What is Chamomile?
Chamomile Chamomile is an herb derived from the flowering plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). For centuries, both fresh and dried chamomile flowers have been used to brew teas and create natural remedies for a variety of health conditions. One of the key active ingredients in chamomile essential oil is bisabolol, which is highly valued for its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Additionally, chamomile contains chamazulene, a powerful compound formed during the steam distillation process that further enhances its ability to soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
What are the Benefits of Chamomile?
Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Muscle twitches
- Wounds, burns, and scrapes
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash
- Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, and ulcers
Uses of Chamomile
Home Remedy for Stomach Cramps
Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. Therefore, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Simply prepare a cup of Chamomile tea following the directions on the package and drink it once or twice daily. If the symptoms continue for more than 2 days, consult your physician as soon as possible.
Home Remedy for Insomnia
Chamomile is an effective remedy for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Simply make a chamomile tea about 30 minutes before going to bed for a restful sleep .
Home Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Chamomile reduces cramping and pain in the bowels and also helps to relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. Therefore, a simple remedy is to drink a cup of chamomile tea to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis or stomach flu.
Home Remedy for Migraine Headaches
Studies suggest Chamomile is a wonderful cure for migraines. Take a cup of tea when you start noticing the symptoms of a migraine headache. It works best if you take it before the headache actually gets severe.
Home Remedy for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual Cramps
Drinking chamomile tea has been found to be beneficial in treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps.
Psoriasis
Chamomile has long been used as a traditional remedy for psoriasis, and emerging research suggests it may offer supportive benefits. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial of a chamomile-based topical formulation showed reductions in plaque severity in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. Experimental studies also indicate that Matricaria chamomilla has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation associated with psoriatic plaques. While chamomile is not a replacement for medical treatment, it may be used as a complementary approach for symptom relief.
Chamomile tea can be prepared by steeping three teaspoons of dried flowers in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes and consumed up to three times daily. For localized psoriasis on the face or neck, gentle steam inhalation may also be used with caution to avoid burns.
A chamomile tea bath may further help calm the skin. Steep four to five chamomile tea bags in four cups of boiling water for 15 minutes, then add the tea to a warm bath and soak for 15–20 minutes.
A patch test is recommended before topical use, especially for individuals with allergies to plants in the daisy family. Chamomile therapies should be considered complementary to, not a substitute for, prescribed medical treatments.
Using Chamomile to Treat Burns and Scrapes
Chamomile oil is very useful in treating bad burns. Simple rub a small amount of oil gently across the burned area once a day. For scrapes and burns you can also brew a strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.
Lightening Skin Using Chamomile
Chamomile has been found to be advantageous for lightening your skin tone. Simply bring two quarts of water to a boil with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place your face above the steaming pot of chamomile tea. A bath in water mixed with chamomile tea works too.
Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes
Chamomile tea has been found to help relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. A simple remedy is to dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.
What are the Side Effects of Chamomile?
As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions. Some of the potential side effects of chamomile include drowsiness, so use it with caution if you are driving or operating machinery. High doses of chamomile can also cause vomiting and/or skin reactions in some individuals. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen or have hayfever, you may have difficulty using chamomile.
Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended, since it is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion). Chamomile is also not recommended if you are currently taking blood thinners, since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner).
Where and How to Buy Chamomile
Chamomile can be bought as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, essential oil, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments. Tea bags are the most common form and can be found at many mainstream grocery stores and pharmacies.
References
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses – Amina El Mihyaoui et al.
- Essential Oil of Matricaria chamomilla Alleviate Psoriatic-Like Skin Inflammation. Guang Chen, et al., (2024)
- Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality. Truong Hong Hieu, et al., (2019)
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