| Action | Key Compounds | Mechanism |
|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | α-Bisabolol, chamazulene, apigenin | COX-2/LOX inhibition, NF-κB downregulation, cytokine suppression |
| Antispasmodic | Flavonoids, bisabolol | Calcium channel modulation, smooth muscle relaxation |
| Anxiolytic / Sedative | Apigenin | Benzodiazepine receptor (GABAA) partial agonist |
| Antimicrobial | Volatile oil | Membrane disruption (S. aureus, Candida, H. pylori) |
| Wound Healing | Bisabolol, polysaccharides | Fibroblast migration, collagen synthesis, antioxidant |
| Gastroprotective | Flavonoids, bisabolol | Mucus stimulation, antioxidant, H. pylori inhibition |
Traditional & Evidence-Supported Uses
| Indication | Evidence Level | Preparation / Dose |
|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Moderate (RCTs vs. placebo) | Pharmaceutical extract 220–1100 mg/day; or tea 3–4×/day |
| Sleep Quality / Insomnia | Low-Moderate (small RCTs) | Tea 200–400 mL 30 min pre-bed; extract 270 mg |
| Dysmenorrhea | Moderate (RCTs) | Tea 250 mL 3×/day from 1 wk pre-menses; or extract |
| Functional Dyspepsia / IBS | Low-Moderate (combination products) | STW 5 (Iberogast) — chamomile + 8 herbs |
| Oral Mucositis (chemo/radiation) | Moderate (RCTs) | Chamomile mouthwash 1% × 3–4×/day |
| Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema | Low (topical cream) | Cream 1–3% × 2–3×/day |
| Infant Colic | Low (herbal combo) | Chamomile + fennel + lemon balm (ColiMil) |
Preparation Methods
- Tea (Infusion): 1–2 tsp (2–3 g) dried flowers / 240 mL near-boiling water. Steep 5–10 min covered. Strain.
- Tincture: 1:5 (dry), 40–50% ethanol. Dose: 2–4 mL 3×/day.
- Essential Oil: 0.4–1.5% yield. Dilute ≤1% in carrier for topical. Not for ingestion.
- Standardized Extract: Apigenin 1.2%, bisabolol 3–5% — consistent dosing.
Safety & Contraindications
- GRAS (FDA) for food use; generally safe.
- Allergy: Asteraceae sensitivity (ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, daisy) — cross-reactivity possible. Patch test.
- Pregnancy: Tea likely safe in food amounts; avoid concentrated extracts (uterine stimulation theoretical).
- Drug Interactions: CYP1A2/2C9/3A4 modulation (theoretical); anticoagulant/antiplatelet additive effect (coumarins); sedative potentiation.
- Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks prior (bleeding risk).
Quality Considerations
- Whole flowers > tea bags (higher volatile oil).
- Organic / wild-crafted preferred (pesticide accumulation in lipids).
- Store airtight, dark, cool — volatile oils degrade.
- Blue color (chamazulene) indicates quality distillation.
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