“Give me a word, any word, and I’ll show you that the root of that word is Greek.” Sounds familiar? In this case, the famous line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is actually true. The name, chamomile, comes from the Greek words Chemo and Melos, meaning “ground apple” due to its apple-like smell. While there are a variety of chamomile species, the most common we are familiar with are the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the Roman/English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). 

Chamomile for health and wellness

From a Western perspective, chamomile is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, making it popular in health and wellness formulations. It’s also often used as a sleep aid in insomnia due to compounds such as apigenin which is known to bind to specific receptors in the brain to help induce a calming effect. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, which help manage: 

• Digestive health: It’s a popular aid in nausea, upset stomach, bloating, cramps, gas, and heartburn. It’s even used for colic, and fevers in children.
• Immune function: The regular use of chamomile can help boost immune function and fight against infections due to its high antioxidant content.
• Stress and anxiety: Chamomile’s aroma has been known to work as a nerve relaxant,  having a therapeutic effect on the brain.
• Insomnia: Chamomile, of course, is well known for its soothing properties, calming the mind and helping promote sleep.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Thanks to its analgesic properties, chamomile can help symptoms of arthritis, reduce pain, and promote healthy joints.
• Cardiovascular health: Abundant in flavones, a type of antioxidant that can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Cancer complications: Studies have shown that chamomile can help soothe certain complications that result from cancer and cancer treatment, such as mouth sores caused by cancer radiation, skin irritations, depression, and vomiting. Therefore it helps improve appetite if taken daily.
• Wound healing: A study in 2018 found to aid in healing infected wounds in rats. German medical professionals approve chamomile as to aid in healing bacterial skin diseases.

Chamomile and skincare

Chamomile in skincare has been a long tradition. The Greeks and Egyptians would often crush up chamomile flowers and use them on their weathered dry and worn skin. It’s often used in Ayurveda and other natural medicines. And now modern science confirms that yes, compounds in chamomile have skin-benefiting factors. Here are just a few skin conditions chamomile is used for to help ease skin discomfort: 

• Eczema
• Inflammation
• Wound healing
• Redness
• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne
• Anti-aging
• Dark circles

Chamomile in ayurvedic medicine

Chamomile is a sattwic (pure) herb that helps balance all three doshas but may aggravate vata in excess. It’s particularly helpful for pitta. It helps the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, and aids in balancing emotions. As such, it’s sought after in situations involving anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.

In addition, chamomile has been used for headaches, colic, bile issues, jaundice, eye inflammations and strengthening, congestions, menstrual problems, such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, and for helping address digestive and nervous problems in children. It’s even used for urinary bladder issues or infections. Too much chamomile, however, may cause vomiting so follow the age-old advice: everything in moderation. 

While Chamomile is considered generally safe to consume, those who are taking blood-thinning medications or sedative/antiseizure medications should talk to their healthcare provider before beginning a chamomile routine. In general, it’s a good habit to talk to a qualified practitioner about using herbs. 

So here’s to a cuppa!

Click here to learn more about our guest author, Janis Beck.
Reviewed and edited by Petra N., CAP, NAMA

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This post aims to give you the ayurvedic perspective on health and is not meant as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.

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