| Most Common Name: | Chamomile
Roman, Roman Camomile, Chamomile German,
German Camomile | | Botanical Name: | Anthemis
nobilis, Matricaria recotita | | Also
Known As (other names): | Roman chamomile, Maythen,
Manzanilla, Camomile |
Originally from Britain, Roman Chamomile (often spelt as Camomile) is now
cultivated in many countries. Chamomile tea has been used to calm nerves and
treat indigestion for hundreds of years. German Chamomile, although very
similar in use, has different constituents (see below) and is native to Europe
and Asia.
The active constituents of Chamomile
is complex. Chamomile is often extracted in oil form.
Chamomile
Use for/In treatment of: | | A gastric tonic | Sedation | Insomnia |
| Flu
symptoms | Menopausal depression | Dyspepsia |
| Toothache | Inflammation | Neuralgia |
| Diarrhoea | Migraine | Teething |
| Wounds | Indigestion | Anxiety |
| Ulcers | Infections | Antiseptic |
| Arthritis | Immune
system tonic | Period pains |
Chamomile
Properties: | | Stomachic |
Sedative | Analgesic | | Carminative |
Anti-inflammatory | Antiseptic | |
Antispasmodic | Anti-emetic | |
Chamomile
Constituents: | | Below we list
reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as continuous
research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we also provide
information about constituents and their application, effect and side effects,
if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between constituents.
We do not give quantities of each individual constituent as these vary
considerably due to region and climate. By comparing the treatments above with
the constituent benefits below some indication of quantities can be gained. | Roman
Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile) | | A Volatile oil -
See Roman Chamomile Essential Oil |
Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. | |
Coumarins: Coumarins are lactones of hydroxycinnamic
acids. Coumarins are lactones. There are many variations of coumarins: Furanocoumarins found in Angelica have a
spasmolitic effect but must be used with caution as they have a strong
phototoxic effect as has many of the Furanocoumarins (Warfarin a blood thinning
drug but also virulent rat poison, is a coumarin derivative). In general
coumarins have antifungal, hypotensive, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties.
Many of the Coumarins are phototoxic and skin sensitising.
Lactones: A lactone is an Ester that's
functional group has become part of a ring structure with carbon atoms.
Lactones are widely present in the plant kingdom and many are expectorants and
febrifuges. |
|
Phenolic acids: Therapeutically valuable and not toxic the
Phenolic acids are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and
hypotensive. | German
Chamomile (Maticaria Recutita) | | A Volatile oil - See
German Chamomile Essential Oil |
Apigenin: A Flavone. Flavones are the most common substances in
the flavonoid group. Apigenins have been shown to have spasmolytic and topical
anti-inflammatory properties.
|
Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
| |
Coumarins: Coumarins are lactones of hydroxycinnamic
acids. Coumarins are lactones. There are many variations of coumarins: Furanocoumarins found in Angelica have a
spasmolitic effect but must be used with caution as they have a strong
phototoxic effect as has many of the Furanocoumarins (Warfarin a blood thinning
drug but also virulent rat poison, is a coumarin derivative). In general
coumarins have antifungal, hypotensive, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties.
Many of the Coumarins are phototoxic and skin sensitising.
Lactones: A lactone is an Ester that's
functional group has become part of a ring structure with carbon atoms.
Lactones are widely present in the plant kingdom and many are expectorants and
febrifuges. |
|
Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides (Glycans) are polymers that are
made up as sugar chains. Polysaccharides making up the gums and mucilages, occur
in every plant. Polysaccharides are virtually indigestible and therefore
have little or no effect if ingested. Polysaccharides are mostly inert and the
majority are not soluble in water or organic solvents. Most gums will absorb
water to the point where they become a sticky gel.
|
Mucilages and Gums (Polysaccharides): Widely
present in the plant kingdom these substances are hydrophilic, being able to
attract and bind with a volume of water that far exceeds the mass of the gum or
mucilage. Apart from their propensity to attract
water, Mucilages and Gums are virtually inert and also almost fully indigestible.
Generally the small amount of digestion that happens extracts very little sugar and no
noteworthy pharmacological effect. Because of
this neutrality and indigestibility their value if ingested is that they are
demulcent - which means that they coat and protect the lining of the gastric
tract, if applied externally they are emollient - which means that they coat and
protect the skin. |
|
Contraindications,
do not use if: | | | | | | | | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Administered
as/Available in: | | An Essential oil, Aromatherapy | Fluid
extract | Decoction | | Lotion | Infusion | Ointment |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
The content of
this website, products offered on the website and any correspondence that we
may enter into with you have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Authority. The information and products offered on this website and any
website or publication that we may refer to or link to are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or in any way improve or ease any conditions,
disease or symptoms. The content of the website, products and documentation
provided is for your entertainment and enlightenment only. None of the
content of this website, packaging and documentation provided with products
offered on this website or any correspondence entered into is intended or
should be construed as a substitute or augmentation of advice from your
physician or medical practitioner. You should not use any information
provided by us in any form to diagnose or treat any condition or disease.
You must consult your healthcare practitioner or doctor before commencing
any dietary change, taking or ceasing to take any medication, starting or
stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
Warning! |
Read our detailed warning and disclaimer |
|
|
