Overview
People use German chamomile for diarrhea, indigestion (dyspepsia), anxiety, excessive crying in infants (colic), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods and beverages, German chamomile is used as flavoring.
In manufacturing, German chamomile is used in cosmetics, soaps, and mouthwashes.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Insufficient Evidence for
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Some research shows that applying a cream containing German chamomile extract improves inflamed or irritated skin.
- Excessive crying in infants (colic). Some research shows that giving multi-ingredient products containing German chamomile reduces crying time in infants with colic.
- Common cold. Early research suggests that dissolving German chamomile in hot water and inhaling the steam for 10 minutes reduces common cold symptoms.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia). Several combinations of German chamomile and other ingredients seem to help with indigestion.
- A type of persistent anxiety marked by exaggerated worry and tension (generalized anxiety disorder or GAD). Limited research suggests German chamomile might reduce anxiety scores in people with this condition.
- Hemorrhoids. Early research shows that applying German chamomile ointment together with standard treatment improves bleeding, itching, and burning in people with hemorrhoids.
- High levels of a hormone called prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia). Early research shows that German chamomile can lower levels of prolactin. But it doesn't work as well as a medicine called cabergoline.
- Insomnia. Early research shows that taking German chamomile twice daily for 28 days does not improve sleeping problems.
- Bed-wetting. Early research shows that applying oil infused with German chamomile to the skin above the pubic area or near the anus nightly for 6 weeks may reduce bed-wetting episodes in children.
- Swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis). Early research shows that using German chamomile mouth rinses might help prevent or treat sores in the mouth caused by radiation therapy, some types of chemotherapy, or stem cell transplants.
- A serious gum infection (periodontitis). . Early research shows that German chamomile mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.
- Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity. Early research shows that using German chamomile gel in the vagina works as well as conjugated estrogen vaginal cream for this purpose.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
- Breast pain (mastalgia).
- Burning pain in the mouth.
- Cancer of the white blood cells (leukemia).
- Diarrhea.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Gas (flatulence).
- Hay fever.
- Leg sores caused by weak blood circulation (venous leg ulcers).
- Long-term swelling (inflammation) in the digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease or IBD).
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Stomach ulcers.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the vagina (vaginitis).
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: German chamomile is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions. When applied to the skin near the eyes, German chamomile may cause eye irritation.
When used as a mouthwash: German chamomile is POSSIBLY SAFE when used as a mouthwash. It can cause nausea and burning in the mouth.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: German chamomile is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin as a medicine, short-term. Early research shows that several products containing German chamomile are safe in infants when taken by mouth for up to one week. Early research also shows that 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 ?
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. But German chamomile isn't as strong as the estrogen in birth control pills. Taking German chamomile along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness 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.
Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.Estrogens interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE
Large amounts of German chamomile might have some of the same effects as estrogen. But large amounts of German chamomile aren't as strong as estrogen pills. Taking German chamomile along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.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 decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking German chamomile along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking German chamomile, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE
German chamomile might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking German chamomile along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Some of these sedative medications include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others.Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE
German chamomile might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking German chamomile along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Some sedative medications include pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), fentanyl (Duragesic, Sublimaze), morphine, zolpidem (Ambien), and others.Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE
Some types of cancer are affected by hormones in the body. Estrogen-sensitive cancers are cancers that are affected by estrogen levels in the body. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to help treat and prevent these types of cancer. German chamomile seems to also affect estrogen levels in the body. By affecting estrogen in the body, German chamomile might decrease the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Do not take German chamomile if you are taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with GERMAN CHAMOMILE
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. German chamomile might increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin). Taking German chamomile and warfarin (Coumadin) 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 (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious 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 decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking German chamomile along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of these medications. Before taking German chamomile, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
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