Chamomile
Chamomile is available in a variety of formulations. It is used often as a tea to help with colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia. It is also taken when you have trouble sleeping.
Chamomile Overview
Chamomile is a plant in the daisy family. The flowers are used in herbal products.
Two types of chamomile, German chamomile and Roman chamomile, have been used for health conditions. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this natural medicine page.
The exact way chamomile works is unknown.
Chamomile Cautionary Labels
Uses
Chamomile is used for colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, anxiety, common cold, wound healing, hemorrhoids, and sleeplessness.
Chamomile is used topically for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.
Chamomile has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Chamomile may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Chamomile
Allergic reactions including skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have been reported with chamomile use.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Chamomile Interactions
No drug interactions have been evaluated. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
Chamomile Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using chamomile if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
- A small number of people are sensitive to chamomile and develop allergic reactions. Reactions can include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
- People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
