Difference between revisions of "Chamomile"

Revision as of 12:11, 21 December 2011

• Other names: Matricaria recutita, German chamomile, true chamomile, Hungarian chamomile
• Chamomile is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is native to Europe and Asia. The flowers are used medicinally.
• Chamomile comes in capsule, liquid, and tea form.

Special Precautions of Chamomile

• Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum, so people with allergies may react when they use chamomile either internally or topically. Call your doctor if you experience vomiting, skin irritation, allergic reactions (chest tightness, wheezing, hives, rash, itching) after chamomile use.
• Chamomile should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  

Drug Interactions :

• Chamomile contains coumarin, a naturally-occurring compound with anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. It should not be combined with warfarin or other medications or supplements that have the same effect or be used by people with bleeding disorders. It shouldn't be used two weeks before or after surgery. Patients taking anticoagulants should be cautious. Avoid combination with other Herbal remedies that slow blood clotting like garlic, devil’s claw, papaya, ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Red Clover and Asian or Siberian ginseng and coumarin containing herbs.
• Aspirin:Aspirin may theoretically interact with chamomile, which contains anticoagulant compounds called coumarins, and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Platelet Inhibitors:e.g. Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Clopidogrel (Plavix). Platelet inhibitors are used to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and for patients who have had a coronary stent implant. Chamomile contains anticoagulant compounds called coumarins. When combined, they may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Anticoagulants:e.g. Warfarin (Coumadin). Warfarin is derived from coumarin, a compound with anticoagulant properties also found in chamomile. Chamomile tea was found to cause internal bleeding when combined with coumarin.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants:e.g. Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Imipramine (Tofranil). Tricyclic antidepressants are metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Clozapine:Clozapine (Clozaril, Leponex, Fazacio) is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Clozapine, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Propranolol:Propranolol (Inderal)is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Propranolol, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Theophylline:Theophylline (e.g. Theo-24, Theolair, Bronkodyl, Slo-bid, Slo-Phyllin, Theobid, Theo-Dur, TheolairSR, Uni-Dur) is a bronchodilator used to help people with lung conditions breathe easier. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Theophylline, increasing the risk of toxicity.
• Tacrine:Tacrine (Cognex) helps treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Tacrine, increasing the risk of toxicity.

The benefits of Chamomile are

Chamomile has a long history of use in Europe for digestive ailments. The active constiuents of chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties, and ease spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract.

• Indigestion
• Anxiety
• Insomnia and depression
• Canker sores
• Colic
• Conjunctivitis, eye irritations
• Crohn's disease
• Diarrhea
• Eczema
• Gingivitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Menstrual disorders
• Migraine
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Peptic ulcer