Calming herb, ancient pedigree

The ancient Egyptians dedicated the daisy-like chamomile flower to their sun god, Ra, while the ancient Greeks prescribed it widely and dubbed it “ground apple” (chamos melos) for its fruity scent. The plant comes in several varieties, but just two are renowned for their healing powers: English (also sometimes called Roman) chamomile and German chamomile (the one more commonly found growing in the U.S.). Chamomile is a common ingredient in herbal teas and beauty products -- some herb aficionados recommend it highly for conditioning fair hair.

*

Uses: Chamomile’s most widely known promise is that of calmer nerves and a good night’s sleep. It’s also used to treat mouth sores and irritated gums; gas, bloating, cramps and motion sickness; and colic in babies. Sometimes it’s used externally to soothe inflamed or irritated skin, and its vapor is inhaled to treat cold and flu symptoms.

Dose: For anxiety, upset stomachs and colds, three to four cups of tea a day. Chamomile teas are readily available in most supermarkets but can be made from scratch using four to five teaspoons of dried flower per cup of water.

Precautions: Chamomile can trigger reactions in people with asthma or hay fever, and very large doses (tens of grams or more per day) can induce vomiting. And despite the fact that it’s recommended for soothing uncomfortable skin conditions, chamomile may cause rashes in some. The herb can slow the blood’s clotting time, so it’s not recommended for people on blood thinners. It can also magnify the effects of tranquilizers, alcohol and other drugs or herbs that cause drowsiness.

Research: Lab studies show that extracts of the herb can kill some forms of bacteria, viruses and fungi, and animal experiments indicate it’s good for reducing anxiety. Studies on whether it can soothe mouth sores have produced mixed results. A large-scale study is underway to confirm chamomile tea’s ability to alleviate abdominal pain caused by bowel disorders in children and adolescents. Preliminary findings from research conducted at the University of Athens in Greece suggest that chamomile extracts may prove useful in preventing bone loss from osteoporosis.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

*

-- Elena Conis