Chamomile: the calming & soothing herb By Melissa Tungesvik HW499: Bachelors Capstone in Health and Wellness Unit 4 Assignment

What is Chamomile? A gentle herb Tiny daisy-like flowers Used to treat several health conditions 2 main types of chamomile One of the world's most popular and widely recognized herbs Chamomile is a gentle herb, but what is an herb? Herbs are “any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2015). Here is a good picture of what chamomile looks like; it looks like tiny daisy-like flowers. This herb is used to treat several health conditions. “Two types of chamomile have been used for health conditions, German and Roman. German is the most popular chamomile, although both kinds can be used to treat the same health problems” (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.). For the rest of this presentation, I will be referring to the German chamomile when talking about chamomile. Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world (University of Maryland Medical Center). Google Images, n.d.

History of Chamomile Age-old medicinal herb Used in Ancient Egypt, Greece, & Spain and by the Romans The Middle Ages 1500s 1600s “The first recorded reference of chamomile is from Ancient Egypt. It was dedicated to gods in an attempt to cure acute fevers although many researchers believe it was probably used by many cultures for thousands of years prior to this. Chamomile was used to flavor light sherry in Ancient Greece and Spain. The Romans appreciated it for its smell and used it as incense. Chamomile was used instead of hops in the brewing of beer in the Middle Ages and the Vikings used it in their hair as shampoo. European Middle Ages began using chamomile for its medicinal purposes in herbal remedies. In the 1500s, chamomile was introduced to the Americas by European settlers. In the 1600s, chamomile was being extensively recommended as a cure for a wide range of ailments” (HerbaZest, n.d.).

Health Benefits of Chamomile Sleep problems Anxiety Digestive problems Skin irritations & inflammations Gingivitis & mouth sores Infants with colic Menstrual cramps And more… “Chamomile has a mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effect which may help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily. Chamomile promotes general relaxation and relieves stress” (Herb Wisdom, n.d.). “One study funded by the NCCAM published in 2009, showed that chamomile capsules eased anxiety symptoms” (NCCIH, n.d.). “Drinking chamomile tea can aid in digestion when taken after meals. Chamomile may also relieve other gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. Chamomile soothes skin rashes, minor burns and sunburn. Chamomile heals mouth sores and prevent gum disease. Chamomile helps to relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children. With chamomile’s believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, it helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramping” (Herb Wisdom, n.d.). Google Images, n.d.

Available Forms of Chamomile Dried flower heads Tea Liquid extract (oil) Capsules Topical ointment “Chamomile teas, ointments, and extracts all start with the white and yellow flower head. The flower heads may be dried and used in teas or capsules, or crushed and steamed to produce a blue oil. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and may stop the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi” (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.). Chamomile oil that may used to stop the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi are some of the other health benefits of this herb. Google Images, n.d.

Ways to Take or Use Chamomile Tea Tincture Capsules Gargle or mouthwash Inhalation Bath Poultice (paste) Cream “Chamomile may be used internally or externally” (Herb Wisdom, n.d.). Drinking chamomile tea is probably the most popular way in which people consume chamomile. It tastes good, smells good, and has a pleasing color to the eye. A “tincture is a medicine that is made by dissolving a drug in alcohol” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2015). Chamomile can come in a capsule form to take by mouth. Inhalation of chamomile is done by breathing in the steam of chamomile water, this helps to calm a cough (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.). Using chamomile in a bath or making a paste or a cream is used to help out with skin inflammation or irritations. You can find chamomile in other toiletry items such as shampoo, lotion, and soap. Google Images, n.d.

Chamomile Tea & Limeade Recipe (Martha Stewart Living) Ingredients 2 teaspoons loose-leaf or 2 bags chamomile tea 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup lime juice (from 3 limes) Lime wedges, for serving Directions Brew tea in 2 cups boiling water 4 minutes; strain or remove bag. Let cool completely. Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let cool completely, then combine with lime juice and tea in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 2 days. Serve over ice, garnished with lime wedges. Prep: 15 min, total time: 1.25 hours, yield: 3 cups (Martha Stewart, n.d.). Martha Stewart, n.d. Chamomile tea is very popular served hot, however, here is an interesting recipe for chamomile tea served cold.

Chamomile Precautions People with asthma Pregnant women May act like estrogen in the body People allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed May cause drowsiness Stop taking before surgery or dental surgery Google Images, n.d. “German chamomile is considered generally safe but there are precautions one must first know about taking this herb. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care and under the supervision of a health care provider. Chamomile may make asthma worse. Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage. Women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers should consult their physician before taking it. People allergic to these certain plants listed may also be allergic to Chamomile. People should not drink chamomile and drive due to the drowsiness effect. Stop taking chamomile at least 2 weeks before surgery (including dental surgery) due to the risk of bleeding” (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.).

Possible Drug Interactions with Chamomile Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants & antiplatelets) Sedatives Blood pressure medications Diabetes medications Hormonal therapies Other drugs “Herbs can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. If you take any of the following drugs, you should not use chamomile without first consulting your physician. Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinners including aspirin. Chamomile can make sedatives stronger, to include: anti-seizure medications, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, insomnia drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and alcohol. Chamomile may lower blood pressure slightly and may lower blood sugar. Chamomile has a similarity to estrogen, so it may potentially interfere with hormonal drugs. Chamomile is broken down by the liver so it may interact with other drugs that are broken down the same way, to include: fexofenadine, statins, birth control pills, and some antifungal drugs” (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.). Google Images, n.d.

Presentation disclaimer: Questions or Comments? Presentation disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to prescribe, treat, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. As always, consult your physician before you begin any sort of herbal remedy, treatment, or supplement especially if you are pregnant, nursing or being treated for a medical condition. Does anyone have any questions they would like to ask or comments they would like to share? I would like to make sure that you see and understand the disclaimer for my presentation. (I could read it to my audience, too) Google Images, n.d.

References: Google Images (n.d.). Chamomile. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366& bih=608&q=Chamomile&oq=Chamomile&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2521.7452.0.8581.15.9.3.3.3.0.17 0.909.1j7.8.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..1.14.932.oy5EI7vINDU HerbaZest (n.d.). Chamomile. Retrieved from http://www.herbazest.com/herbs/chamomile Herb Wisdom (n.d.). Chamomile (Matricaria Recutitia). Retrieved from http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html Martha Stewart (n.d.). Chamomile Tea and Limeade. Retrieved from http://www.marthastewart.com/1073618/chamomile-tea-and-limeade NCCIH (n.d.). Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/040310.htm Oxford Dictionaries (2015). Herb. Retrieved from https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/herb Oxford Dictionaries (2015). Tincture. Retrieved from https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/tincture University of Maryland Medical Center (n.d.). German Chamomile. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/german-chamomile