Chamomile


Chamomile or camomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Two of the species are commonly used to make herbal infusions for traditional medicine, and there is some evidence that chamomile has an effect on health.

Etymology

The word "chamomile" derived via French and Latin from Greek χαμαίμηλον, "earth apple", from χαμαί "on the ground" and μῆλον "apple". First used in the 13th century, the spelling "chamomile" corresponds to the Latin chamomilla and Greek chamaimelon. The spelling "camomile" is a British derivation from the French.

Species

Some commonly used species include:
A number of other species common names include the word "chamomile". This does not mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in the herbal tea known as "chamomile". Plants including the common name "chamomile", of the family Asteraceae, are:
Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water. Two types of chamomile used are German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Chamomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, mouthwash, soaps, or cosmetics. When used as a herbal product, such as in tea or as a topical skin cream, chamomile is not likely to have significant health effects or major side effects.

Research

The main constituents of chamomile flowers are polyphenol compounds, including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, and luteolin. Essential-oil components extracted from the flowers are terpenoids. Chamomile is under preliminary research for its potential anti-anxiety properties. There is no high-quality clinical evidence that it is useful for insomnia.

Drug interactions

Use of chamomile has potential to cause adverse interactions with numerous herbal products and prescription drugs, and may worsen pollen allergies. Apigenin, a phytochemical in chamomile, may interact with anticoagulant agents and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while other phytochemicals may adversely interact with sleep-enhancing herbal products and vitamins.
Chamomile is not recommended to be taken with aspirin or non-salicylate NSAIDs, as it may cause herb-drug interaction.
"Chamomile consists of several ingredients including coumarin, glycoside, herniarin, flavonoid, farnesol, nerolidol and germacranolide. Despite the presence of coumarin, as chamomile’s effect on the coagulation system has not yet been studied, it is unknown if a clinically significant drug-herb interaction exists with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs. However, until more information is available, it is not recommended to use these substances concurrently."

People who are allergic to ragweed may be allergic to chamomile due to cross-reactivity. Chamomile should not be used by people with past or present cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Because chamomile has been known to cause uterine contractions that can invoke miscarriage, pregnant mothers are advised to not consume Roman chamomile. Although oral consumption of chamomile is generally recognized as safe in the United States, there is insufficient clinical evidence about its potential for affecting nursing infants.

Agriculture

The chamomile plant is known to be susceptible to many fungi, insects, and viruses. Fungi such as Albugo tragopogonis, Cylindrosporium matricariae, Erysiphe cichoracearum, and Sphaerotheca macularis are known pathogens of the chamomile plant. Aphids have been observed feeding on chamomile plants and the moth Autographa chryson causes defoliation.

Use in beer and ale

Chamomile has historically been used in beer. Unlike tea, in which only the flowers are used, the whole plant has been used. The bitter taste is useful in beer, but it was also used for medicinal purposes. Modern craft breweries and homebrewers use chamomile, and there are several hundred commercially brewed beers with chamomile.

Historical descriptions

The 11th century part of Old English Illustrated Herbal has an illustrated entry. Nicholas Culpepper's 17th century The Complete Herbal has an and several entries on chamomel.

In culture

In The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Peter is given chamomile tea after being chased by Mr. McGregor.