PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS GERMAN CHAMOMILE / 333

stomatitis between the chamomile and placebo-treatment

group (Fidler, 1996).

The efficacy of Kamillosan cream (topical chamomile
cream) was compared to steroidal (0.25% hydrocortisone,
"ffe 0.75% fluocortin butyl ester) and non-steroidal (5% bufexa-
mac) deramatologic agents for the maintenance therapy of
eczematous disease. There were 161 patients suffering from
inflammatory dermatoses on hands, forearms, and lower legs
included in the study. The patients had initially been treated
with 0.1% difluocortolone valerate. The Kamillosan cream
was slightly less effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone and
superior to 5% bufexarnac and 0.75% fluocortin butyl ester
(Aertgeerts, 1985).

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Approved by Commission E:

Contact Dermatitis: Chamomile, a Compositae plant, is

associated with allergic contact dermatitis (Hausen, 1996;

Pereira, 1997; Rodriguez-Serna, 1998).

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Chamomile tea eye washing to treat

ocular reactions has induced allergic conjunctivitis witii lid

angioedema (Subiza, 1990).

Drug Interactions:

Coumarin Anticoagulants — Due to the content of hydroxy-

coumarins in chamomile, there may be an additive effect

when taken with warfarin.

Alcohol/Benzodiazepines — Chamomile has week anxiolyt-

ic properties at benzodiazepine receptor sites, thus concomi-

tant use of alcohol and benzodiazepines should be avoided.

• Cough/bronchitis


• Fevers and colds


• Inflammation of the skin


• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx


• Tendency to infection


• Wounds and burns

Chamomile is used internally for inflammatory diseases of

the gastrointestinal tract associated with gastrointestinal

spasms, irritation of the oral pharygeal mucous membrane

and upper respiratory tract. Externally, the drug is used for

skin and mucous membrane inflammations, pulpitis, gingivi-

tis, respiratory catarrh, and ano-genital inflammation.

Homeopathic Uses: The herb is used for inflammation and

cramps in the gastrointestinal tract, teething symptoms,

severe pain, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, and

dysmenorrhea.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Chamomile should not be taken by anyone with a known

allergy to its components or other members of the Composi-

tae family (eg, arnica, yarrow, feverfew, tansy, artemesia)

(Hausen, 1996). A case report indicates chamomile may

precipitate severe anaphylactic reactions in patients with hay

fever and bronchial asthma caused by a variety of pollens

(grass, olive, and mugwort) (Subiza, 1989).

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

Anaphylactic Reactions: Ingestion of chamomile-tea infusion

has precipitated an anaphylactic reaction in an 8 year old

male with hay fever and broncial asthma caused by a variety

of pollens (Subiza, 1989).

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Liquid and solid preparations are

available for external and internal application.

How Supplied:

Capsule — 125 mg, 350 mg, 354 mg

Liquid — 1:4

Oil — 100%

Preparation: An infusion for internal use is prepared by

pouring boiling water (150 ml) over 3 gm of chamomile,

cover for 5 to 10 minutes and strain. (1 teaspoonful = 1 gm

drug).

An infusion for external poultice application is prepared by

pouring one and one-half cups of hot water over 2 dessert-

spoons of the drug, cover, leave to draw for 15 minutes and

then strain. Ointments and gels are available in strengths of 3

to 10%.

Daily Dosage: An internal single dose is approximately 3 gm

as an infusion. Liquid extract 1-4 ml or 1 cup of freshly

made tea is administered 3-4 times daily. Externally as a bath

additive, 50 gm is added to 1 Liter of water or 6 gm of drug

for a steam bath. Washes and gargles may be administered

several times a day.

Homeopathic Dosage: Internally, the herb is given as 5-10

drops, 1 tablet, or 5-10 globules. Externally, dilute 1

dessertspoon with 250 ml water and use 2-3 times daily in

poutices or washes (HAB1).

LITERATURE

Achterrath-Tuckerman U et al., (1980) Planta Med 39(1 ):38.

Aertgeerts P, Albring M, Klaschka F, Nasemann T, Patzelt-

Wenczler R, Rauhut K, Weigl B, (1985) Vergleichende Priifung

von Kamillosan(Creme gegeniiber steroidalen (0,25 %

Hydrocortison, 0,75 % Bluocortinbutylester) und nichtsteroidalen

Unproven Uses: In Folk medicine, the herb is used internally

for diarrhea and flatulence. The herb is used externally for

furuncles, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and acne.