Chamomile, Roman

Christopher Hobbs:

“Roman chamomile is valuable for irritable bowel syndrome, pain, and gastritis, for warding off colds due to exposure, and as a sedative. Azulene, an important active principle in chamomile oil, has proven effective for fever and inflammation. The oil is used externally for cradle cap, wounds, and sore nipples.

Chamomile, Roman has a taste of SWEET, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.”

Historical Uses

Roman chamomile has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Europe. Ancient Romans used it to improve vitality and for relaxation. It was also a remedy for digestive issues, inflammation, and fevers. Its calming properties made it popular in teas and aromatherapy.

Modern Clinical Uses

Herbalists and naturopaths use Roman chamomile for:

• Digestive issues: Reducing gas, bloating, and indigestion.
• Anxiety and sleep: Promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
• Skin conditions: Treating eczema, wounds, and inflammation.
• Muscle spasms: Relieving cramps and mild muscular pain.
  Roman chamomile is often used in tea, essential oils, creams, and tinctures.

Chemistry

The key constituents include:

• Essential oils: Mainly esters (e.g., isobutyl angelate, isobutyl butyrate), along with α-pinene and chamazulene.
• Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin.
• Phenolic acids: Caffeic and ferulic acids.

Pharmacology

Roman chamomile exerts several effects:

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and skin inflammation through chamazulene and apigenin.
• Sedative and anxiolytic: Flavonoids like apigenin act on GABA receptors, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
• Antispasmodic: Relaxes smooth muscles in the digestive tract, relieving cramps.
• Antimicrobial: Its essential oils exhibit mild antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Safety

• Generally considered safe for most people when used in moderation.
• Allergies: People allergic to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds may have reactions.
• Pregnancy: Safety during pregnancy is uncertain—high doses should be avoided.
• Drug Interactions: Can interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) and sedatives.

Dosages

• Tea: 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of dried flowers per cup, steeped for 10 minutes.
• Tincture: 1-4 mL up to three times daily.
• Essential oil: 2-4 drops diluted in a carrier oil for topical or aromatherapy use.

Clinical Trials

• Anxiety and Sleep: Small studies indicate that chamomile (mostly German chamomile, but Roman shares properties) reduces anxiety and improves sleep due to its sedative effects.
• Digestive Disorders: Limited studies suggest efficacy in managing mild indigestion and colic.
• Skin Inflammation: Some evidence supports topical applications for eczema and dermatitis.

Note: Clinical evidence is limited, and larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Summary

Roman chamomile is a versatile herb traditionally used for relaxation, digestion, and skin health. Modern herbalists value its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. While it shows promise in preliminary studies, more robust clinical trials are necessary. Generally safe when used responsibly, it remains a popular remedy in herbal medicine.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs