Roman or bitter chamomile or chamomile: properties and contraindications

What is Roman chamomile? Differences and similarities with common chamomile

It is told of the chamomile than before it is perceived by the smell that by sight His pungent aroma can remind in a way to the apple: hence its name and also that of the common chamomile, with which it is closely related. It is also often called camomileby their Latin names.

In our country the running chamomile (matricaria chamomilla) is easier to find than the roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), which is why it is somewhat more expensive. This grows on the European Atlantic coast, including the west of the Iberian Peninsula.

Roman chamomile looks a lot like common chamomile. in appearance and properties, but the white ligules of its flowers, retracted downwards, are broader and less pointed.

It has a more bitter tasteso the common chamomile is also sometimes called sweet chamomile. To smooth it out, infusion Roman chamomile is often combined with lemon, honey, cinnamon or ginger.

For medicinal purposes they are harvested the flower buds and to a lesser extent the leaves and is mostly used in digestive disorders.

Chamomile medicinal properties

In the composition of chamomile we find an essential oil with chamazulene and angelic and antemic acids, as well as coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones and alcohols.

Thanks to this composition, chamomile presents the following uses:

Stimulates the production of gastric juiceswith a notable eupeptic, aperitif, carminative, cholagogue and antiseptic effect.whet your appetite in listless or convalescent people.Promotes digestion and prevents gases. Combined with plants that enhance its cholagogue effect (such as boldo, fumiaria, centaury, barberry, mint or ginger), relieves disorders of hepatobiliary origin, such as migraines and the propensity to suffer gallstones. Traditionally it has also been used to eliminate intestinal parasites. in topical useRoman chamomile is used, like the other, as a antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in ocular infections and inflammationsas well as superficial wounds, sores and mild sunburns. In infusion or macerated in olive oil, enhances the blonde pigmentation of the hair, lightening it.Your essential oilslightly sedative, is useful in states of nervousness that affect digestion.The essential oil (pure or diluted in water) is also used in the joint pain, neuralgia, low back pain and sciatica.

Infusion with chamomile to improve digestion

This Roman chamomile herbal tea combined with related plants helps to digest better and prevents discomfort.

To do this, mix Roman chamomile with lemon verbena, boldo and centauryin equal parts, and prepare a tablespoon of this mixture per glass of water.

How to prepare it: When the water comes to a boil, add it and keep it infused, covered, for 5 to 6 minutes.

A cup is taken, especially after copious and heavy meals or those rich in fat.

How is it used

Chamomile can be taken in the form of Dry plantin dust, tincture and liquid extract. You can also use the essential oil and it is usual to find it in shampoos.

Precautions and contraindications

Essential oil should be avoided orally in pregnancy and lactation, in gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer.

It is also not recommended external route to under six years and in allergies respiratory.

can irritate with dermatitis sensitive skin.

On the other hand, the plant can potentiate the effect of some drugssuch as barbiturates, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.

TO high doses can induce vomiting.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”