The Benefits of Chamomile Flower

Chamomile Flower

(Matricaria Recutita) Chamomile is famous for its calming effects, making it a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. The herb also aids in digestion, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin health. Chamomile contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids that have relaxing properties, helping to soothe the mind and body, making it a staple in herbal teas and wellness products.

Key highlights of Chamomile:

• Stimulates the immune system
• Can help to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression
• Promotes restful sleep
• Aids digestion
• Anti-inflammatory

Biochemistry Timeline

Chamomile supplementation may take up to eight weeks to deliver benefits, particularly for sleep improvement, as its calming effects gradually support relaxation and overall sleep quality with consistent use.

What is Chamomile?

A member of the daisy family, Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to man and is often referred to as the most soothing plant on the planet. It has been used traditionally in many cultures to help calm nerves and ease digestive complaints. It’s the bioflavonoid, ‘plant compound,’ called Apigenin which exerts anxiety-reducing effects.

As well as being used for symptoms of anxiety and digestive discomfort, Chamomile preparations are commonly used for a wide variety of human complaints such as sleep disorders, wound healing, hay fever, rheumatic pain, arthritis, back pain, and muscle spasms. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Although there are many different preparations of chamomile, the most popular is its tea and more than one million cups are consumed each day.

The Amazing Benefits of Chamomile:

Fighting the Cold

It has long been said that chamomile tea boosts the immune system and can help fight infections such as the common cold and reduce the symptoms associated with them. In one study volunteers who each drank five cups of tea daily for two weeks had a significant increase in urinary markers linked to greater antibacterial activity.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Other studies show that although chamomile extracts have limited effects on the growth of healthy cells, they exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of various human cancer cells; even triggering apoptosis ‘cell death’ in some.

Mood Enhancement Benefits

Due to its sedative properties, Chamomile can help calm nerves as well as reduce anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to be more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in reducing some PMS symptoms.

Inhalation of chamomile oil vapour has been shown to reduce stress hormones in the body by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

Its ability to reduce pain and inflammation in areas such as the knee and lower back as well as improve joint function may help people suffering from low mood due to chronic pain.

Improving Sleep Quality

Chamomile has mild sedative properties and has been shown in studies to help induce sleepiness and alleviate insomnia. This is thought to be due to the plant chemical called ‘apigenin’ which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Benzodiazepine medications are used to help with conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.

In one study, the consumption of chamomile tea by women following childbirth was shown to reduce symptoms of depression and improve sleep problems. The soothing properties of chamomile help to calm the nervous system, promoting better sleep and alleviating mood disturbances. This makes chamomile tea a beneficial and natural option for postpartum women struggling with these issues.

Skin Health

Chamomile has the ability to reduce skin inflammation and can be used topically as an effective treatment for atopic eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin, providing relief from the symptoms of eczema.

Essential oils of chamomile are popular and widely used in cosmetics and aromatherapy products. These oils not only benefit the skin but also offer calming and relaxing effects, making them a valuable ingredient in various beauty and wellness applications. Chamomile’s gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Summary

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is renowned for its calming effects, aiding anxiety, insomnia, digestion, and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds, particularly apigenin, promote relaxation and overall wellness. Benefits may take up to eight weeks to manifest, especially for sleep improvement. Chamomile is also a powerful antioxidant and supports immune health. Typical dosages range from 200 to 400 mg daily, though allergic reactions and interactions with medications can occur. Popular in teas, chamomile offers both health benefits and soothing properties, making it a staple in herbal remedies and wellness products.

FAQs

What is the recommended dosage for chamomile supplements? Typical dosages range from 200 to 400 mg of chamomile extract per day. It’s best to follow the product’s instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Are there any side effects of taking chamomile? Chamomile is generally safe, but some individuals may experience allergic reactions, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal upset. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family should use caution.

Can chamomile interact with medications? Yes, chamomile may interact with blood thinners, sedatives, and certain medications for anxiety or depression. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting chamomile supplementation, especially if you’re on medication.

Research:

1. Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901.
2. Salehi, B., Venditti, A., Sharifi-Rad, M., Kręgiel, D., Sharifi-Rad, J., Durazzo, A., Lucarini, M., Santini, A., Souto, E. B., Novellino, E., Antolak, H., Azzini, E., Setzer, W. N., & Martins, N. (2019). The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(6), 1305.
3. Al-Dabbagh, B., Elhaty, I. A., Elhaw, M., Murali, C., Al Mansoori, A., Awad, B., & Amin, A. (2019). Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). BMC research notes, 12(1), 3.
4. Yamada, K., Miura, T., Mimaki, Y., & Sashida, Y. (1996). Effect of inhalation of chamomile oil vapour on plasma ACTH level in ovariectomized-rat under restriction stress. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 19(9), 1244–1246.
5. Miraj, S., & Alesaeidi, S. (2016). A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electronic physician, 8(9), 3024–3031.
6. Amsterdam, J. D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J. J., Rockwell, K., & Newberg, A. B. (2012). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 18(5), 44–49.
7. Akhgarjand, C., Moludi, J., Ebrahimi-Mousavi, S., Bagheri, A., Bavani, N. G., Beigmohammadi, M. T., & Malekahmadi, M. (2023). The effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 23(1), 189–198.
8. Saadatmand, S., Zohroudi, F., & Tangestani, H. (2024). The Effect of Oral Chamomile on Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Clinical nutrition research, 13(2), 139–147.
9. Sah, A., Naseef, P. P., Kuruniyan, M. S., Jain, G. K., Zakir, F., & Aggarwal, G. (2022). A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(10), 1284.
10. Dai, Y. L., Li, Y., Wang, Q., Niu, F. J., Li, K. W., Wang, Y. Y., Wang, J., Zhou, C. Z., & Gao, L. N. (2022). Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(1), 133.