical studies have also shown that German chamomile was beneficial in adults suffering from gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, flatulence, or mild stomach spasms. In an open multicentric study, 104 patients were treated orally for 6 weeks with a German chamomile flower extract. Symptoms, subjectively evaluated, showed improvement in all patients, with complete disappearance of symptoms in 44.2% of them. The preparation was standardized to provide 50 mg of alpha-bisabolol and 150 to 300 mg of apigenin-7-glucoside. The Commission E, ESCOP, and the World Health Organization advocate the use of German chamomile for symptomatic management of gastrointestinal disorders, including minor spasms, distension in the epigastric region, as well as manifestations of flatulence and eructation.
Posologie
Oral: flower
150 - 900 mg
infusion, standardized extract
Synergies
Efficacy of a standardized extract of Matricariae chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L., and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122) in infantile colic: an open randomized controlled trial.
European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare, and Melissa officinalis (ColiMil) in the treatment of breastfed colicky infants.
[Double-blind comparison of an apple pectin-chamomile extract preparation with placebo in children with diarrhea].
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Double-blind, randomized evaluation of clinical efficacy and tolerability of an apple pectin-chamomile extract in children with unspecific diarrhea.
A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Matricaria Recutita L.)
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile seems to have significant anxiolytic properties compared to a placebo. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 57 people with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorders, administration of a German chamomile extract titrated in apigenin (1.2%) led to moderate anxiety reduction. Other double-blind placebo-controlled research has highlighted the effectiveness of chamomile as palliative care for anxiety and moderate depression. Additionally, the beneficial effects of essential oil of German chamomile in reducing anxiety have been demonstrated.
Posologie
Oral: flower
220 - 1100 mg
essential oil, standardized extract
Aromatherapy massage seems effective in critically ill children: an observational before-after study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) May Provide Antidepressant Activity in Anxious, Depressed Humans: An Exploratory Study
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is recognized for its calming properties on the nervous system, providing a natural alternative for managing mild sleep disorders. Although specific clinical trials on its sedative and anxiolytic properties are limited, a study conducted on young Japanese men revealed that consuming chamomile tea led to a significant reduction in heart rate and an increase in peripheral skin temperature after stressful tasks. These results suggest that chamomile may promote a sense of calm and relaxation, potentially reducing feelings of sadness and depression while improving relaxation scores. A 2011 study explored the efficacy of chamomile extract on chronic primary insomnia. Participants, aged 18 to 65 years and suffering from primary insomnia for at least 6 months, were randomly assigned to receive either 270 mg of chamomile extract twice daily or a placebo for 28 days. The primary parameters evaluated were based on a sleep diary, with secondary measures concerning daytime symptoms and safety assessment. Results did not show significant differences between groups for sleep measures but a slight improvement in daytime activity and well-being was observed with chamomile.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
540 mg
essential oil, standardized extract
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Several studies have tested the efficacy of chamomile preparations applied topically to treat skin inflammation related to atopic dermatitis, eczema, radiotherapy treatments, and erythema. Results indicate that chamomile cream can be as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone for treating eczema and provides significant improvement in symptoms such as itching, erythema, and scaling. ESCOP and EMA indicate German chamomile in cases of minor inflammations and irritations of the skin and mucous membranes.
Posologie
Topical route: flower
essential oil, lotion, cream
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
The use of German chamomile in the treatment of dysmenorrhea relies on its long-standing traditional usage and its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties. These properties may help relieve menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, which helps reduce the pain and spasms associated with dysmenorrhea. Essential oil can also be beneficial when applied topically, with a carrier oil, on the abdomen.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
150 - 900 mg
infusion, essential oil, standardized extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is used for the treatment of minor ulcers and inflammations of the mouth and throat, according to the EMA. ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy) recognizes its use in cases of gastrointestinal inflammation
Posologie
Oral and buccal route: flower
1 - 5 g
infusion
Wound ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is used for the treatment of minor skin inflammations (sunburn), superficial wounds, and small boils.
Posologie
Topical route: flower
essential oil, lotion, cream
Crohn's Disease, Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
In the context of IBDs, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, German chamomile shows promising therapeutic potential. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce inflammatory flare-ups and ulcerations in the intestinal tissue. Its extracts, rich in sesquiterpene lactones, work synergistically to protect the intestinal mucosa against oxidative and inflammatory damage. While German chamomile does not replace conventional treatments, it serves as a valuable adjuvant in managing digestive tract inflammations.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
3 - 5 g
infusion
Properties
Antispasmodic
Laboratory research indicates that German chamomile might have spasmolytic effects on smooth muscle tissues. This effect may be related to its action on certain molecules (cAMP and cGMP) that control the contraction and relaxation of these muscles. A study conducted with 104 patients suffering from digestive disorders revealed that a 6-week treatment with a chamomile flower extract significantly reduced symptoms such as gastritis, bloating, and mild stomach spasms, thanks to active components like a-bisabolol and apigenin-7-glucoside.
Usages associés
Sedative
German chamomile has sedative activities, although the responsible components are not clearly identified. Laboratory research suggests that apigenin, one of its constituents, might bind to GABA receptors, which are also targeted by benzodiazepines in the central nervous system, thus contributing to its calming effect.
Usages associés
Neurological
Apigenin is a ligand of central benzodiazepine receptors exerting mild anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Digestive effect
German chamomile benefits the digestive system with its carminative and antispasmodic properties. Flavonoids, such as apigenin and bisabolol, inhibit muscle spasms in the small intestine, moderating peristaltic contractions and slowing down intestinal transit. This action is particularly beneficial in treating digestive disorders like bloating, abdominal cramps, and gas colic. Infusions or standardized extracts are commonly used to calm gastrointestinal spasms while promoting digestion.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
German chamomile exerts a natural anti-inflammatory effect by acting on inflammation mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The flavones present in the plant, notably apigenin, inhibit phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, limiting the inflammatory cascade. This action helps reduce inflammatory symptoms in various contexts, including digestive inflammations. Furthermore, studies have shown that its compounds stabilize cell membranes and alleviate cutaneous and mucosal allergic responses.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 150 mg - 1100 mg (dry extract)
- In infusion: 2-3 g of dried flower heads in 150 ml of hot water for an infusion of 5 to 10 min. - Mother tincture: 30 to 50 drops, 3 times a day. - Dry extract: 50 to 300 mg, 3 times a day.
Child from 6 years: 60 mg - 300 mg (dry extract)
- In infusion: 1-2 g of dried flower heads in 150 ml of hot water for an infusion of 5 to 10 min. - Mother tincture: 10 to 20 drops, 3 times a day. - Dry extract: 20 to 100 mg, 3 times a day. - Generally, the dosage is that of the adult adapted to the child's weight.
Interactions
Médicaments
Benzodiazepines: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and benzodiazepines could add up.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and central nervous system depressants could add up.
Estrogens: moderate interaction
Chamomile may compete with estrogens for their receptors and thus reduce their effects.
Tamoxifen: moderate interaction
Chamomile interferes with tamoxifen due to its estrogenic activity.
Precautions
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
There is insufficient information on the use of German chamomile supplements for breastfeeding women.
Contraindications
Pregnant woman: prohibited
The effect of chamomile on the uterus makes it contraindicated during pregnancy.
