Camomile – an aromatic herb with gentle power
From earliest childhood, most of us are familiar with camomile as a tea that gently supports and soothes the digestive system. This distinctive-tasting beverage has been a common first aid for stomach aches and pains for generations. Camomile is a plant belonging to the large Asteraceae family and is characterised by its numerous tiny flowers grouped in head-shaped inflorescences.
It has traditionally been used to treat minor digestive problems such as bloating, cramps, and stomach pain, as its dried flowers contain substances that are relaxing (myorelaxant) and anti-inflammatory.
Interestingly, there are two types of medicinal plants called camomile: Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and the German so-called true chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
In our traditional medicine, German chamomile is more commonly used; although it has slightly weaker healing effects, it is preferred because it is safer to use and has no side-effects. Its rich composition includes flavonoids and essential oil, among others. It is most commonly used in the form of an infusion, which is drunk several times a day, during or immediately before meals. In addition to being taken on its own, camomile is often combined with plants that have a stronger effect on digestion, such as anise and fennel, to further relieve digestive problems.
The European Medicines Agency’s official herbal monograph on German camomile states that it is a traditional herbal remedy used for the symptomatic treatment of minor digestive problems such as bloating and mild cramps.
However, the benefits of camomile extend beyond the digestive tract, as it has been used for millennia as a traditional herbal remedy in the form of infusions, tinctures, poultices, and other preparations to relieve symptoms of colds, to treat ulcers and minor sores in the oral cavity and pharynx, and to soothe sore eyes, skin inflammation due to the sun, superficial skin wounds, and irritation of the mucous membranes of the intimate areas.
When choosing camomile preparations, from dried flowers for infusions to extracts and tinctures for food and cosmetic use, it is important that the plant is from organic production, that the preparations have clear declarations and standardisation, and that the active ingredients are stated.
As its distinctively beautiful and delicate flowers suggest, camomile is a plant with a mild but safe and noticeable effect, so it is not surprising that it is still one of the most popular herbs for relieving digestive problems.
Sources:
- European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos
- Miraj S, Alesaeidi S. A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). Electron Physician. 2016 Sep 20;8(9):3024-3031. doi: 10.19082/3024. PMID: 27790360; PMCID: PMC5074766.
- McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1900. PMID: 16628544.
