Roman chamomile

Roman chamomile is a plant. The flowerheads are used to make medicine.

Roman chamomile is used for various digestive disorders including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas (flatulence) due to mental stress. Women use it for morning sickness and painful menstrual periods. It is also used for pain and swelling of the lining of the nose and mouth, sinus pain (sinusitis), and joint (rheumatic) disorders.

Roman chamomile is applied directly to the skin for pain and swelling (inflammation) and as a germ-killer in ointments, creams, and gels used to treat cracked nipples, sore gums, and irritation of the skin. It is also used topically for wounds, burns, eczema, frostbite, diaper rash, bedsores (decubitus ulcers), and hemorrhoids.

Roman chamomile is sometimes mixed with other herbs and taken by mouth for liver and gallbladder disease, gallstones, fatty liver, chronic heartburn, loss of appetite, digestive disturbances, a heart condition called Roemheld's syndrome, indigestion in infants, and certain types of constipation. It is used as a "blood purifier" and general female tonic; and to prevent menstrual cramps and irregular periods.

Some people put Roman chamomile in a steam bath and inhale it for sinus inflammation, hay fever, sore throat, and ear inflammation, and as a painkiller.

In foods and beverages, the essential oil and extract are used as flavor components.

In manufacturing, the volatile oil of Roman chamomile is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes; and to flavor cigarette tobacco. The extract is also used in cosmetics and soaps. Teas have been used as a hair tint and conditioner, and to treat parasitic worm infections.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for ROMAN CHAMOMILE are as follows:

• Indigestion.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Painful periods.
• Sore throat.
• Sinusitis.
• Eczema.
• Wounds.
• Sore nipples and gums.
• Liver and gallbladder problems.
• Frostbite.
• Diaper rash.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Roman chamomile for these uses.

Roman chamomile contains chemicals that can help decrease gas (flatulence), relax muscles, and cause sedation. Depending on the dose, it can either relieve or cause nausea.

Roman chamomile seems safe for most people when taken by mouth as medicine and in foods. In large amounts, it can cause vomiting. It can also cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or similar herbs.

The essential oil of Roman chamomile also seems to be safe when inhaled or applied to the skin.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Roman chamomile is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Roman chamomile is believed to cause miscarriages. Not enough is known about the safety of applying it to the skin during pregnancy. Avoid using Roman chamomile if you are pregnant.

It’s also best to avoid Roman chamomile if you are breast-feeding. Not enough is known about how it might affect the nursing infant.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Roman chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking Roman chamomile.

It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.

Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

There are no known interactions with foods.

The appropriate dose of Roman chamomile depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Roman chamomile. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.methodology (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/methodology.html).

To see all references for the Roman chamomile page, please go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/752.html.

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Page last updated: 06 September 2012