Preparations and Warnings for Chamomile

Like all herbs, there are some precautions you should take before using chamomile medicinally.

Chamomile Preparations and Doseage

Although the plant contains not a hint of blue, chamomile contains a potent volatile oil that is a brilliant blue when isolated. This oil, called chamazulene (after its dark azure color), has strong anti-inflammatory actions. Apply a preparation made from its volatile oil to skin infections, or apply cloths soaked in strong chamomile tea to eczema patches and other inflamed skin surfaces.

Small children with eczema, bug bites, or diaper rash may take a bath of warm chamomile and oatmeal: Put 4 tablespoons chamomile flowers and 1/2 cup oatmeal in a "knee-high" stocking, and tie the open end of the stocking with a rubber band. Place this herb-filled stocking under the spigot as you fill the tub. Let your children play in the bath as usual; the chamomile and oats will decrease their itch significantly. Remember to remove the herb-filled stocking before letting the water down the drain.

To make a simple serving of chamomile tea, steep 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers per cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup up to five times a day for digestive problems. For nervous conditions, combine chamomile with equal parts of passionflower, skullcap, oats, or hops.
For tincture: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, three times per day.

To brew an all-purpose stomach tea useful for nausea, spastic colon, irritable bowel, ulcers, and colitis, use the recipe below. Omit the licorice root if you have high blood pressure. You'll need:
  •         German chamomile flowers
  •         Licorice root, shredded
  •         Fennel seeds
  •         Peppermint
Combine equal parts of dry herbs, and steep 1 tablespoon of the mixture in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink two or more cups a day, as needed for gastrointestinal problems.

This tea is quick acting, even for long-standing problems. You should notice effects within several hours for acute ailments and within several days for chronic conditions, such as spastic colon or ulcers.

Chamomile Side Effects

Most people tolerate chamomile well, although if you're allergic to ragweed, you may experience allergic symptoms after using chamomile. (That's because ragweed and chamomile are part of the same plant family.)

You don't need to use chamomile strictly for medicinal purposes. It can be drunk as a beverage, even by the young and elderly. Many herbalists advise pregnant women to avoid using any herbs they don't really need, but chamomile is safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Teething-Baby Herbal Tea
You may give chamomile to teething infants to calm them and reduce gum inflammation.

If a child will not drink chamomile tea from a bottle or take it from a spoon, soak a cloth in 1/2 cup of strong chamomile tea to which you've added two drops of clove oil. Place the cloth in the freezer for 20 minutes, then give to the baby to chomp on.
To learn more about treating common medical conditions at home, try the following links:
  • For an overview of all of our herbal remedies, go to the main Herbal Remedies page.
  • To learn more about treating medical conditions at home, visit our main Home Remedies page.
  • One of the best things you can do for your health and well being is to make sure you are getting enough of the vital nutrients your body needs. Visit our Vitamins page to learn more.  
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies, Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies.   Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.