Chamomile

HABITAT

Chamomile is a traditional medicinal herb native to western Europe, India, and western Asia. It has become abundant in the United States, where it has escaped cultivation to grow freely in pastures, cornfields, roadsides, and other sunny, well-drained areas.

INTRODUCTION

Renowned for begetting a retreat of tranquility, vitality, and longevity, Chamomile, the ancient medicinal herb has been a part of the traditional remedy for thousands of years, due to its praiseworthy benefits in treating a host of disorders including providing relief from anxiety and stomach troubles. The term ‘Chamomile’ comes from the Greek word “chamai melon,” which means ground apple and has been given due to its herbal fruity taste.

BENEFITS

Provides Relief from Digestive Troubles: Chamomile is highly valued for handling various digestive problems. This wonder herb is trusted to promote digestion, appetite and clear out toxins from the system. In addition, the carminative properties are extremely effective in preventing fluid retention and treating conditions like flatulence, abdominal distension, bloating, abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Ayurvedic View: Chamomile has an affinity for the stomach and small intestine, the main site of pitta (known as pachaka pitta). With its amlapittahara action, it relieves hyperacidity, heartburn, and indigestion.

Reduces Anxiety: The active component apigenin in chamomile acts as a natural tranquilizer. The sedative nature of the plant calms nerves and reduces anxiety. It helps the herb to bind with the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, acting as a mild sedative and hypnotic agent. It also increases the secretion of serotonin and melatonin hormones in the body that alleviates symptoms of chronic anxiety and stress and treats disorders like hysteria, nightmares, and insomnia. It helps the mind to get rid of distraught thoughts, reduces mental fatigue and improves sleeping patterns.

Ayurvedic View: With Chamomile’s nervine properties, chamomile reduces sadhaka pitta (pitta in the heart and mind) and is considered a medhya (brain tonic) and nidrajanana (sleep inducing) herb.

Prevents Stomach Cramps: Chamomile portrays extensive pain-relieving and anti-spasmodic properties. Pain and inflammation are generally caused due the over secretion of the prostaglandin hormone. Chamomile relaxes the uterus and effectively diminishes the production of prostaglandins. It also reduces stomach cramps due to indigestion and works by increasing the glycine levels in the body. This in turn helps to reduce the intensity of muscle spasms, ensuring a healthy digestive system.

Ayurvedic View: With is anulomana action, it regulates the flow of apana vata, and is excellent for problems associated with excess vata including colic, abdominal pain, wind, and distension. By regulating peristalsis, it eases both diarrhoea and constipation.

Manages Blood Sugar Levels: The excellent hypoglycaemic property of Chamomile is extremely beneficial in lowering the high blood sugar levels of the body, thereby managing diabetes. Chamomile prevents damage to the pancreatic cells which occurs due to high sugar levels in the body. Also, the production of insulin from the β pancreatic cells becomes active while taking this herb. On regular consumption, it helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn lowers the fasting blood sugar level.

Augments Skin: Chamomile plays a pivotal role in treating various skin infections. The abundance of antioxidants in the potent herb is very effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body and providing relief from allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn, rosacea, etc. The natural polyphenols and phytochemicals in chamomile treat wound and speed up healing process. It also treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc and imparts a radiant and healthy glow.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Chamomile stimulates the secretion of digestive juices thereby increasing the absorption of essential nutrients and enhancing digestion. Chamazulene has an anti-inflammatory action, possibly by means of inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and Bisabolol helps prevent and speed healing of ulcers, making chamomile an exceptional remedy for gastritis, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS, and stress-related digestive problems. The mechanism of action of chamomile on the inhibition of PGE2 production is due to the suppression of the COX-2 gene expression and direct inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity. Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in chamomile. Apigenin binds to specific receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Cemek M, Kaga S, Simsek N, Buyukokuroglu ME, Konuk M. Antihyperglycemic and antooxidative potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J. Nat Med. 2008; 62:284–293.
Herdari MR, Dadollahi Z, Mehrabani M, Mehrabi H, Pourzadeh-Hosseini M, Behravan E, Etemad L. Study of antiseizure effects of Matricaria recutita extract in mice. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009; 1171:300–304.
Sayyar Z, Yazdinezhad A, Hassan M, et.al.Protective Effect of Matricaria chamomilla Ethanolic Extract on Hippocampal Neuron Damage in Rats Exposed to Formaldehyde. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity.2018.
Ferreira EB, Ciol MA, Vasques CI, et.al.Gel of Chamomile vs. urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of advanced nursing.2016;72(8)
Pinto SA, Bohland E, Coelho Cde P, Morgulis MS, Bonamin LV. An animal model for the study of Chamomilla in stress and depression: pilot study. Homeopathy. 2008; 97(3): 141-4