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Chamomile (American English) orcamomile (British English;see spelling differences) (/ˈkæməmaɪl,-miːl/KAM-ə-myle orKAM-ə-meel[1][2]) is thecommon name for severaldaisy-like plants of the familyAsteraceae. Two of the species,Matricaria chamomilla andChamaemelum nobile, are commonly used to make herbalinfusions for beverages.[3][4] Chamomile is used as aflavoring infoods,beverages, andcosmetics, inherbal teas, inbrewingbeer, and as aground cover or seating plant ingardens.
There is noclinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of consuming chamomile to treat anydiseases.[3][4] Chamomile mayinteract adversely with variousherbs anddrugs, worsenpollen allergies, and is not recommended for people withhormone-sensitive conditions or when combined withanticoagulants. Because Roman chamomile may causeuterine contractions, it should not be used duringpregnancy, and its safety duringbreastfeeding is unknown.[3][4]
Chamomile is highly susceptible to numerousfungi,Viruses, andInsects, which collectively pose significant threats to itscultivation. Chamomile appears inliterature,music, and symbolism—as a soothing remedy inThe Tale of Peter Rabbit, the title ofThe Camomile Lawn, a lyric inNo Doubt’s "Hey Baby," ametaphor inShakespeare, and asRussia’snational flower.
The wordchamomile is derived viaFrench andLatin, from theGreekχαμαίμηλον,khamaimēlon,'earth apple', fromχαμαί,khamai,'on the ground', andμῆλον,mēlon,'apple'.[5][6] First used in the 13th century, the spellingchamomile corresponds to the Latinchamomilla and the Greekchamaimelon.[6] The spellingcamomile is a British derivation from the French.[6]
Some commonly used species include:
A number of other species'common names include the wordchamomile. This does not necessarily mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in theherbal tea known as "chamomile". Plants including the common namechamomile, of the familyAsteraceae, are:
Chamomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages,mouthwash, soaps, andcosmetics.[4] Chamomile tea is anherbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water, and may improve sleep quality.[3][failed verification] Two types of chamomile are used, namelyGerman chamomile (Matricaria recutita) andRoman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).[3] Chamomile has historically been used as one of the flavoring ingredients inbeer,[9] and is sometimes used by modern brewers.[10] Usually the whole plant is used, adding a bitter flavor component.[11]
Chamomile, chieflyChamaemelum nobile cultivars, is used to "upholster"chamomile seats, raised beds which are about half a meter tall, and designed to be sat upon.[12]Chamomile lawns are also used in sunny areas with light traffic.[13]
There is noclinical evidence that chamomile is effective for treating any diseases.[4] Chamomile is under preliminary research for its potentialanti-anxiety properties.[7] There is no good evidence that it is useful for treatinginsomnia.[14]
The main compounds in chamomile flowers arecoumarins,flavonoids, andpolyphenols,[7] includingapigenin,quercetin,patuletin,luteolin, anddaphnin.[15][16]
The use of chamomile has the potential to causeadverse interactions with numerous herbal products andprescription drugs and may worsen pollenallergies.[4] People who are allergic toragweed (also in the daisy family) may be allergic to chamomile due tocross-reactivity.[3]
Chamomile containscoumarin,glycoside,herniarin,flavonoid,farnesol,nerolidol, andgermacranolide. Despite the presence of coumarin, as chamomile's effect on the coagulation system has not yet been studied, it is unknown whether a clinically significant drug–herb interaction exists with anticoagulant drugs.[4] However, until more information is available, it is not recommended to use these substances concurrently.[17]
Chamomile should not be used by people with past or present cancers of thebreast,ovary, oruterus;endometriosis; oruterine fibroids.[4]
Because chamomile has been known to causeuterine contractions that can invokemiscarriage, pregnant women are advised to not consumeRoman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).[3][4] Although oral consumption of chamomile isgenerally recognized as safe in the United States, there is insufficientclinical evidence about its potential for affectingnursing infants.[4]
The chamomile plant is known to be susceptible to manyfungi,insects, andviruses. The following fungi are known to attack this plant:Albugo tragopogonis (white rust),Cylindrosporium matricariae, Halicobasidium purpureum, Peronospora leptosperma, Peronospora radii, Phytophthora cactorum, Puccinia anthemedis, Puccinia matricaiae, Septoria chamomillae, and multiplepowdery mildew species. Also, yellow virus (Chlorogenus callistephi var.californicus Holmes,Callistephus virus 1A) causes severe damage to this plant.[18]Aphids (Aphis fabae) have been observed feeding on chamomile plants and the mothAutographa chryson causes defoliation.The insectNysius minor caused shedding ofM. chamomilla flowers,[18]
Nicholas Culpeper's17th centuryThe Complete Herbal has an illustration and several entries onchamomel.[19][20]
Texts on Wikisource:
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