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Other common
name(s): German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile
Scientific/medical
name(s): Matricaria
chamomilla, Matricaria
recutita, Chamomilla
recutita
Description
Chamomile is a daisy-like flower, a member of the family Asteraceae
(previously called Compositae.)
The active compounds in German and Hungarian chamomile are extracted
and used in herbal remedies. Other varieties of the plant such as Roman
or English Chamomile (Chamaemelum
nobile), which contain similar compounds, are not used as
often for herbal remedies.
Overview
Chamomile has not been found to be useful in reducing the side
effects of cancer treatment. Available scientific evidence does not
support claims of chamomile's effectiveness for sedation, reducing
inflammation, and treating intestinal cramps. These benefits have not
been proven in human clinical trials, and the use of chamomile has
resulted in many allergic reactions.
How is it promoted for use?
In traditional folk medicine, chamomile has been promoted as a
treatment for a long list of ailments. Today, it is most commonly
promoted as a sedative to induce sleep and to soothe gastrointestinal
discomfort caused by spasms and inflammation. Some proponents also
claim chamomile calms the mind, eases stress, reduces pain from swollen
joints and rheumatoid arthritis, speeds the healing of wounds, and
reduces skin inflammation caused by sunburn, rashes, eczema, and
dermatitis. The herb is also promoted to treat menstrual disorders,
migraine headaches, eye irritation, and hemorrhoids.
What does it involve?
Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) has
approved the use of German chamomile for gastrointestinal spasms and
skin and mucous membrane inflammation. Proponents recommend steeping
chamomile in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to make a tea, to be taken 3
or 4 times a day. It is also available in capsules and liquid extracts.
For treatment of skin conditions, bandages containing chamomile are
sometimes placed over wounds. Ointments and pastes of chamomile are
also used for skin conditions. Less often, chamomile is taken as
capsules, tablets, or as a tincture, a solution of the chamomile
components dissolved in alcohol.
What is the history behind it?
Chamomile has been used in herbal remedies for thousands of
years. The Anglo-Saxons believed that it was one of 9 sacred herbs
given to humans by the god Woden. The herb has also earned a place of
high regard in some systems of traditional medicine.
What is the evidence?
Research has failed to show the effectiveness of chamomile in
managing the side effects of cancer treatment. In a randomized clinical
trial, researchers concluded that chamomile did not decrease stomatitis
(inflammation of the mouth) caused by the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil.
Another randomized clinical trial found that radiation-induced skin
reactions were not improved in areas treated with chamomile. Chamomile
spray was no more effective than a placebo spray of salt solution in
reducing sore throat after surgical anesthesia.
Animal studies have suggested that chamomile is effective in
inducing sleep and reducing inflammation and intestinal cramps;
however, these effects have not been clearly demonstrated in humans. In
a small clinical study, chamomile extract was found to be effective in
inducing deep sleep in 10 of 12 people who were about to undergo
cardiac catheterization. But according to Commission E, clinical
evidence does not support the use of chamomile as a sedative.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Some researchers report that allergic reactions to chamomile
are relatively common and can result in symptoms such as abdominal
cramps, itching, skin rashes, and even throat swelling that can cause
serious problems with breathing. Using chamomile as an eyewash has
resulted in red inflamed eyes and swollen eyelids in those who are
sensitive to it. People who have severe allergies to echinacea (purple
coneflower), chrysanthemums, asters, sunflowers, zinnias, dandelions,
sagebrush, yarrow, tansy, ragweed, mugwort, or other members of the Asteraceae family
should use chamomile with caution, if at all. People who are allergic
to celery, feverfew, or birch pollen may have a higher risk of reacting
to chamomile.
Chamomile may interact with blood-thinning medications, such
as warfarin (Coumadin). People taking these medications should consult
their physicians before using chamomile. Women who are pregnant or
breastfeeding should not use this herb. Relying on this type of
treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for
cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Blumenthal M, ed. The
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Chamomile (German). Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web
site. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69174.cfm. Accessed June 4, 2008.
Chamomile. New Zealand Dermatological Society Web site.
http://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/plants/chamomile.html. Accessed June 4,
2008.
Gruenwald J. PDR
for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004.
Fidler P, Loprinzi CL, O’Fallon JR, Leitch M, Lee
JK, Haynes DL, Novotny P, Clemens-Schutjer D, Bartel J, Michalak LC.
Prospective evaluation of a chamomile mouthwash for prevention of
5-FU-induced oral mucositis. Cancer.
1996;77:522-525.
Jensen-Jarolim E, Reider N, Fritsch R, Breiteneder H. Fatal
outcome of anaphylaxis to camomile-containing enema during labor: a
case study. J Allergy
Clin Immunol. 1998;102:1041-1042.
Kyokong O, Charuluxananan S, Muangmingsuk V, Rodanant O,
Subornsug K, Punyasang W. Efficacy of chamomile-extract spray for
prevention of post-operative sore throat. J Med Assoc Thai.
2002;85 Suppl 1:S180-S185.
McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and
potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res.
2006;20:519-530.
Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations
focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med.
1998;158:2200-2211.
Natural Standard. Herbal/plant therapies: chamomile
(matricaria recutita, chamaemelum nobile) Complementary/Integrative
Medicine Education Resources, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center Web site.
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/display.cfm?id=5E66445A-0ADF-4329-991BD62BFF53EAAF&method=displayFull.
Accessed June 4, 2008.
O’Hara M, Kiefer D, Farrell K, Kemper K. A review of
12 commonly used medicinal herbs. Arch
Fam Med. 1998;7:523-536.
Reider N, Sepp N, Fritsch P, Weinlich G, Jensen-Jarolim E.
Anaphylaxis to chamomile: clinical features and allergen
cross-reactivity. Clin
Exp Allergy. 2000;30:1436–1443.
Rycroft RJ. Recurrent facial dermatitis from chamomile tea. Contact Dermatitis.
2004; 48:229.
Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, Garcia R, Jerez M, Valdivieso
R, Subiza E. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile
tea: a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol.
1989;84:353-358.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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