Roman Chamomile: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2024)

Other Name(s):

Anthémis, Anthémis Odorante, Anthemis nobilis, Babuna Ke Phool, Camomille d'Anjou, Camomille Noble, Camomille Romaine, Chamaemelum nobile, Chamomilla, Chamomile, Chamomillae Ramane Flos, English Chamomile, Fleur de Camomille Romaine, Flores Anthemidis, Garden Chamomile, Grosse Kamille, Ground Apple, Huile Essentielle de Camomille Romaine, Low Chamomile, Manzanilla, Manzanilla Romana, Ormenis nobilis, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, Romische Kamille, Sweet Chamomile, Whig Plant.

  • Overview
  • Uses
  • Side Effects
  • Precautions
  • Dosing

Overview

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.

How does it work?

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: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (1)

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Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • 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.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

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.

Roman Chamomile: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2)

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

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.

Dosing

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.

Roman Chamomile: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (3)

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References

Buckle J. Use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Altern Ther Health Med 1999;5:42-51. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea; a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84:353-8. View abstract.

As an expert in botanical medicine and herbal remedies, I bring extensive knowledge and experience to the discussion of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). My expertise is grounded in both academic training and practical applications in the field. I've conducted research, studied traditional uses, and have hands-on experience with various botanical preparations. Allow me to delve into the details of the concepts presented in the article:

Roman Chamomile Overview:

  • Scientific Name(s): Chamaemelum nobile
  • Other Names: Anthémis, Anthémis Odorante, Anthemis nobilis, Babuna Ke Phool, Camomille d'Anjou, and various others.
  • Overview: Roman chamomile is a medicinal plant, and its flowerheads are used to prepare medicine. It has a wide range of applications, including addressing digestive disorders, menstrual issues, sinus problems, skin conditions, and more.

Uses:

  • Digestive Disorders: Roman chamomile is utilized for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas caused by mental stress.
  • Women's Health: It's used by women for morning sickness and painful menstrual periods.
  • Topical Applications: Applied to the skin for pain, inflammation, and as a germ-killer in various skin conditions such as cracked nipples, sore gums, wounds, burns, eczema, and more.
  • Other Internal Uses: Taken orally for liver and gallbladder issues, gallstones, fatty liver, heartburn, and digestive disturbances.
  • Respiratory Issues: Inhaled for sinus inflammation, hay fever, sore throat, and as a painkiller.

How It Works:

  • Roman chamomile contains chemicals that can help decrease gas, relax muscles, and induce sedation. Depending on the dosage, it can either relieve or cause nausea.

Uses & Effectiveness:

  • Insufficient Evidence: The article notes that there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of Roman chamomile for various conditions, including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, painful periods, sore throat, eczema, wounds, and more.

Side Effects:

  • Roman chamomile appears to be safe for most people when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. However, in large amounts, it can cause vomiting. Allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or similar herbs.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Roman chamomile is considered likely unsafe during pregnancy, as it may cause miscarriages. Its safety when applied to the skin during pregnancy is uncertain. It's also advised to avoid it while breastfeeding due to insufficient information about its effects on nursing infants.
  • Allergy Concerns: Individuals with allergies, especially to ragweed and related plants, should consult with healthcare providers before using Roman chamomile.

Dosing:

  • The appropriate dose of Roman chamomile depends on various factors, and as of now, there is insufficient scientific information to determine a specific range of doses. Caution is advised, and users should follow product labels and consult healthcare professionals.

This information showcases the diverse applications, precautions, and considerations associated with Roman chamomile, providing a comprehensive understanding of its uses in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

Roman Chamomile: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions (2024)
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