Chamomile: Mild digestive complaints and irritated skin

What it is

It is the flower of Matricaria recutita, German chamomile. The European monograph grants it traditional uses: taken by mouth, for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and minor cramps; and applied to the skin, for mild irritation of the skin, mouth and throat.

It is one of the most used and best tolerated plants, but it is not entirely harmless: it belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and can cause allergy in people who react to ragweed, mugwort or daisies.

How it works

Its main components:

The essential oil (with bisabolol and chamazulene) has a local anti-inflammatory effect, useful on skin and mucous membranes
Flavonoids such as apigenin are linked to a mild antispasmodic effect in the gut
On the skin it soothes; it does not replace cleaning a wound or treat an infection

At the counter

When to recommend it

Bloating, wind or minor digestive cramps
Mild skin irritation, such as redness or mild sunburn
Small mouth ulcers or irritation, as a rinse
People looking for a gentle option with no allergy to the daisy family

When not to

Allergy to chamomile or other plants of the daisy family
Severe abdominal pain, fever or blood in the stools
Deep or infected wounds, or extensive burns
In the eyes: washing them with chamomile can irritate and cause allergy

What to say at the counter. For a bloated stomach, a cup after meals. If you are allergic to ragweed or daisies, choose something else: it is the same family.

Warnings

Important Cross-allergy with the daisy family (ragweed, mugwort, daisy, echinacea): reactions can occur, sometimes significant ones.
Important Do not use in the eyes: it can cause allergic conjunctivitis.
Caution Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the monograph does not recommend oral use for lack of data. In babies, do not replace milk feeds with herbal teas.
Caution Digestive symptoms that do not improve within a week need assessment.
Worth knowing It is one of the best tolerated plants when there is no allergy.

How it is used

By mouth: a tea made from the flower, taken with or after meals.
On the skin: compresses or washes with the lukewarm tea, or a skin preparation.
In the mouth: rinses with the lukewarm tea.
If symptoms last more than a week, they need a consultation.

Chamomile vs lemon balm for digestive complaints

Aspect	Chamomile	Lemon balm
Digestive use	Bloating and minor cramps	Bloating and mild wind
Use on the skin	Yes, topical	Not its use
Nervous component	Slight	Traditional use for mild stress and sleep
Daisy-family allergy	A risk	Not in that family
Tolerability	Very good without allergy	Very good

Chamomile for the stomach and the skin; lemon balm when the digestive upset comes with nerves, or when there is a daisy-family allergy.

Self-assessment

Three questions. When you check your answers you will see the explanation for each one.

Who should be asked about allergies before recommending chamomile? People allergic to dust People allergic to ragweed or daisies People allergic to penicillin
Which uses does the European monograph recognise? Lowering blood pressure Treating skin infections Mild digestive complaints and mild skin and mouth irritation
What should be avoided with chamomile? Taking it after meals Using it as a mouth rinse Applying it to the eyes

Training content. It does not replace the summary of product characteristics or clinical judgement.

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