Roman Chamomile: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Noble Chamomile
Scientific name(s)
Chamaemelum nobile, Anthemis nobilis, Ormenis nobilis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Apigenin
Quercetin
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Sesquiterpenes
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
Chamomile significantly reduces anxiety compared to a placebo. A study was conducted on 56 coronary patients scheduled for stent placement. In treated patients, inhaling a blend of Roman chamomile, lavender, and Neroli significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality compared to the control group, without causing additional adverse effects. This essential oil is particularly interesting for treating all nerve-origin pathologies: anxiety, depression, stress... It is very well suited for the treatment of asthma, as it is often triggered by a psychological disorder. During a randomized study of 54 chronic asthmatic patients, inhalation of 100 mg/kg of chamomile per day for 21 days showed a relaxing effect on the respiratory tract and therefore improved respiratory capacities. The essential oil can be taken orally on a neutral tablet.
Posologie
Oral: flower
essential oil
Synergies
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The use of noble chamomile essential oil is known to improve sleep. A study was conducted on 56 coronary patients scheduled for stent placement. In treated patients, inhaling a blend of Roman chamomile, lavender, and Neroli significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality compared to the control group, without causing additional adverse effects. The essential oil can be taken orally on a neutral tablet.
Posologie
Oral: flower
essential oil
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 55 patients with oral lichen planus, the effect of a gel containing 2% chamomile was compared to a placebo base gel when applied topically to affected areas in the oral cavity at a rate of 0.5 ml three times daily for 4 weeks. In the chamomile group, 92% of patients showed some improvement, with 5 patients showing complete resolution, while in the placebo group, only 19.2% responded to treatment, and none showed complete resolution. The chamomile group also showed significant improvements from baseline in terms of pain, burning sensation, itching, and oral health impact profile, whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Lichen planus is an itchy rash caused by an immune response. It can occur anywhere on the skin. Traditionally in external use, Roman chamomile is indicated for minor inflammations of the oral mucosa and skin in wounds and abrasions; as an anti-itch agent.
Posologie
Cutaneous: flower
essential oil, oil macerate
Efficacy of topical chamomile management vs. placebo in patients with oral lichen planus: a randomized double-blind study
Comparartive Study of Zataria Multiflora and Anthemis Nobelis Extracts With Myrthus Communis Preparation in The Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
[Effect of chamomile on wound healing--a clinical double-blind study]
Chamomillae romanae flos - Roman Chamomile Flower
Digestive Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally used as a symptomatic treatment for mild dyspeptic complaints and spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, including bloating, nausea, flatulence, and loss of appetite.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
178 mg
infusion, essential oil, mother tincture, dry extract
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally, Roman chamomile infusion is used to relieve painful periods. Chamomile alleviates menstrual pain and disorders through its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. The essential oil is also recommended for external use: 5 drops diluted in a vegetable oil, massaged onto painful areas.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
infusion, essential oil, mother tincture, dry extract
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally used for gastritis, heartburn, as an adjunct in gastric ulcers.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
infusion, mother tincture, dry extract
Digestive Parasitic Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
The essential oil property against hookworm infections for internal use.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
essential oil
Flatulence ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditionally used as a symptomatic treatment for mild dyspeptic complaints including bloating and flatulence.
Posologie
Oral route: flower
178 mg
infusion, essential oil, mother tincture, dry extract
Itching ✪✪✪✪✪
In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 55 patients with oral lichen planus, the effect of a gel containing 2% chamomile was compared to a placebo base gel when applied topically to the affected areas of the oral cavity at a dose of 0.5 ml three times daily for 4 weeks. The chamomile group showed significant improvements compared to baseline in terms of itching, while no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Traditionally used externally as an agent to relieve itching.
Posologie
Cutaneous route: flower
gel, essential oil
Properties
Sedative
It is suggested that the sedative effect of chamomile comes from its components, including apigenin, which stimulates GABA receptors, creating the same effect as benzodiazepines. The essential oil of Roman Chamomile is muscle-relaxing and antidepressant thanks to the isobutyl angelate (Esters).
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Polysaccharides isolated from an aqueous extract of Roman chamomile flower, as well as its essential oil, possess anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies have revealed that Roman chamomile is capable of preventing lipid oxidation and increasing free radical neutralization. It is also noted that Roman chamomile decoction presents less anti-inflammatory activity than an infusion or a methanol extract. This difference is probably due to a lower concentration of phenolic acids and organic acids in the decoction.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
The studied essential oil showed remarkable efficacy against several microbes. It is particularly active against Salmonella sp., which causes food poisoning, and E. coli, associated with digestive symptoms like cramps and diarrhea. Its main component, isobutyl angelate, is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for skin infections, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, linked to respiratory infections. The oil has also shown moderate efficacy against the yeast C. albicans. It inhibits certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis found in cases of periodontitis, and even methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
Usages associés
Antispasmodic
The essential oil of Roman Chamomile is rich in esters, chemical components that provide it with spasmolytic properties useful for muscular and nervous spasms.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Some in vitro research shows that ethyl acetate extracts made from the aerial parts of Roman chamomile demonstrate cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7), human erythroleukemia (K562), and human malignant melanoma (SKMEL-3). The anticancer effects may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, as well as polyphenols, including apigenin. The sesquiterpenoid nobilin also shows signs of antitumor activity.
Hypotensive
Some animal research shows that administering an aqueous extract of Roman chamomile at a rate of 140 mg/kg per day for three weeks reduces systolic blood pressure, increases urine flow, and enhances electrolyte excretion. Some in vitro research suggests that an aqueous extract of Roman chamomile may have vasorelaxant effects.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 1 g - 12 g (infusion)
Recommended dosage: flowerheads 1-4 g per infusion (10 to 15 min) three times daily.
Interactions
Médicaments
Benzodiazepines: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and benzodiazepines could accumulate.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and central nervous system depressants could accumulate.
Cytochrome P450 substrates: moderate interaction
Chamomile components might inhibit the action of cytochromes and reduce the elimination of substances they metabolize.
Estrogens: moderate interaction
Chamomile could compete with estrogens for their receptors and thus diminish their effects.
Tamoxifen: moderate interaction
Chamomile interferes with Tamoxifen due to its estrogenic activity (apigenin present in chamomile regulates estrogen production).
Warfarin: moderate interaction
Chamomile could potentiate the action of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Agents: weak interaction
As a precaution, Roman chamomile should not be used in conjunction with aspirin, warfarin, or other substances with anticoagulant activity.
Aspirin: weak interaction
As a precaution, Roman chamomile should not be used in conjunction with aspirin, warfarin, or other substances with anticoagulant activity.
Benzodiazepines: weak interaction
Since apigenin is a ligand for the central benzodiazepine receptors, Roman chamomile should not be used in conjunction with diazepam or other benzodiazepines, as this could potentiate their action.
Cytochrome P450 3A4: weak interaction
Some components can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes. Roman chamomile essential oil has shown a 40% inhibition of CYP3A4 activity.
Precautions
Allergies: avoid
The use of Roman chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include marigolds, daisies, arnica, and many other plants.
Contraindications
Child up to 12 years: prohibited
Contraindicated in children.
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Some demographic research has suggested a possible link between the use of Roman chamomile and an increased incidence of low birth weight, miscarriage, and premature labor. There is not enough reliable information available on the safety of topical use of Roman chamomile during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding woman: prohibited
Roman chamomile should not be taken orally during breastfeeding without medical advice.
