Chamomile flower, Roman

Chamomillae romanae flos, Roman chamomile.  

Roman chamomile consists of the dried flowers of the cultivated double flowered variety of Chamaemelum nobile (L.) Allioni (syn.   Anthemis nobilis L.) [Fam.  Asteraceae], as well as preparations thereof.  

Pharmacological Properties, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology

Not known.  

Clinical Data

1. Uses as a result of evaluation:
   None.  
2. Claimed uses which have been negatively evaluated:
   Preparations of Roman chamomile are used for feeling of fullness, bloating and mild spasmodic gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal cavities, gastritis, nasal catarrh, and sinusitis, as well as externally for eczemas, wounds and inflammations.
   
   In combinations, preparations of Roman chamomile are used for liver and gallbladder diseases, cholelithiasis, fatty liver, chronic heartburn, loss of appetite, feeling of fullness, bloating, upset stomach, digestive disturbances, Roemheld's syndrome, fermentative dyspepsia, dyspepsia of infants, spastic constipation, as a "blood purification remedy," as a general tonic during puberty and menopause, as a preventative for menstrual discomforts, for missed periods, painful, insufficient or irregular periods, as well as steam baths for catarrh of the frontal sinus, hay fever, swellings of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa, inflammation of the ears, and externally for wounds, burns, frostbite, diaper rash on infants and toddlers, decubitus and hemorrhoids.  

The effectiveness of the claimed indications is not documented.  

Not to be used if allergies to Roman chamomile and other composites exist.  

The sensitization potency is moderate, the frequency rare.  There are case reports on allergic reactions.  Cross reactions with yarrow, German chamomile, lettuce and chrysanthemum have been experimentally observed.  Occasionally, a positive reaction to Roman chamomile has been seen in individuals allergic to composites.  

One case of anaphylactic shock after ingestion of Roman chamomile tea has been observed.  The occurrence of rhinitis is possible in individuals with atopic allergy to mugwort.  

Since the effectiveness for the claimed uses is not documented, a therapeutic application cannot be recommended.  There is no concern for the use of the herb as a brightening agent (1 percent) in tea mixtures, if the allergic risk is declared.