Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla): How the Flower of Calmness Supports Healing from Within

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Matricaria Chamomilla
Matricaria Chamomilla, or as it is universally known as Chamomile, is one of the oldest medicinal flowers and is used extensively around the world. Chamomile is native to Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, Northern Asia and Western Asia.


This medicinal flower was first used in Rome during the 1st century and the healing benefits and aromatic uses were well documented. Chamomile comes from the Asteraceae family and is characterised by a branched, erect stem with long, slender leaves.


Some plants grow up to 60cm tall; however some only grow up to 15cm tall. Chamomile is distinguished by an apple-like fragrance and has small flowers like a daisy. The flower petals are white and the centers are yellow. 




The Flower of Calmness in Traditional Medicine
Chamomile is renowned as the flower of calmness in traditional medicine as it has the ability to calm, cool and balance the body and mind. Chamomile is used as a sedative to treat insomnia, nightmares and alleviate stress, therefore reducing anxiety levels.


In addition, chamomile supports digestive health by improving digestion, easing bloating, normal passing of gas, relieving heartburn and treating nausea and vomiting. Moreover, the flower of calmness acts as a painkiller for joint pains such as arthritis and gout-related pain, menstrual cramps and headache. Apart from that, chamomile can be applied topically to soothe acne, rashes, eczema, skin irritations, mastitis and minor wounds like bruises and burns. 




6 Chamomile Evidence – Backed Health Benefits

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Where there are antioxidant properties inside a medicinal flower, there are also anti-inflammatory properties, as these two are linked to each other. Chamomile contains a rich amount of flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and fight inflammation, hence reducing the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.



2. Prevents cancer
Studies done on chamomile indicate that this medicinal flower can inhibit the development of breast, ovarian, skin and prostate cancer. Additionally, several other research studies demonstrate that chamomile can prevent colon and lung cancer.



3. Regulates sugar levels
According to research studies, chamomile reduces blood glucose levels. The flavonoids inside chamomile were able to restrict the uptake of glucose and sucrose, thus regulating sugar absorption in the body. Besides that, chamomile also protects the islets of Langerhans (pancreatic cells that secrete insulin and glucagon), hence lowering oxidative stress associated with hyperglycaemia.



4. Improve sleep quality
Chamomile tea has long been utilized for calmness and improving sleep quality. According to studies, this medicinal flower contains melatonin, which improves circadian rhythm and promotes healthy sleep. Besides that, chamomile also contains apigenin, a flavonoid that acts as a sedative. Apart from that, the flavonoid in chamomile reduces serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates the mood, behaviour and memory of a person. Increased serotonin levels can lead to agitation, confusion, anxiety and insomnia.
 


5. Protect the heart
According to research, flavonoids lower the risk of coronary heart disease; thus chamomile, which contains a rich amount of flavonoids, can protect heart health. Aside from this, chamomile also contains anti-hypertensive properties. Based on a study done on chamomile, this medicinal flower reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, thanks to 38% of reduced angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, consequently supporting a healthy heart.



6. Anti-microbial properties
Studies done on chamomile show that this medicinal flower contains α-bisapolol, which gives it anti-microbial effects. Chamomile is evidenced to inhibit Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, chamomile also fights against the fungal activities of Candida Albicans. Apart from that, this medicinal flower can also suppress the growth of Herpes simplex virus, a common viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers on the mouth and genitals. 









All in All
Despite the fact that chamomile is often used to treat anxiety and sleep issues, this medicinal flower also has the power to support various health issues and promote healthy living. Nutrition Takes explores 6 evidence-backed health benefits of chamomile.


Chamomile is normally consumed as tea using the dried flower petals. It should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Share or ask questions if you would like to know more about the topic or if you have different insights that you would like to share. I am always happy to know about your journey in holistic approaches. 









References
1. Joaquim C et al. (2022); Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry
   and Pharmacological Uses; Life; 12(4): 479.

2. Dai Y.L et al. (2023); Chamomile: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Chemical constituents, Pharmacological activities and
    Quality control studies; Molecules; 28(1): 133.

3. Bayliak M et al. (2021); Chamomile as a potential remedy for obesity and metabolic syndrome; Experimental and Clinical
    Sciences; 10:17179.

4. Sah A et al. (2022); A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile; Pharmaceuticals (Basel); 15: (10): 1284.


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