The Healing Powers of Chamomile: Stress Relief, Gut Health, and More

Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is a small daisy-looking flower and a member of the Asteracaea family. This is an herb that has been cherished for centuries. It's well-regarded for its soothing properties and numerous health benefits throughout history. From ancient Egyptian to modern herbal practice, Chamomile is a staple polycrest herb for any apothecary. In this post, we will explore seven powerful ways chamomile can help you on your wellness journey.

The History of Chamomile

Chamomile has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. The Eber Papyrus, an Ancient Egyptian medical text circa 1550 BCE, mentions that Chamomile was revered as a sacred herb and was used to treat skin infections and as a remedy for a variety of ailments such as fever and eczema. Egyptian royalty regularly incorporated Chamomile into their beauty routines, including perfumes, ointments, and baths. Chamomile was considered to be a sacred herb of the sun god, Ra, and was even used in funerary rites and the mummification process.

The Greeks and Romans also recognized its healing properties. In these societies, Chamomile was often used to treat digestive issues and skin irritations. Chamomile was viewed as a "cure-all" for many ailments and even made its way into the writings of notable Greek scholars like Hippocrates and Dioscorides.

Today, Chamomile is formulated into thousands of herbal teas, supplements, and skincare products, making it a common household remedy across the globe. In our Western tradition, we opt for Chamomile for a range of benefits, from relaxation to digestive support. However, because of its common use, Chamomile often gets overlooked. It sometimes becomes a background note or is viewed as less effective because it is a gentle herb that is safe enough to be used for infants. Despite its gentleness, it is an herb with a lot of power!

Stress Relief with Chamomile

Stress can feel overwhelming, but chamomile is known for its calming effects. The active compounds in chamomile, particularly apigenin, bind to receptors in the brain that promote relaxation. This makes it an incredible nervine. Matthew Wood describes Chamomile as “great for babies of any age,” meaning that it is great at helping soothe the mind chatter that creates irritability, whining, and complaining. Adults can throw temper tantrums just like children, and Chamomile is an herb that supports self-regulation for children as well as adults. It is also one of the foremost herbs used for colic in infants.

Drinking chamomile tea after a long day can help you unwind and relieve tension. When there is overstimulation and everything seems to have you on edge, chamomile can be a wonderful ally to help settle the mind. The warmth of the tea not only provides comfort but signals the body to relax, while its constituents help soothe the mind and spirit. Chamomile is safe enough to be used daily. Making chamomile tea a part of your daily routine creates a soothing ritual, allowing you to manage stress more effectively.

Gut Health Benefits

A healthy gut is crucial for overall well-being, and chamomile can be a valuable ally. Its immunomodulating properties soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or indigestion. Volatile oils in Chamomile relax the smooth muscle lining within the stomach and intestines. This eases abdominal cramping and allows trapped gas to pass, making Chamomile a wonderful carminative. These volatile oils also relieve tension in the gut-brain axis, which alleviates stress-induced indigestion and bloating. Chamomile also contains constituents that reduce inflammation, heat, and irritation in the mucosal membranes of the GI tract.

Regular consumption of chamomile tea can help improve digestive function. Chamomile can be decocted into a very strong bitter remedy. During decoction, volatile oils evaporate, so it is best to use dried flowers rather than fresh. Peasants in Medieval Europe would use a strong decoction of the aerial parts to stimulate bile flow prior to a meal. This reduces the risk of fermentation in the gut, which leads to indigestion, gas and bloating. Even simply leaving an infusion of the flowers to steep for a little longer, you will begin to pick up on the bitterness that Chamomile has beneath its honeylike sweetness.

Fever Support

This is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of Chamomile. Chamomile functions as a relaxant diaphoretic. Both ancient Greeks and Egyptians worked with Chamomile for its diaphoretic action. The Eber Papyrus describes this use, and Hippocrates recommended infusions for fevers and menstrual pain. It helps relax the blood vessels to allow the flow of blood to the peripheries, which releases heat and promotes sweating during a fever. When the blood flows to the peripheries, it comes closer to the exterior of the body, releasing heat, which brings cooler blood back to the core. Rather than suppressing a fever, this approach helps release the heat without preventing the body from fighting off infections. Relaxant diaphoretics are generally used when a fever is in its later stages. This is indicated when the individual has reddened skin, is flushed with discomfort, has dry skin, and may be exhibiting physical and psychological tension.

Menstrual Relief

Many women experience menstrual discomfort monthly. Chamomile has long been used to alleviate cramps due to its spasmolytic and emmenagogue actions. Michael Tierra notes that steeping a handful of Chamomile flowers with six slices of fresh ginger in a pint of boiling water is a remedy for acute menstrual cramps. Like many bitters, the downward energetic effect helps stimulate the flow of menses. This can potentially trigger menses in those who have them slowly or cause early menses in women who are very regular. This is why Chamomile is helpful when regulating cycles that are delayed due to physical and mental stress.

Working with Chamomile during your menstrual cycle can provide soothing relief from disruptive discomfort. Try a hot compress of Chamomile or a Chamomile-infused bath. The warmth, combined with the natural properties of Chamomile, can help relax the uterine muscles.

Mood Balancing

Maintaining a balanced mood is vital for mental well-being. Chamomile helps support emotional health by promoting relaxation and reducing irritability. Its calming properties can stabilize mood swings for many individuals. A study with 80 adults tested the effects of breathing in Roman Chamomile aroma. Researchers found that the scent made people feel calmer and less alert, and it even influenced how they performed on memory and attention tasks. This shows that simply smelling chamomile can have a real, immediate impact on mood and relaxation.

Incorporating Chamomile into your routine, even through aromatherapy, fosters a peaceful environment. The gentle aroma can uplift your mood, making chamomile an excellent addition to your self-care practices. Try diffusing some Chamomile while practicing yoga or during meditation and see how it changes your routine.

Skin Care Benefits

Chamomile goes far beyond emotional health. It is a vulnerary herb and a fantastic ally for skin care as well. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy complexion. When applied topically, it decreases the time it takes the body to close a wound. Chamomile stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. This creates a strong structural matrix that reduces healing time and minimizes scarring. Chamomile oil was used by ancient Egyptians to treat skin irritations like eczema. Chamomile is often added to sitz baths for postpartum women.

During the Revolutionary War, American soldiers would forage for wild Chamomile, keeping it in their kits alongside mint and yarrow to treat maladies like dysentery, wounds, and combat fatigue. By this point, Chamomile was a staple in the 13 colonies, and the flowers had become a favorite “Liberty Tea” brewed among the patriots.

Today, we see Chamomile as an ingredient throughout the beauty industry. So many skincare products, both mass market and micro-produced, often utilize Chamomile in their formulas. Using chamomile-infused products or applying cooled chamomile tea as a toner can calm and soothe the skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, adding chamomile to your skincare routine can help enhance your natural glow.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep is essential for good health, and chamomile is often praised as a natural remedy for insomnia. Its calming properties help prepare the body for sleep by reducing anxiety. A 2019 review of 12 clinical trials looked at how chamomile affects sleep. The researchers found that chamomile use was linked to a clear improvement in overall sleep quality, although results for insomnia severity and other detailed sleep measures were mixed. Overall, the evidence suggests chamomile may be a helpful natural option for better sleep.

While we often hear that drinking chamomile tea before bedtime signals to your body that it's time to rest, a few drops of fresh Chamomile tincture are often more effective. This is because dried flowers found in tea don't contain as much of the sedating constituents, which are found in the volatile oils, as the fresh flowers do. Additionally, you won't have the increased water intake at bedtime, which can often lead to waking during the night to use the bathroom. A Chamomile tincture can be a powerful way to promote sleep, especially when paired with certain herbs. Diffusing chamomile essential oil can also help promote sleep.

Ways to Incorporate Chamomile into Your Life

Incorporating chamomile into your daily routine is simple and enjoyable. Here are some practical ways to experience the benefits of chamomile:

1. Chamomile Infusion: Brew a cup of Chamomile tea by steeping dried flowers in hot water for 20-30 minutes with a cover to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils. Enjoy it plain or with honey for added sweetness.

2. Chamomile Essential Oil: Use Chamomile essential oil in a diffuser to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere or mix it with a carrier oil for topical application.

   
   

3. Chamomile Bath: Add a Chamomile tea sachet or 1 quart of strong infusion to your bath for a relaxing soak that eases tension in the mind and body.

   
   

4. Chamomile Skincare: Look for skincare products with Chamomile extract or essential oil, such as handcrafted soaps, lotions, and toners.
   

5. Chamomile Tincture: A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by steeping fresh Chamomile in alcohol. Just a few drops under the tongue or in water can provide calming support when you need it most.

   
   

Precautions and Considerations

Chamomile is generally safe for most people, but there are a few precautions to consider. Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, may find they are also sensitive to Chamomile, since it is of the same family. Pregnant or nursing women are always advised to consult a healthcare professional before using any herb.

Chamomile may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and sedatives. It's essential to discuss any potential interactions with your healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications.

Final Thoughts

Chamomile is a versatile herb with a long history of health benefits. From stress relief and gut health to fever support and skincare, Chamomile continues to show itself to be a powerful ally for the human race. By incorporating Chamomile into your daily routine, you can access its healing powers for a more balanced and peaceful life. Whether enjoying a warm cup of Chamomile tea, indulging in Chamomile-infused skincare, or experiencing its calming effects through aromatherapy, you can significantly enhance your wellness journey with this remarkable herb.

---

If you would like to learn more about the ways Chamomile can be an ally for you, join our Monthly Herb Study, where each month we deep dive into a new herb. At the start of each month, you will receive an in-depth monograph for you to learn about the medicinal and metaphysical properties of the herb. At the end of each month, you will be invited to our live roundtable discussion to review the monograph and discuss the herb with your peers.

Interested in something tailored just for you? Book a consultation, and we can discuss if Chamomile would be a good herbal ally to support you on your wellness journey.

Book Appointment

Resources: Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2006). Expectancy and the aroma of Roman chamomile influence mood and cognition in healthy volunteers. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(2), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijat.2006.06.008

Hieu, T. H., Yen, L. T. H., & Mai, L. T. (2019). Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 45, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.016