Matricaria chamomilla

INFUSION (Kommission E indication): 3–5 g dried, comminuted chamomile flowers (Matricariae flos) in 150 ml boiling water, covered, steep 5–10 min, strain. 3–4× daily freshly prepared, preferably between meals, drunk hot. Daily dose 9–15 g. Indication: gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory disorders of the GI tract, gastritis, irritable stomach. Effect usually within 1–2 days; consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks. Children 6–12 yrs: 1.5–3 g; 2–6 yrs: 1–1.5 g.

Dry amount

3–5 g

Doses per day

3×

Max duration

2 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 2 years — Children from 2 years with age-appropriate dose. Under 6 months only on medical advice.

TINCTURE (DER 1:5 in 40–70 % ethanol): 1–3 ml (~20–60 drops) diluted in water, 3× daily before or between meals. Traditional use for nervous gastric complaints, IBS symptoms and mild anxiety. Due to ethanol content: not for pregnancy, lactation, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Consult a doctor if no improvement after 4 weeks.

Liquid amount

1–3 ml

Doses per day

3×

Max duration

4 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Tincture for adults only due to ethanol content.

ESSENTIAL OIL (Blue chamomile oil): dilute 1–2 drops of blue chamomile oil (Matricariae aetheroleum) in 10 ml carrier oil (e.g. almond, jojoba) to a 1–2 % solution. Apply externally to affected skin or joints, massage gently. For inhalation: 1–2 drops in steam inhaler or aroma diffuser. Deep blue colour (from chamazulene) fades with heat — do not overheat. Store in dark airtight bottle below 20 °C; shelf life after opening ~6–12 months. Do NOT apply undiluted to skin.

FULL BATH / SITZ BATH (Kommission E, skin-mucosa indication): 50–100 g dried chamomile flowers as infusion (10 min, strain), added to bath water. Bath temperature 35–38 °C, duration 10–15 min; once daily. Sitz bath: smaller amount (20–30 g per 5 L) for perineal area, haemorrhoids, anal fistulae, gynaecological inflammation. CONTRAINDICATION (full bath): open wounds, acute skin disease, high fever, severe infections, cardiac insufficiency. Rest briefly after bathing.

Dry amount

50–100 g

Doses per day

1×

Max duration

2 weeks

COMPRESS / POULTICE: 3–10 g dried chamomile flowers in 200 ml boiling water, covered, steep 10 min, strain, cool to drinkable temperature. Soak a clean linen cloth, wring lightly, apply to affected skin area; leave for 15–20 min. 2–3× daily. Indications: poorly healing wounds, boils, superficial injuries, mild skin irritation. Moist heat enhances the effect. Do not use compress on wounds showing signs of deep infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever) — consult a doctor.

Dry amount

3–10 g

Doses per day

3×

Max duration

2 weeks

MOUTHWASH / GARGLE (Commission E): 3–5 g comminuted chamomile flowers in 150 ml boiling water, steep 5–10 min, strain, cool to warm temperature. Use 3–4× daily as mouthwash or gargle — swill for 30–60 seconds, do not swallow. Indication: aphthae, gingivitis, stomatitis, mild throat inflammation. Children under 12: only with supervision and if safe spitting is assured. Consult a dentist or doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.

Dry amount

3–5 g

Doses per day

4×

Max duration

1 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Gargling not recommended under age 6 due to aspiration risk; 6–12 yrs only under supervision.

STEAM INHALATION: 5–10 g dried chamomile flowers in a bowl, pour ~1 litre boiling water, let steep 2–3 min. Lean head over bowl, drape towel over head and bowl. Breathe slowly and deeply for 5–10 min. 1–2× daily for cold symptoms, catarrhal complaints of the upper airways, and sinusitis. Alternatively: 2–3 drops of blue chamomile essential oil instead of herb. Children under 6: steam inhalation NOT recommended (scalding risk, too intense). 6–12 yrs: only under supervision.

Dry amount

5–10 g

Doses per day

2×

Max duration

1 weeks

CHAMOMILE SALVE / CREAM: commercial chamomile creams or ointments (standardised to alpha-bisabolol ≥0.5 % or chamazulene) applied thinly to affected skin areas, 2–3× daily. Home preparation: steep 50 g dried flowers in 200 ml olive oil at 50 °C for 2–3 h in a water bath (maceration), strain and thicken with 10 g beeswax. Indications: mild atopic eczema flares, contact dermatitis, dry cracked skin, chickenpox itch, sunburn. Avoid eye area — eye baths only under strict hygiene with sterile-filtered infusion.