Chamomilla
English Name: Chamomilla
Latin Name: Matricaria Chamomilla
Type: Homeopathic and Herbal
What is Chamomilla versus Chamomile?
Chamomile is the common name used to refer to the species of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, typically used for herbal preparation. The plant is known for its small daisy-like flowers with white petals and a yellow center and emits an apple-like fragrance, which contributes to its widespread use in herbal teas and aromatherapy.
On the other hand, Chamomilla is the common name used to specifically identify the homeopathic preparation made from chamomile. This herb comes from the same plant species, matricaria chamomilla. When prepping the homeopathic version of chamomile, in order to reap maximum health benefits, the plant is picked when it is flowering. The plant is chopped up and macerated in alcohol. The solution is then filtered, diluted, and succussed to create the homeopathic remedy. Both chamomilla (homeopathic) and chamomile (herbal) have a rich history of their traditional use for their calm and soothing properties, and still being popular choices for addressing stress, anxiety, and sleep-related issues.
What are the benefits of Chamomilla?
Emotional Balance
This herb contains compounds like apigenin, which act as a natural sedative by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety. It helps regulate stress hormone levels like cortisol, preventing excessive release during stressful situations, and thereby reducing the physiological effects of stress. This flowering plant has anxiolytic effects and also contributes to a sense of calmness by interacting with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
Sleep Support
Chamomile aids in sleep support through its calming and relaxing effects. By managing stress hormone levels and soothing tense muscles, chamomile helps improve sleep quality and aids in falling asleep faster. Chamomile's spasmolytic properties help relax tense muscles. This muscle relaxation can be beneficial for individuals who experience physical tension that interferes with falling asleep or staying asleep.
Digestive Support
The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that this herb contains, aid in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and soothing gastrointestinal muscles. Its carminative effects help alleviate gas and bloating, while its ability to promote the secretion of digestive enzymes aids in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption. Chamomile's antimicrobial activity can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome by inhibiting harmful bacteria. Moreover, chamomile's calming effects can indirectly support digestion by reducing stress, which can impact gastrointestinal health. The herb is commonly consumed as a herbal tea for digestive relief and is also used to soothe colic in infants..
How does Chamomilla work?
Used in homeopathy, chamomilla works based on the principle of "like-cures-like" and the use of highly diluted substances. According to homeopathic principles, chamomilla is believed to stimulate the body's vital force or self-healing capacity. From a homeopathic remedy profile perspective, chamomilla is most beneficial to people who are very sensitive to pain or discomfort, feel irritable, and restlessness. They may tend to perspire a lot yet be easily affected by wind or chilliness. It is often prescribed for children, particularly during teething troubles, colic, and similar conditions where they are exceptionally fussy, restless, and have violent temper outbursts.
In herbal medicine, chamomile is used for various therapeutic purposes. A combination of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like apigenin, found in chamomile, interact with receptors in the brain, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in sedative and anxiety-reducing effects. This herb, also, contains anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. Additionally, as a popular sleep aid, chamomile's relaxing properties soothe the nervous system, facilitating better sleep and improved rest.
Native Remedies recommends you consult your doctor before introducing new herbal products into your regimen. Always ensure you are buying high-quality, laboratory-tested supplements from a reputable supplier. At Native Remedies, we back all our products with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with your purchase after trying it for 30 days, simply send it back for a refund. Here’s to your good health!
The content provided is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult a medical professional and do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.
Resources:
- Chamomilla Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients.” Herbpathy. Accessed June 24, 2019. https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Chamomilla-Cid1494.
- Broericke, W. “Chamomilla.” HomeopathyBooks.in. Accessed June 24, 2019. https://homeopathybooks.in/boerickes-materia-medica/chamomilla-4/.
- “Chamomilla Recutita.” Nutriwiki. Accessed June 24, 2019. https://nutrawiki.org/chamomillarecutita/.
- Matricaria Chamomilla.” Home Remedy Central. Accessed June 24, 2019. http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/herbal-remedies/herb/chamomile.html
Reviewed by: Master Herbalist, Mary Ellen Kosanke