chamomile
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
What is chamomile?
The use of chamomile in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Two plants each provide the product known as chamomile. Matricaria chamomilla is also
known as German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, pin heads, chamomilla, wild chamomile,
sweet false chamomile, and genuine chamomile. Anthemis nobilis is also known as English or
Roman chamomile, ground apple, whig plant, and common chamomile.
Chamomile has been used orally to reduce flatulence and/or diarrhea due to a nervous
stomach, to reduce stomach upset, to treat travel sickness, to produce mild sedation, to reduce
restlessness and irritability, to treat the common cold, to treat fevers, to reduce cough, for liver
and gallbladder complaints, and to increase appetite. Chamomile has also been used topically to
reduce inflammation of the skin, mouth, and throat; to reduce nasal inflammation and discharge;
and to treat wounds and burns.
Chamomile has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of chamomile may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Chamomile may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009
