Chamomile (German)
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a common ground cover with tiny, daisy-like flowers.
Uses:
- Chamomile is an herbal tonic that helps reduce anxiety.
- It eases stomach upset caused by stress and helps protect against ulcers.
Forms: We know chamomile as a tea, but chamomile can also be used as a tincture for times when stronger medicine is needed.
Cautions
- If you are allergic to ragweed, you may be allergic to chamomile, too. An allergy can show up as a rash, wheezing, red and itchy eyes—or as a more severe reaction.
- If you take blood-thinning drugs like heparin, warfarin (Coumadin®), or aspirin, you may want to avoid chamomile. Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding because it contains coumarin.
- Taking chamomile along with opioid pain drugs may make you feel drowsy.
