Chamomile flower, German

Matricariae flos, chamomile.  

Chamomile, consisting of fresh or dried flower heads of Matricaria recutita L.  (syn.   Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert) [Fam.  Asteraceae], and preparations thereof at effective dosage.  The flowers contain at least 0.4 percent (v/w) essential oil.  Main ingredients of the essential oil are a-bisabolol or bisabolol oxide A and B.  

The flowers also contain matricin and flavone derivatives such as apigenin and apigenin-7-glucoside.  

Uses

External:

• Skin and mucous membrane inflammations, as well as bacterial skin diseases, including those of the oral cavity and gums.  Inflammations and irritations of the respiratory tract (inhalations).  
  Ano-genital inflammation (baths and irrigation).  

Internal:

• Gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.  

Contraindications

None known.  

Side Effects

None known.  

None known.  

Boiling water (ca.  150 ml) is poured over a heaping tablespoon of chamomile (ca.  3 g), covered, and after 5 - 10 minutes passed through a tea strainer.  

Unless otherwise prescribed, for gastrointestinal complaints a cup of the freshly prepared tea is drunk three or four times a day between meals.  For inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, the freshly prepared tea is used as a wash or gargle.  

External:

• For poultices and rinses, 3 - 10 percent infusions;
• As a bath additive, 50 g - 10 liters (approximately 2- gallons) water;
• Semi-solid formulations with preparations corresponding to 3 - 10 percent herb.  

Liquid and solid preparations for external and internal application.  

Antiphlogistic
Musculotropic
Antispasmodic
Promotes wound healing
Deodorant
Antibacterial
Bacteriostatic
Stimulates skin metabolism