German chamomile: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Wild chamomile, Matricaria chamomile, Little chamomile
Scientific name(s)
Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Sesquiterpenes
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Quercetin
Apigenin
Polyphenols
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile relieves colic in infants. A tea containing German chamomile, lemon verbena, fennel and lemon balm given after each colic episode for 7 days showed increased relief in infants compared with placebo. Clinical studies have also shown that German chamomile was beneficial in adults suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, flatulence or mild stomach spasms. In a multicenter open study, 104 patients were treated orally for 6 weeks with an extract of German chamomile flowers. Symptoms, evaluated subjectively, improved in all patients, with complete disappearance of symptoms in 44.2% of them. The preparation was standardized to provide 50 mg of alpha-bisabolol and 150 to 300 mg of apigenin-7-glucoside. Commission E, ESCOP and the World Health Organization recommend the use of German chamomile for symptomatic management of gastrointestinal disorders, including minor spasms, epigastric distension, as well as manifestations of flatulence and belching.
Posologie
Oral: flower
150 - 900 mg
infusion, standardized extract
Synergies
Efficacy of a standardized extract of Matricariae chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L. and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122) in infantile colic: an open randomized controlled trial.
European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis (ColiMil) in the treatment of breastfed colicky infants.
[Double-blind comparison of an apple pectin-chamomile extract preparation with placebo in children with diarrhea].
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Double-blind, randomized evaluation of clinical efficacy and tolerability of an apple pectin-chamomile extract in children with unspecific diarrhea.
A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Matricaria Recutita L.)
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile appears to have significant anxiolytic properties compared with placebo. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 57 people suffering from moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder, administration of a German chamomile extract standardized to 1.2% apigenin resulted in a moderate reduction in anxiety.nnOther double-blind, placebo-controlled research has highlighted chamomile's effectiveness as a palliative treatment for anxiety and moderate depression. nnAdditionally, beneficial effects of German chamomile essential oil in reducing anxiety have been demonstrated.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flower
220 - 1100 mg
essential oil, standardized extract
Aromatherapy massage seems effective in critically ill children: an observational before-after study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) May Provide Antidepressant Activity in Anxious, Depressed Humans: An Exploratory Study
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, offering a natural alternative for managing mild sleep disturbances. Although clinical trials specifically examining its sedative and anxiolytic properties are limited, a study conducted on young Japanese men found that drinking chamomile tea led to a significant decrease in heart rate and an increase in peripheral skin temperature after stressful tasks. These results suggest that chamomile may promote a feeling of calm and relaxation, potentially reducing feelings of sadness and depression while improving relaxation scores. nnA 2011 study examined the efficacy of chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia. Participants, aged 18 to 65 and suffering from primary insomnia for at least 6 months, were randomized to receive either 270 mg of chamomile extract twice daily or a placebo for 28 days. The primary outcomes assessed were based on a sleep diary, with secondary measures regarding daytime symptoms and safety assessment. The results did not show significant differences between groups for sleep measures, but a slight improvement in daytime activity and well-being was observed with chamomile.nn
Posologie
Orally: flower
540 mg
essential oil, standardized extract
Skin disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Several studies have tested the effectiveness of topically applied chamomile preparations for treating skin inflammation related to atopic dermatitis, eczema, radiotherapy treatments and erythema. The results indicate that chamomile cream can be as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone for treating eczema and provides a significant improvement in symptoms such as pruritus, erythema and scaling. ESCOP and the EMA indicate German chamomile for minor inflammations and irritations of the skin and mucous membranes.
Posologie
Topical use: flower
essential oil, lotion, cream
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
The use of German chamomile in the treatment of dysmenorrhea is based on its long traditional use and its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties. These properties can help relieve menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, which helps decrease the pain and spasms associated with dysmenorrhea. The essential oil may also be beneficial when applied topically, with a vegetable oil, to the abdomen.
Posologie
For oral use: flower
150 - 900 mg
infusion, essential oil, standardized extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is used for the treatment of minor ulcers and inflammations of the mouth and throat, according to the EMA.nnESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy) recognizes its use in cases of inflammation of the digestive tract.nn
Posologie
Oral route: flower
1 - 5 g
infusion
Wound ✪✪✪✪✪
German chamomile is used for the treatment of minor skin inflammations (sunburn), superficial wounds and small boils.nn
Posologie
Topical route: flower
essential oil, lotion, cream
Crohn's disease, Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
In the context of IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, German chamomile shows promising therapeutic potential. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce inflammatory flare-ups and intestinal ulcerations. Its extracts, rich in sesquiterpene lactones, act synergistically to protect the intestinal mucosa against oxidative and inflammatory damage. nnAlthough German chamomile does not replace conventional treatments, it is a valuable adjunct in the management of digestive tract inflammation.nn
Posologie
Oral route: flower
3 - 5 g
infusion
Properties
Antispasmodic
Laboratory research indicates that German chamomile may have spasmolytic effects on smooth muscle tissues. This effect would be related to its action on certain molecules (cAMP and cGMP) that control the contraction and relaxation of these muscles. A study conducted with 104 patients suffering from digestive disorders found that a 6-week treatment with a chamomile flower extract significantly reduced symptoms such as gastritis, bloating, and mild stomach spasms, thanks to active components like α-bisabolol and apigenin-7-glucoside.
Usages associés
Sedative
German chamomile has sedative activities, although the components responsible are not clearly identified. Laboratory research indicates that apigenin, one of its constituents, may bind to GABA receptors, which are also targeted by benzodiazepines in the central nervous system, thus contributing to its calming effect.
Usages associés
Neurological
Apigenin is a ligand of central benzodiazepine receptors exerting mild anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Digestive effect
German chamomile benefits the digestive system thanks to its carminative and antispasmodic properties. Flavonoids, such as apigenin and bisabolol, inhibit muscle spasms in the small intestine, thereby moderating peristaltic contractions and slowing intestinal transit. This action is particularly beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders such as bloating, abdominal cramps, and gas-related colic. nnInfusions or standardized extracts are commonly used to calm gastrointestinal spasms while promoting digestion.nn
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
German chamomile exerts a natural anti-inflammatory effect by acting on inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The flavones present in the plant, notably apigenin, inhibit phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, limiting the inflammatory cascade. This action helps reduce inflammatory symptoms in various contexts, including digestive inflammations. Furthermore, studies have shown that its compounds stabilize cell membranes and lessen allergic responses of the skin and mucous membranes.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 150 mg - 1100 mg (dry extract)
- In infusion: 2-3 g of dried flower heads in 150 ml of hot water for an infusion of 5 to 10 min. - Mother tincture: 30 to 50 drops, 3 times a day. - Dry extract: 50 to 300 mg, 3 times a day.
Child from 6 years old: 60 mg - 300 mg (dry extract)
- In infusion: 1-2 g of dried flower heads in 150 ml of hot water for an infusion of 5 to 10 min. - Mother tincture: 10 to 20 drops, 3 times a day. - Dry extract: 20 to 100 mg, 3 times a day. - In general, the dosage is the adult dose adjusted to the child’s weight.
Interactions
Médicaments
Benzodiazepines: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and benzodiazepines may be additive.
Central nervous system depressants: moderate interaction
The sedative effects of chamomile and central nervous system depressants may be additive.
Estrogens: moderate interaction
Chamomile could compete with estrogens for their receptors and thus reduce their effects.
Tamoxifen: moderate interaction
Chamomile interferes with tamoxifen due to its estrogenic activity.
Precautions
Breastfeeding: avoid
There is not enough information on the use of German chamomile as a supplement for breastfeeding women.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Chamomile's effect on the uterus means it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
