Overview

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an herb that is native to southern and eastern Europe. It is popular throughout the world as a medicine.

German chamomile contains chemicals that seem to promote relaxation and reduce swelling. It was used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, and is still commonly used today.

People use German chamomile for common cold, indigestion, anxiety, excessive crying in infants (colic), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Do not confuse German chamomile with Roman chamomile, which is a different plant.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for GERMAN CHAMOMILE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: German chamomile is likely safe when taken in amounts found in food. German chamomile is possibly safe when used as a medicine for short periods of time.

When applied to the skin: German chamomile is possibly safe. It can cause allergic skin reactions. It might cause eye irritation when applied near the eyes.

When used as a mouthwash: German chamomile is possibly safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: German chamomile is likely safe when taken in amounts found in food. German chamomile is possibly safe when used as a medicine for short periods of time.

When applied to the skin: German chamomile is possibly safe. It can cause allergic skin reactions. It might cause eye irritation when applied near the eyes.

When used as a mouthwash: German chamomile is possibly safe. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if German chamomile is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: German chamomile is possibly safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin as a medicine, short-term. Several products containing German chamomile are safe in infants when taken by mouth for up to one week. Oil containing German chamomile is safe in children and teenagers when applied to the skin nightly for up to 6 weeks.

Allergies to ragweed or related plants: German chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: German chamomile might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use German chamomile.

Surgery: German chamomile might interact with anesthesia for surgery. Stop using German chamomile at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Some birth control pills contain estrogen. German chamomile might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking German chamomile along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with German chamomile, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.

  • Estrogens interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Large amounts of German chamomile might change the effects of estrogen. Taking German chamomile along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogen.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. German chamomile might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    German chamomile might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking German chamomile with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    German chamomile might change the effects of estrogen in the body. By affecting estrogen, German chamomile might reduce the effects of tamoxifen.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking German chamomile and warfarin together might slow blood clotting too much and cause bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. German chamomile might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. German chamomile might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. German chamomile might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

German chamomile extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 220-1500 mg by mouth daily for up to 26 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.