Roman Chamomile

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

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Chamomile is an alternative herbal treatment for anxiety and tension, various digestive disorders, muscle pain and spasm, and menstrual cramps. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of Roman Chamomile.

Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile
Common Names: Roman Chamomile

Overview
Plant Description
What's It Made Of?
Available Forms
How to Take It
Precautions
Possible Interactions
Supporting Research
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Overview

There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes ragweed, echinacea, and feverfew. Both have been used traditionally to calm frayed nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps, and to treat a range of skin conditions (including minor first degree burns) and mild infections. Chamomile can also be found in a variety of face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.

Most research on chamomile has been done with the closely related plant, German chamomile, which has similar, but not identical, active ingredients. Roman chamomile has not been used in studies of people as much as German chamomile, so claims about its use for specific health conditions are based on clinical experience and will have to be verified through future research. Nevertheless, Roman chamomile is an ingredient in many teas, ointments, and other types of medicinal preparations.

Traditionally, Roman chamomile has been used to treat nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and excess intestinal gas that can happen when feeling nervous. It is widely valued for its tension-relieving properties. As legend has it, Peter Rabbit's mother used Roman chamomile tea to calm him down after his adventures in Mr. MacGregor's garden. This herb may also reduce inflammation associated with cuts or hemorrhoids, and may ease the discomfort associated with conditions such as eczema and gingivitis (swollen gums). The traditional uses of Roman chamomile, again while not studied scientifically are quite similar to the uses for German chamomile.

Plant Description

Roman chamomile originates in northwestern Europe and Northern Ireland, where it creeps close to the ground and can reach up to one foot in height. Gray-green leaves grow from the stems, and the flowers have yellow centers surrounded by white petals, like miniature daisies. It differs from German chamomile in that its leaves are thicker and it grows closer to the ground. The flowers smell like apples.

What's It Made Of?

Chamomile teas, ointments, and extracts all start with the white and yellow flower head. The flower heads may be dried and used in teas or capsules or crushed and steamed to produce a blue oil, which has medicinal benefits. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and may limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.