Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile

The Basics

What is Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile?

Sometimes used to help with various digestive disorders including upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas. Also commonly applied to the skin for pain and swelling and included as a germ-killer in ointments, creams, and gels used to treat cracked nipples, sore gums, and irritation of the skin.

Brand names for Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile

Na

How Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile During Pregnancy

Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile while pregnant

N/A

Taking Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile?

Two different plant species with similar effects are known as chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both contain similar ingredients, including sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, farnesene), sesquiterpenelactones (e.g., chamazulene, matricin), flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), and volatile oils. Chamomile is used orally as a sedative and for gastrointestinal conditions; it is used topically for wound healing. Both herbal and homeopathic preparations have been used to treat mastitis and cracked, bleeding nipples.[1][2] Chamomile has been used as a galactogogue;[3][4] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5] Chamomile is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. No data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants, although rare sensitization may occur (see below).[6] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[7][8][9][10] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Note Clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores. Topical chamomile is a known sensitizing agent, even with homeopathic products.[11] Two women developed contact dermatitis of the nipples and areolas after applying Kamillosan ointment for cracked nipples. The product was purchased in England and contained 10.5% Roman chamomile extracts and oil. Reactions were confirmed to be caused by Roman chamomile by patch testing in both women. Drinking chamomile tea can exacerbate topical skin rashes and has caused anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals.[12] Chamomile has possible cross-reactivity with other members of the aster family (e.g., echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle).[6] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Two different plant species with similar effects are known as chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both contain similar ingredients, including sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, farnesene), sesquiterpenelactones (e.g., chamazulene, matricin), flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), and volatile oils. Chamomile is used orally as a sedative and for gastrointestinal conditions; it is used topically for wound healing. Both herbal and homeopathic preparations have been used to treat mastitis and cracked, bleeding nipples.[1][2] Chamomile has been used as a galactogogue;[3][4] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5] Chamomile is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. No data exist on the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants, although rare sensitization may occur (see below).[6] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[7][8][9][10] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses. Note Clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores. Topical chamomile is a known sensitizing agent, even with homeopathic products.[11] Two women developed contact dermatitis of the nipples and areolas after applying Kamillosan ointment for cracked nipples. The product was purchased in England and contained 10.5% Roman chamomile extracts and oil. Reactions were confirmed to be caused by Roman chamomile by patch testing in both women. Drinking chamomile tea can exacerbate topical skin rashes and has caused anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals.[12] Chamomile has possible cross-reactivity with other members of the aster family (e.g., echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle).[6] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile on milk supply

A mother nursing her 3-month-old infant began drinking 1.5 to 2 L daily of a chamomile infusion made by pouring 1.5 L of hot water over 1 to 3 grams of chamomile flowers. Each time after drinking the infusion, she noticed fullness and tenderness of the breasts 4 to 6 hours later. She also found that she was able to pump 90 mL of milk after chamomile use, compared to 60 mL without chamomile use. During this time she was also mildly hypothyroid.[4]

Possible alternatives to Chamomile / Matricaria recutita Chamaemelum nobile

None listed