Introduction:

German chamomile is an herb that is native to southern and eastern Europe. The herb smells slightly like apple, and is popular throughout the world. The name “chamomile” is Greek for “Earth apple”.

Uses and effectiveness:

• Anxiety. Research suggests that taking capsules containing 220 to 1100 mg of 220-1110 mg of German chamomile extract daily for 8 weeks reduces anxiety and depression in adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
• Colic. Research shows that a specific herbal tea containing German chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm, taken up to three times daily after each episode of colic for 7 days, helps eliminate colic in some infants.
• Diarrhea. Taking a product containing apple pectin and German chamomile for 1-3 days seems to reduce diarrhea in children 6 months to 6 years old.
• Heartburn (dyspepsia). Research suggests that taking two specific combination products containing German chamomile and other ingredients improves symptoms of heartburn. 

May also be useful in other conditions such as:

• Common cold. Research suggests that dissolving a German chamomile product in hot water and inhaling the steam for 10 minutes reduces common cold symptoms.
• Inflamed or irritated skin (eczema). Some research shows that applying a cream containing 2% German chamomile extract to the skin improves inflamed or irritated skin.
• Gum disease. Research shows that using herbal toothpaste containing German chamomile, sage, myrrh eucalyptus, calcium carbonate, and odium monoflurophosphate twice daily for 30 days reduces gum disease compared to pretreatment. But it doesn’t appear to work better than standard toothpaste.
• Hemorrhoids. Research shows that applying German chamomile ointment together with standard treatment improves bleeding, itching, and burning in people with hemorrhoids.
• Insomnia. Research shows that taking German chamomile twice daily for 28 days does not improve sleeping problems in people with insomnia.
• Swelling and deterioration of the mouth lining (oral mucositis). Using a German chamomile mouth rinse might help prevent or treat swelling or deterioration of the mouth lining caused by radiation therapy and some types of chemotherapy.
• Skin breakdown around colostomy appliances (peristomal lesions). Early research shows that applying a German chamomile compress to areas of skin breakdown around colostomy appliances decreases the amount of time needed for skin lesions to heal by about 5 to 6
• Vaginal infection (vaginitis). Early research shows that flushing the vagina with a German chamomile extract in water reduces symptoms such as odor and swelling in women with vaginal infections.
• Wound healing. Research shows that applying a German chamomile product to wounds for 14 days reduces wound size after 4 days of treatment but does not affect wound healing approximately 3 weeks after tattoo removal.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Hay fever.
• Intestinal gas.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Nasal swelling (inflammation).
• Restlessness.
• Stomach and intestinal disorders.
• Travel sickness.

Precautions:

Children: German chamomile is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately, short-term of about one week.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking German chamomile if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergies to ragweed or related plants: German chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: German chamomile might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use German chamomile.

Surgery: German chamomile might interact with anesthesia for surgery and should not be used 2 weeks before surgery.

Conclusion:

Animal studies have shown that German chamomile reduces inflammation; speeds wound healing, reduces muscle spasms, and serves as a mild sedative to help with sleep. Test tube studies have shown that chamomile can kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses. A final word of caution; it is always better to consult your health care provider before using these herbal products.