Roman Chamomile

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about Roman Chamomile. Roman chamomile, a member of the daisy family, is native to Europe and western Asia. While very popular, roman chamomile is not as popular as German chamomile which is the most commonly used of the chamomile species. The dried and fresh flowers of roman chamomile are used medicinally.

Chamomile is used cosmetically, primarily to make a rinse for blonde hair, and is popular in aromatherapy, whose practitioners believe it to be a calming agent to end stress and aid in sleep.

Common Names

Roman Chamomile, Garden Camomile, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile, English Chamomile, Whig Plant

Latin Names

Anthemis nobilis

What It Is Used For

• Commonly used for relaxation and sleep in the United States, Chamomile is popular as an evening tea. It is also used for nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, gas, and motion sickness.

How It Is Used

• As a tea soak 4 tsp of dried flowers in 6oz of hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the flowers. Drink one cup up to 4 times a day.
• As an extract take 1 -4 ml three times a day.
• Topically use the tea and apply as needed. Creams and ointments are available in Europe and South America.

What the Science Says

• Chamomile has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of chamomile may not be known.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of chamomile.

Sources

• Drugs.Com Web site. Accessed on February 7, 2009.
• From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Accessed on February 7, 2009.