DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY

ILE-IFE OSUN STATE
CHAMOMILE.

Table of Content
1. INTRODUCTION
2. USES AND BENEFITS
3. SIDE EFFECTS
4. INTERACTIONS WITH SPECIFIC MEDICATION AND USES WITH SPECIFIC
POPULATION
5. TOXICITY AND OVERDOSE
6. DOSAGE
7. STORAGE
8. SIMILAR SUPPLEMENT AND ALTERNATIVES
9. SOURCES AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR
10. HOW TO MAKE THE TEA
11. STOPPING AND WITHDRAWAL
12. SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of the
Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties; German Chamomile
(Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). It is a well-known
medicinal plant species often referred to as the “star among medicinal species". Nowadays it is a
highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. Its multi-
therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutritional values have been established through years of traditional
and scientific use and research.
Chamomile is available as a supplement in capsules, as well as tea bags and liquid extract. It
contains terpenoids, flavonoids, and lactones, including matricin and apigenin. Chamomile may
have sedative effects because apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors and potentiates the
activity at GABA receptors
Animal models confirm that chamomile has anxiolytic effects, and a small number of case
studies in humans also supports its sedative properties
Chamomile preparations such as tea and essential oil aromatherapy have been claimed to have
calming effects and traditionally have been used to treat insomnia and induce sedation. The
sedative effect of chamomile in animal models has been reported by several researchers.

USES AND BENEFITS

1. Natural remedy:As a traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin
irritations, bruises, burns, canker sores, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids,
mastitis.
Chamomile tea is a natural remedy for a wide range of health issues. The nutrients it contains
may help manage diabetes, menstrual pain, and sleep problems, among others.
2. Diabetes and blood sugar: Some studies have found that chamomile can lower blood sugar in
people. Also, chamomile might improve glycemic and lipid profiles and oxidative stress levels in
people with diabetes mellitus and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

3. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk
of broken bones and stooped posture. It has been found that chamomile helped prevent
osteoporosis in rats due to steroid treatment. The antioxidant effects of the flavonoids in
chamomile could help prevent osteoporosis by reducing oxidative stress.

4. Inflammation: Inflammation is an immune system reaction to fight infection. Chamomile tea

contains compounds that may reduce inflammation.

5. Cancer: Some suggest that chamomile tea may target cancer cells or even prevent those cells
from developing in the first place. The antioxidants found in chamomile tea have been linked
with a lower incidence of certain types of cancer as it contains the antioxidant apigenin.

6. Sleep and relaxation: Chamomile tea may help people relax and fall asleep. Treatment with
chamomile may also improve sleep quality. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to
certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness.

7. Cold symptoms: Anecdotal evidence suggest that inhaling steam with chamomile extract can
relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold. However, this benefit is not proven yet.

8.Mild skin conditions:Some research indicates that topical products containing chamomile may
help:

● treat acne
● repair sensitive skin
● reduce skin dehydration.
This could be due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and antimicrobial properties.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CHAMOMILE

For some people, chamomile can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.

Potential side effects include:

● Allergic eczema and eye irritation from skin creams with chamomile

● Drowsiness

● Nausea or vomiting when taking chamomile in large doses

● An allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to related plants such as ragweed,

daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.

● Rare cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have occurred in people

who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products.

INTERACTIONS WITH SPECIFIC MEDICATION AND USES WITH SPECIFIC

POPULATION.
Chamomile is generally considered safe, but it may interact with certain medications and should
be used with caution in certain populations. Here are some key points to consider:
Drug Interactions:
- Chamomile can interact with various medications:
1. Reduces Absorption: Chamomile may reduce the absorption of certain orally taken drugs and
iron supplements.
2. Potentiates effects: It can increase the effects of drugs like anticoagulants (blood clot
preventatives), sedatives (including alcohol), and potentially interfere with medications such as
tamoxifen, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
3. Reported interactions: Chamomile has shown potential interactions with drugs like
cyclosporine (used to prevent organ transplant rejection) and warfarin (a blood thinner). There
might be other potential interactions due to theoretical reasons, though not yet fully documented.
These interactions highlight the importance of caution when using chamomile, especially for
individuals on specific medications.

Uses with Specific Populations:

1. Anxiety and Depression: It might help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and
potentially improve sleep quality, although its effects are generally modest.
2. Digestive Issues: Chamomile has been shown to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea,
and vomiting. It's also found to be helpful in soothing colicky babies when used in a
mixture.
3. Blood Thinning Effects: Chamomile contains a small amount of coumarin, which can
have mild blood-thinning effects, mainly in high doses and over extended periods.
4. Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to ragweed or sunflowers should be cautious, as
they may have allergic reactions to chamomile. These reactions could include skin
irritation, sneezing, and, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
5. Potential Surgical Interference: It's recommended to avoid chamomile two weeks before
surgery due to concerns about its potential interactions with anesthetic drugs.
It is important to note that not much is known about the health effects of chamomile because
there are few studies on chamomile in people for individual conditions. Further research with
randomized controlled clinical trials is required to establish chamomile’s safety and efficacy. If
you have any health problems or are taking any type of medicine, it is recommended to check
with your doctor before using chamomile.
TOXICITY AND OVERDOSE
Safety and Overdose Concerns with Chamomile:

Safety Considerations:
Generally Safe: Chamomile is commonly considered safe when used as directed. However, it's
crucial to be cautious about potential interactions with other drugs and the risk of overdose.

Toxicity:
Limited Adverse Effects: Chamomile typically does not cause severe adverse effects. However,
when taken in large amounts, it may lead to vomiting and topical irritation, potentially causing
mild skin rash, scaling, or itching. Eye irritation can also occur if applied directly to the eyes.

Overdose Risks:
- Symptoms: Overdosing on chamomile might result in symptoms such as drowsiness and
vomiting.
- Action: In the case of an overdose, discontinuing chamomile use is advised, and proper
hydration is recommended.
- Risk Increase: Combining different forms or formulations of chamomile heightens the risk of
an overdose.

DOSAGE
Capsules:
Range: 250-1,100 milligrams per capsule.
Pharmaceutical-Grade Chamomile Extract (for Anxiety):
Suggested: 1,500 mg per day.
Tea:
Intake: 1-4 cups daily. Steep chamomile tea bags or flowers in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Liquid Extract:
Dosage: 1-4 ml orally, three times daily.
Dried Flower Heads:
Recommended: 2-8 grams orally, three times daily.
Tea Poultice:
Application: Use a 3-10% ointment/gel as needed.
Gargle or Mouthwash:
Procedure: Prepare the tea, let it cool, and use it as a gargle as frequently as desired.

STORAGE
Dried chamomile keeps its flavor for up to a year if it's stored in an air-tight glass jar or metal
container, away from heat and humidity, and out of direct light. Frozen chamomile keeps its
flavor for about 6 months as long as it was well wrapped for freezing and hasn't been thawed and
re-frozen.
One chamomile plant produces tons of flowers. Flowers are best picked on a dry day when the
flowers are fully open, before the petals fall back. I found drying them on a paper plate in a dark
closet for 1-2 weeks works best. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool dark place until ready to
use. No matter how you dry chamomile flowers, you’ve preserved them for use in tasty herbal
tea whenever you need it. Store them in a sealed, airtight container in a cool, dark area. Also, be
sure to label and date the herbs. Most dried herbs will keep for about a year.

SIMILAR SUPPLEMENT AND ALTERNATIVES

 1. Digestion aid: Experiencing an upset stomach, nausea, or bloating? For those times you
don't have Chamomile available, try using Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, Cardamom, or
Coriander to settle the stomach and support proper digestion.
2. Ease anxious feelings: With all the chaos and uncertainty that life can hold, it's not
uncommon to experience overwhelming feelings of nervousness or anxiety. If you need
help calming down, Chamomile can help! But, if you're looking for a different oil to use,
try Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Sandalwood, or Clary Sage.
3. Sleep aid: If you've ever heard of Chamomile tea, you've probably also heard that it's
great for promoting better sleep. The same goes for Chamomile oil! However, if you do
not have Chamomile available, Lavender and Cedarwood are excellent substitutions.
4. Irritated skin rashes, dry patches, and other irritations can leave skin inflamed, red, and
sore. Chamomile oil is great for helping to soothe the skin and support the body's natural
healing process. If you don't have Chamomile, try using Lavender, Sandalwood,
Eucalyptus, or Patchouli instead.

SOURCES AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water, and may improve
sleep quality. Two types of chamomile are used, namely German chamomile (Matricaria
recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

HOW TO MAKE CHAMOMILE TEA

Chamomile tea is easy to brew and its subtle flavour pairs exceptionally with other spices. Two
types of chamomile tea (German and Roman chamomile)are used for brewing tea.
Ingredients:
1 handful of fresh chamomile flower
8 ounces of boiling water
Any additional spices or honey(optional)
Instructions:
Harvest the fresh chamomile flower
Rinse the chamomile flower and pat dry
Boil water in a tea kettle and place chamomile flower in a makeshift tea bag.
Place the flower petal in a tea kettle and let the tea steep in the for 5 minutes
Remove the flower petal before pouring into a teacup.

Chamomile tea can be prepared with different methods and ingredient (i.e Lavender and
chamomile tea, Chamomile and Cinnamon latte, Chamomile Ginger iced tea).

STOPPING
Individuals sensitive to ragweed or other members of the Compositae family have had severe
enough allergic reactions to go into anaphylaxis while consuming chamomile tea.
During pregnancy, the consumption of chamomile tea(especially Roman Chamomile) is not
advised because of the long-standing belief that it can induce preterm birth and low birth weight.

WITHDRAWAL
There is zero formal scientific evidence to support the fact that chamomile withdrawal exist but
it shouldn’t be assumed that that withdrawal doesn’t exist.
Chronic long-term administration causes aspect of one’s physiology and neurochemistry to adapt
to it’s regular effect, cessation of chamomile following chronic long term use will force one’s
physiology and neurochemistry to shift back to homeostasis. The physiological re-calibration
could cause withdrawal symptoms to emerge
The following are the likely withdrawal symptoms based on its multifaceted pharmacological
action within the CNS(e.g Anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbances, restlessness, depression and
mood changes, cognitive impairment). Other factors like ( use of other substances, Diet and
lifestyle, sleep and circadian rhythm and genetics) may affect the degree of withdrawal.
Duration of withdrawal is thought to be influenced by dosage, duration and frequency of use.
The withdrawal lasts for as long as it takes for one’s physiology to transition from a chamomile-
adapted stage back to a per-chamomile homeostasis.

SUMMARY
Chamomile has long been used medicinally and research does bear on its effectiveness for some
applications in humans but additional research is needed. Enjoyed as tea, chamomile can be a
healthy and soothing addition to most diets.
REFERENCES

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2. Svab J. New aspects of cultivating chamomile. Herba Polonica. 1979;25:35–9.

3. Handa KL, Chopra IC, Abrol BK. Introduction of some of the important exotic aromatic
plants in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Perfumer. 1957;1:42–9.

4. Chandra V. Cultivation of plants for the perfumery industry at Lucknow. Indian Perfumer.
1973;16:40–4.

5. Chandra V, Singh A, Kapoor LD. Experimental cultivation of some essential oil bearing plants
in saline soils, Matricaria chamomilla L. Perfum Essent Oil Rec. 1968;59:871.

6. Issac O. 1st ed. Czecho-Slovakia: Prague press; 1989. Recent progress in chamomile research-
medicines of plant origin in modern therapy.

7. Crevin JK, Philpott J. 1st ed. USA: Duke University Press; 1990. Herbal medicine past and
present.
GROUP NAMES AND MARIC NUMBERS

1. Adedeji Precious Ebunoluwa ZOO/2017/008

2. Abe Anthonia Oluwatobiloba PSY/2018/002
3. Ayemoba Oshoma Daniel PSY/2018/022
4. Jinadu Habeeb Adeyemi MRH/2016/069