Matricaria chamomilla

• TeaFlowerInternalCommission E

  Classic chamomile tea (Kommission E positive) for gastrointestinal spasms, gastritis and inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TinctureFlowerInternalTraditional use

  Traditional chamomile tincture for nervous gastric complaints and IBS symptoms — alternative to tea when ethanol is acceptable.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [3]

• Essential oilFlowerExternalCommission E

  Blue chamomile essential oil (rich in chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol oxides) — anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing externally; Kommission E positive for skin and mucous membrane inflammations.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [2] [3] [5]

• BathFlowerExternalCommission E

  External full bath or sitz bath for inflammatory skin and mucous membrane disorders, eczema, vulvitis, haemorrhoids — Kommission E positive.

  Preparation & dosage

  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

  Sources: [1] [2]

• CompressFlowerExternalCommission E

  Chamomile compress for poorly healing wounds, boils and superficial skin injuries — anti-inflammatory and wound-healing via chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol.

  Preparation & dosage

  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

  Sources: [2] [4] [5]

• GargleFlowerExternalCommission E

  Chamomile mouthwash or gargle for aphthae, gingivitis and mild throat inflammation — positively assessed by Commission E; traditional use per the EMA monograph.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [2]

• InhalationFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Traditional steam inhalation with chamomile flowers or blue chamomile oil for catarrhal complaints of the upper airways — anti-inflammatory and mucosa-soothing.

  Preparation & dosage

  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

  Sources: [1] [4]

• SalveFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Traditional chamomile salve or cream for inflammatory skin conditions, atopic eczema flares, wound healing and dry skin — alpha-bisabolol as key active compound.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [3] [4] [5]

IMPORTANT: Hypersensitivity reactions are possible in Asteraceae — test skin tolerance on a small area before first use. Do NOT use with known allergy to chamomile, mugwort, chrysanthemums, ragweed or other Asteraceae — cross-reactivity possible. Eye baths only under strict hygiene with sterile-filtered infusion; contamination risk. Chamomile does NOT treat the underlying condition — consult a doctor if complaints persist beyond 1–2 weeks without improvement. Full baths are contraindicated for open wounds, acute skin disease, high fever, severe infections and heart failure. Never apply essential oil undiluted.