Chamomile

Common Name(s)

chamomile, German chamomile

Scientific Name(s)

Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita

General Information

Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.

How is this product usually used?

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

In general, the doses are:

Oral

• dried flower: 6 g to 12 g per day
• infusion: 6 g to 12 g dried flower, per day
• fluid extract: 1 g to 4 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:1, 45% ethanol, 1 mL to 4 mL)
• tincture: 1.5 g to 6 g dried equivalent per day (1:2, 3 mL to 12 mL) or 1.8 g to 4 g dried equivalent per day (1:5, 9 mL to 20 mL)

Topical

• solid or semi-solid preparation: 3% to 10% dried flower w/w or equivalent
• compresses, rinses: 3% to 10% dried flower w/v or equivalent

Buccal

• 3% to 10% dried flower w/v or equivalent

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.

The herb is often used for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.

It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Chamomile has not been well studied with people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.

There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

Chamomile can interact with some medications. It increases sedative effects of benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam, diazepam), and opiate analgesics (e.g., morphine). Chamomile may also increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Theoretically, it may interfere with contraceptive medications and hormone replacement therapy.

Chamomile should be avoided by people who have hormonal conditions, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Since it has sedative effects, it’s recommended to stop taking chamomile at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – German chamomile Oral. https ://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=95.
2. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – German chamomile Topical. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=germ_chamom_allem&lang=eng.
3. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – German chamomile Buccal. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=germ_chamom_allem_buccal&lang=eng
4. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. German chamomile.