Kamilica (Chamomilla recutita L. – Matricaria chamomilla L.) Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)

Kamilica (Chamomilla recutita L. – Matricaria chamomilla L.) Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)

Kamilica (Chamomilla recutita L. – Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae)

Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)
Among the most popular herbal supplements in Europe, Matricaria recutita extract is commonly used for its soothing effects without side effects. Modern science claims that it soothes frayed nerves because it actually slows down the central nervous system and has a long history of use as a tranquilizer. If you suffer from insomnia, stress, and anxiety, this natural sedative acts as a tonic to help combat, depression, soothe your nerves and induce sleep. As a calmative, the herb is said to be helpful in treating Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Matricaria recutita flower liquid extract is useful in the treatment of tension headaches, PMS with nervous tension, over-sensitivity (over-sensitive, „whiny“ adults and children is a traditional indication), menstrual pain, nightmares, depression with anxiety, neuritis, and fibromyalgia.
Matricaria recutita flower tinctures help calm ulcerative colitis, GERD, gastritis and improve digestion, supporting the gastrointestinal tract and easing a nervous stomach. Matricaria recutita is frequently used to treat colic in infants and teething problems. It is useful as a natural treatment for allergies and works much as an antihistamine would.
Matricaria recutita relieves morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also used to speed healing of wounds, skin ulcers, burns and to treat acne, eczema, and rashes, and is excellent for diaper rash.
Matricaria recutita herbal extract is commonly used for the soothing effects and ability to support normal tone in the digestive tract.
Matricaria recutita stops spasms in in the smooth lining of the stomach and intestines and contains chemicals that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic.
Matricaria recutita is helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, ulcers, hyperacid gastritis, enterocolitis, hemorrhoids, stomatitis, dyspepsia, gas, travel (motion) sickness, diarrhea and nervous stomach. As an antispasmodic, it helps to relieve stomach cramps. Matricaria recutita may be very helpful for relieving nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease. This herbal tincture is believed to dissolve kidney and gallstones.
Matricaria recutita has been studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. The study concluded that Matricaria recutita regulates blood sugar or blood glucose. It has been shown that when given to animals in the study a lesser amount of glucose was turned into sorbitol (a sugar alcohol). Excess sorbitol can cause damage to kidneys, eyes and nerve cells. The study stated that there was a clear link between the daily consumption of Matricaria recutita extract and preventing the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia. These benefits aren’t only for those with diabetes, even people without diabetes can benefit from maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Blood sugar swings are associated with fatigue, insulin resistance, and sugar cravings, among other symptoms. Taking measures to regulate blood sugar levels can actually prevent the onset of diabetes in healthy individuals and it can also help to make you feel more energetic and maintain a healthy weight.
Many people tend to overeat or turn to junk food when they feel stressed. Studies at the University of Maryland showed that Matricaria recutita flower liquid extracts help with anxiety and reducing stress, thus allowing dieters to make wise decisions instead of stress eating. Matricaria recutita contains substances that act as appetite suppressants, which changes how the body functions. Together these chemicals promote a feeling of fullness, which can help you to eat less.
Matricaria recutita is a diuretic, meaning it removes fluids from the body by urination. This can be useful for rapid weight loss, however, water weight loss is usually temporary and there is no loss of fat.

Chamomile’s overall soothing effect has been used as a remedy for teething complaints in infants, as well as a treatment of such common childhood ailments as stomach cramps, colic, middle-ear infections and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Although it is possible to have an allergic reaction to Chamomile, it is usually considered safe enough for the elderly and young children.

Certain active compounds in Matricaria recutita extract work similar to anti-anxiety medications, which promote relaxation in the brain and nervous system.
Matricaria recutita has a relaxing effect on the body, and it has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, especially when it is a result of anxiety, its mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from sleeplessness. And it is useful for nervousness due to common every day overwork and fatigue as well as easing the impact of stress.

Matricaria recutita is a particularly good choice for children whose insomnia may be related to gastrointestinal upset. Matricaria recutita has also been given to restless children and is said to decrease nightmares in both children and adults when taken before bedtime. Also, Hops and Lemon Balm are approved by the German government for relieving sleep disturbances. Matricaria recutita herbal supplement may improve some symptoms of an attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In studies, scores were improved for hyperactivity, inattention and immaturity factors.
This herb is an antispasmodic which stops and prevents muscle spasm. It is ideal for muscle cramps, asthma, and other disorders which relate to muscle irritability, spasm or contraction. Traditional herbalists have long recommended it for back pain, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis, and headache. Compresses made with the extract can be used to reduce the swelling of blows and bruises, arthritic joints and even for dark circles under the eyes.
Another active ingredient in Matricaria recutita reduces free radical activity. In vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells. This chemical seems to prevent the production of proteins that allow malignant cells from anchoring to new sites and counters the inflammatory reactions necessary for new diseased growths to gain blood supplies.
As an antifungal, it combats Candida albicans and other yeast infections. Matricaria recutita flowers have an agent that helps to bring on menstruation and regulate its flow and in the treatment of pelvic disease. Chamomile was used to relieve menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms and other common problems related to stress.
Matricaria recutita possesses antioxidant and antiseptic qualities. Evidence indicates that its use neutralizes certain germs and prevents infection, including staph and strep toxins. Matricaria recutita also has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds and sinusitis due to its antibacterial properties.
A topical preparation of Matricaria recutita has been used to speed wound healing in elderly people with stasis ulcers, or bed sores, caused by inadequate circulation, as well as for people who have tattoos removed. Matricaria recutita flower liquid herbal supplements have been known to help ease the pain and uncomfortable feelings associated with sunburn, windburn, minor burns, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been applied to the skin to treat hemorrhoids, soothe swollen and painful breasts, diaper rash, other skin rashes as well as, eye problems and skin ulcers. It is often used to whiten the skin, to naturally treat and prevent acne, dermatitis, herpes and to prevent and destroy bacterial infections. In fact, HSV-1 may have met its match in Matricaria recutita. It is particularly good at targeting the virus without causing irritation and may be suitable for topical application in recurrent outbreaks of HSV-1 infection, even those infections that are resistant to acyclovir. It is also widely accepted that stress plays a role in the development of genital herpes. Because Matricaria recutita has the effect of reducing stress levels, it has been suggested for those who suffer with it.
One of Chamomile’s active ingredients, Azulene, directly fights staphylococcus and streptococcus infections. By destroying the bacteria that cause infections, Matricaria recutita helps to speed up recovery time. Matricaria recutita also speeds healing of mouth sores and a mouthwash containing Echinacea, Myrrh gum, Clove and Caraway extracts, or tinctures, have been used successfully to treat gingivitis.

Ingredients: Matricaria recutita Flower, Structured Water, 96% Alcohol.

Non-Alcohol: Matricaria recutita Flower, Structured Water, and Vegetable Glycerin.

All of our ingredients are Certified Organic, Kosher, or Responsibly Wildcrafted. No genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are involved. All other products that are distributed by us meet our high-quality standards.

Instructions: Use 10-20 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications: Those who suffer from allergies to members of the daisy family (ragweed) should consult a doctor or allergist before using Matricaria recutita. Matricaria recutita contains natural blood thinners (coumarins) and should not be taken by those using the prescription drug Coumadin or other blood thinners. Because Matricaria recutita is a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should discuss its use with their physicians before using it. Chamomile may cause drowsiness. Matricaria recutita may have adverse effects if you are taking anticonvulsant medications or sedatives.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Herbal Alchemy is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.

Common names: Wild Camomile; German Camomile; Annual Camomile
Activities: 547 Chemicals w/Activities: 81 Chemicals: 152

Activity: Pesticide, Antiinflammatory, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Cancer-Preventive, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Fungicide, Antiseptic, Hepatoprotective, Antitumor, Antihistaminic, Antiherpetic, Antimutagenic, Antihepatotoxic, Antiallergic, Analgesic, Allergenic, FLavor, Activity, Antiulcer, Antiedemic, Insectifuge, Allergenic, Choleretic, Candidicide, Antileukemic, Sedative, Antipyretic, Hypocholesterolemic, Antifeedant, Apoptotic, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antidiabetic, Antiradicular, Antiaggregant, Hypotensive, Hypoglycemic, AntiHIV, …

 

Reference:

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Jeffery B. Harborne and H. Baxter, eds. 1983. Phytochemical Dictionary. A Handbook of Bioactive Compounds from Plants. Taylor & Frost, London. 791 pp.

Stitt, P. A. Why George Should Eat Broccoli. Dougherty Co, Milwaukee, WI, 1990, 399 pp.

Lydon, J. & Duke, S., The potential of pesticides from plants, pp. 1-41 in Craker, L. & Simon, J., eds, Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, & Pharmacology, v. 4, Oryx Press, Phoenix, 1989, 267pp.

Wichtl, M. 1984. Teedrogen. Ein Handbuch fur Apotheker und Arzte. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellscharft. mbH Stuttgart. 393 pp.

Newall, C. A., Anderson, L. A. and Phillipson, J. D. 1996. Herbal Medicine – A Guide for Health-care Professionals. The Pharmaceutical Press, London. 296pp.

Economic & Medicinal Plant Research, 5: 198.

Phenolic Compounds in Food and Their Effects on Health. Antioxidants & Cancer Prevention. Huang, M.T., Ho, C.T. and Lee, C.Y. eds. 1992. ACS Symposium Series 507.ACS, Washington 402 pp.

Keeler, R.F. and Tu, A.T. eds. 1991. Toxicology of Plant and Fungal Compounds. (Handbook of Natural Toxins Vol. 6) Marcel Dekker, Inc. NY. 665 pp.

Pizzorno, J.E. and Murray, M.T. 1985. A Textbook of Natural Medicine. John Bastyr College Publications, Seattle, Washington (Looseleaf).

Bisset, N.G., ed. 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. 566 pp.

Aloe Research Council – Duke writeup of non-peer reviewd book by Coats and draft by Henry

Tunon, H., Thorsell, W., and Bohlin, L. 1993. Mosquito Repelling Activity of Compounds Occurring in Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae). Economic Botany 48(2): 111-120, 1994.

Williamson, E. M. and Evans, F. J., Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, Revised Ed., Saffron Walden, the C. W. Daniel Co., Ltd., Essex UK, 362 pp, 1988, reprint 1989.

Chiang, L. C., Chiang, W., Chang, M. Y., Ng, L. T., Lin, C. C. 2003. Antileukemic activity of selected natural products in Taiwan. Am J Chin Med, 31(1):37-46.

Martindale’s 28th

Jacobson, M., Glossary of Plant-Derived Insect Deterrents, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, 213 p, 1990.

Jim Duke’s personal files.

Kashiwada, Y., et. al. 1998. Anti-AIDS Agents. 30. Anti-HIV Activity of Oleanolic Acid, Pomolic Acid, and Structurally Related Triterpenoids. J. Nat. Prod., 61 (9): 1090-1095.

 

Parts used: Fresh flowers prior to fully opening. Fresh or dry flowers can be used.

Taste/smell: Sweet, aromatic, slightly bitter.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 heaping tablespoon of fresh flowers per cup of water, infused 5-10 minutes; or 1:1.4 fresh + dry liquid extract: 20-75 drops 1-4 times per day.

Mental picture and specific indications: This nervine is specific for neural irritability in persons with a strong and active nervous system. Mental picture is restless, irritable, sensitive, complaining, wants to have their way, argumentative, acting like a baby and cannot be comforted.

Use: (a) Antispasmodic, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Anti-allergenic, (d) Analgesic, (e) Antipyretic, (f) Antiseptic, (g) Antibacterial against Strep. pyogenes (in vitro research), (h) Antifungal, (i) Carminative.

Chamomile is used for indigestion, gas and accompanying pain, gastritis and gastric ulcers and externally for burns, ulcers and wounds. Its anti-inflammatory action can partially be attributed to chamomile’s ability to inhibit arachidonic acid metabolism. Being a mild sedative for nervousness and nightmares, it is especially beneficial for infants and elders who are restless when attempting to sleep. The sedative activity is thought to largely be due to the constituent, apigenin, which can produce mild sedation and decrease anxiety without producing marked depression of CNS activity. Chamomile is indicated for menstrual cramps and babies with colic or who are teething. Poultices used over the spine are helpful for viral meningitis. The ability to relieve pain may be due to its prostaglandin-inhibiting action. It contains anti-inflammatory constituents, alpha bisabolol and chamazulene. Alpha bisabolol additionally has antispasmodic and anti-ulcerogenic properties. Matricin and apigenin are also active constituents in chamomile.

Contraindications: The flowers and tea, as well as other products made from chamomile, may cause an allergenic sensitivity in susceptible individuals. It has caused contact dermatitis, anaphylaxis and other hypersensitive reactions in persons allergic to plants in the Asteraceae, formerly the Compositae, family. These reactions are rare occurrences.

CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita L.) +++
Activities (Chamomile)
2 Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory, Antispasmodic, Deodorant, Musculotropic
1 Analgesic; Anthelminthic, Antiallergic, Antiaggregant; Antialzheimeran, Antiarthritic, Antidepressant, Antiedemic, Antiherpetic, Antihistaminic, Antioxidant, Antipeptic, Antiulcer, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, Candidicide, Cardiodepressant, Carminative, CNS-Depressant, COX 2-Inhibitor, Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Fungicide, Hepatoregenerative, Hypnotic, Hypotensive, Hypouremic, Immunostimulant, Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor, Myorelaxan, Nervine, Respiradepressant, Radioprotective, Sedative, Serotoninergic,
f Anorectic, Antilactagogue, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Demulcent, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Gastroprotective, Stimulant, Tonic,

Indications (Chamomile):
Anorexia, BacteriaBite, Bronchosis, Bruise, Burn, Cholecystosis Cold Colitis, Cough, Cramp, Decubitis, Dermatosis, Dyspepsia, Epigastrosis, Fever, Frostbite, Gas, Gastrosis, Gingivosis, Hemorrhoid, Hepatosis, Inflammation, Insomnia, Mucososis, Neurosis, Pharyngosis, Respirosis, Stomatosis, Wound

Acne, Allergy, Alzheimer’s, Amenorrhea, Anxiety, Arthrosis Cancer, Ca-breast, Ca-colon, Ca-liver, Ca-mouth, Ca-skin Ca-stomach Candida, Canker, Colic, Depression, Diarrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Eczema, Edema, Enterosis, Erythema, Flu, Fungus, Gout Herpes, High Blood Pressure, Hyperacidity, IBS, Immunodepression, Infection, Leukorrhea, Mastosis, Motion Sickness, Mycosis, Nausea, Nervousness, Neurodermatosis, OtosisPainParapyloric Ulcer Proctosis, Radiation, Rheumatism, Salmonella, Sciatica, Staphylococcus, Sunburn, Swelling, Toothache, Ulcer, Vaginosis, Virus, Yeast,

Aegilops, Aposteme, Bloating, Bunion, Catarrh, Conjunctivosis, Convulsion, Croup, Cystosis, Dention, Diphtheria, Gastroenterosis, Heartburn, Hysteria, Induration, Lumbago, Neuralgia, Oligolactea, Ophthalmia, Pregnancy, Pulpitis, Scirrhus, Sore, Throat, Stress,

Dosages (Chamomile):
2-4 tbsp fresh flower (PED);
3-6 g dry flower (PED);
4.5 g dry flower:22 ml alcohol/23 ml water (PED);
2-8 g flower (PNC); 2-8 g flower 3 x/day (WHO);
2-8 g flower as tea 3 x/day (CAN);
2-3 tsp flower/cup water;
0.5-1 tsp tincture to 3 x/day (APA);
1-5 g several x/day (HHB);
2-4 g 3 x/day (MAB);
2-3 g per cup 3-4 x/day;
10-40 drops tincture 3 x/day (SF);
4-6 ml tincture 3 x/day between meals (SKY);
7-14 ml tincture (l:5)/day (MAB);
1-4 ml liquid extract (1:1 in 45% ethanol) 3 x/day (CAN);
3-6 ml/day liquid extract (1:2) (MAB);

1-4 ml, 1:1 fluid extract, 3 x/day (WHO);
0.5-4 ml liquid floral extract (PNC);
2-3 (350 mg) capsules 3 x/day (NH).

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Chamomile):
Class 1, 2b (AHP; CAN; KOM). No contraindications, drug interactions, or side effects known (KOM). None reported (PIP).
Some people advise, perhaps overadvise, that sensitive people may have an allergic reaction to this.
I don’t take chamomile daily, but almost daily I ingest a whole lot of peanuts, which are more dangerous, anaphylactically killing two people a year in the U.S.
Patients who are allergic to ragweed, however, may experience cross-reactivity with chamomile, which can produce intense itching in the mouth if the mucosa becomes highly irritated (O’Brien, 1998).
CAN cautions that the sesquiterpene lactones can cause allergic reactions. They add that cross-sensitivities with other aster relatives (WAM) and celery exist.
Because it is reputed to affect the menstrual cycle and to be a uterine stimulant, with excessive use, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided (CAN).
But SKY says no contraindications during pregnancy or lactation (SKY).
Not recommended for teething babies.
Because of coumarin content, may interfere with anticoagulant therapy (CAN).
Highly concentrated hot tea is reportedly emetic. Some advise against daily use, but I would not.
Keep all hot teas at a distance from the eyes (AHP). Oral administration of chamomile extract induced a deep sleep in 10 of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization (CAN).
Reported as an effective treatment for mucosal infections.
Diluted extracts used as a mouthwash 5 to 6 times daily provided astringent and cooling effects (CAN).
Chamomile preparations and their components worked on the inflammatory mediators of the arachidonic acid cascade; they inhibit cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase.
Chamomile is so far my best source of COX-2 inhibitor apigenin (to 0.8% ZMB) followed by celery (to 0.2%), making celery stalks the best food farmacy source (COX).

Extracts (Chamomile):
Chamomile oils analgesic, antianaphylactic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, and fungicidal (PED).
Azulenes, documented as aniinflammatory and hypoallergenic, may prevent allergic seizures in guinea pigs, perhaps through antihistaminic activity. EO LD50 = >5000 orl rabbit (CAN); LD50 = >5000 der rabbit (CAN);
LD50 = 2.5 ml/kg orl mouse (CAN).
High molecular weight polysaccharides are immunostimulant;
choleretic, hypouremic, and hypocholesterolemic at 0.1 ml/kg in cats and dogs, cardiodepressant, hypotensive, and respiradepressant at 0.2 ml/kg (CAN).
Bisabolol and flavonoids are responsible for antispasmodic activities.
Apigenin was three times as effective as papaverine; bisabolol was comparable.
Smooth muscle relaxant properties documented for a c/s-spiroether.
Antiinflammatory activity documented for the sesquiterpene bisabolol compounds, (-)-alpha-bisabolol protects against the gastric effects of aspirin (PH2).
Flavonoids antiinflammatory.
Chamomile oil (25 mg/ml; bisabolol at 1 mg/ml) was active against bacteria (especially Gram positive), fungi, and Candida albicans.
Apigenin and luteolin are more active antiinflammatories than indomethacin and phenylbutazone (WHO).
„Chamazulene, a-bisabolol, and flavones such as apigenin were the single components that were found to have the strongest antiinflammatory activity, but most studies found that the whole extracts were more active than their individual components“ (SHT).
Chamomile extract in a cream base was superior to hydrocortisone 0.25% for reducing skin inflammation.
For eczema, chamomile was as good as hydrocortisone (0.25%), and better than fluocortin butyl ester (0.75%) and bufexamac (5%) (WHO).
Extracts based on fresh flowers equaled antiinflammatory activity of benzydamine (MAB).

 

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