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Chamomile

Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile

Proposed Uses: Eczema, Skin Inflammation Caused by Radiation Therapy; Mouth Sores Caused by Chemotherapy; Digestive Upset; Tension and Stress

Two distinct plants are known as chamomile and are used interchangeably:

Over a million cups of chamomile tea are drunk daily, testifying to its good taste, at least. Chamomile was used by early Egyptian physicians for fevers, and by ancient Greeks, Romans, and Indians for headaches and disorders of the kidneys, liver, and bladder.

Germany authorizes the use of topical chamomile preparations for a variety of diseases of the skin and mouth including eczema, bedsores, skin inflammation caused by radiation therapy, and contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy). Chamomile tea is also said to reduce mild tension and stress and to aid indigestion.

However, there is no reliable evidence that chamomile is effective for the treatment of any health condition.

Dosage
Chamomile cream is applied to the affected area 1 to 4 times daily.

Chamomile tea can be made by pouring boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers and steeping for 10 minutes.

Chamomile tinctures and pills should be taken according to the directions on the label. Alcoholic tincture may be the most potent form for internal use.

Safety Issues
Chamomile is listed on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list.

Reports that chamomile can cause severe reactions in people allergic to ragweed have received significant media attention. However, when all the evidence is examined, it does not appear that chamomile is actually more allergenic than any other plant.

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