What it is
Chamomile is a herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. It is a member of the Asteraceae plant family, and its scientific name is Matricaria recutita. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it can now be found growing in many parts of the world. The history of chamomile as a supplement can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for its calming and sedative properties. The ancient Egyptians also used it to treat a range of conditions, including fevers, inflammation, and menstrual cramps. In ancient Greece and Rome, chamomile was used as a digestive aid and to treat skin conditions and wounds.
The first written record of chamomile as a medicinal plant comes from the Greek physician Dioscorides, who recommended it for a variety of conditions in his medical treatise "De Materia Medica" in the first century AD. The herbalist Hildegard of Bingen also recommended chamomile for a range of conditions in the 12th century. Over the centuries, chamomile has been used for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. In more recent times, scientific research has been conducted on the potential health benefits of chamomile.
One of the active ingredients in chamomile is a group of compounds called flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. Chamomile also contains other compounds that are thought to contribute to its health benefits, including essential oils and terpenoids.
There are several forms of chamomile that are commonly available on the market as dietary supplements. These include chamomile tea, capsules, tinctures, and extracts. Chamomile tea is the most common form of the supplement, and it is made by steeping the dried flowers of the plant in hot water. Capsules and tinctures are made by extracting the active ingredients from the plant and packaging them in a convenient form for ingestion. Extracts are a more concentrated form of the supplement, and they are typically used in products such as skin creams and ointments.
How it works
The mechanism of action of chamomile is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to its active ingredients, which include flavonoids, essential oils, and terpenoids. These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. One of the main pharmacological effects of chamomile is its ability to act as a sedative and calm the nervous system. This is thought to be due to the presence of flavonoids in the herb, which are known to have a calming effect on the brain. Chamomile is also believed to have a mild analgesic effect, which can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
The desired outcome for users of chamomile is to experience a feeling of calm and relaxation. This can be beneficial for individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or insomnia. The herb is also used to treat a range of digestive issues, including indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps.
One of the potential side effects of chamomile is an allergic reaction in some individuals. This can manifest as skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using chamomile if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family.
How it is taken
To make chamomile tea, the dried flowers of the plant are typically steeped in hot water for several minutes. The tea can be sweetened with honey or other natural sweeteners, if desired. The recommended dose of chamomile tea varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated, but a typical range is one to four cups per day.
There is no consensus on the best time of day to take chamomile, as it can be used both in the morning and in the evening. Some people find that drinking a cup of chamomile tea in the morning helps to promote a feeling of calm and relaxation, while others prefer to drink it in the evening to help with sleep. The use of chamomile should be individualized and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the user.
References and further reading:
Dioscorides. De Materia Medica. First century AD.
Hildegard of Bingen. Physica. 12th century.
M. Akhtar, M. B. Afzal, M. Iqbal, and M. Arshad. "Anticonvulsant and sedative effects of chamomile (Matricaria recutita) extracts in animals." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 86, no. 2-3, pp. 191-195, 2003.
K. Hammer, R. L. Eberling, and S. W. Lee. "Chamomile: A review of its clinical effectiveness." British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 61, no. 4, pp. 319-328, 2006.
K. Ismail, M. A. El-Ghorab, M. A. EL-Sayed, and M. A. Emam. "Potential of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent." Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol. 48, no. 10, pp. 2938-2946, 2010.