Chamomile flowers are suitable for external and internal use, and the flowers can be applied or ingested as chamomile extract or in the form of tea.
Chamomile flowers for external use
For external treatment of wounds and inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, moist compresses with chamomile flowers are made or rinses and washes are performed. To prepare poultices, rinses and gargles, 3-10 g of chamomile flowers are mixed with about 100 ml of hot water at a time.
Chamomile oil is often included in baths, drops or ointments for external use.
Internal use of chamomile
For inhalation for respiratory irritation, 2 tablespoons of the flowers are poured over half a liter of water. The vapors should then be inhaled for at least 10 minutes.
As for teas for internal use, there are filter bags, tea mixtures of the gastrointestinal, liver-biliary, sleep and nervous tea type, instant teas and chamomile powder.
Dosage form affects active ingredients
In the field of herbal medicines, there are various dosage forms such as distillates, infuses, dry and fluid extracts of chamomile flowers.
When considering the dosage form, it should be noted that the active ingredients are influenced by the type of preparation in each case. For example, the essential oil of chamomile flowers is present in sufficiently high concentrations only in alcoholic preparations and distillates, while flavonoids are already present in aqueous preparations (tea).
Average daily dose
Unless otherwise prescribed, in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a cup of the freshly prepared tea can be drunk 3-5 times a day between meals. If there are inflammations of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, gargle or rinse with the tea several times a day.
For external use, 3-10% infusions are prepared for poultices and rinses. For a bath, 50 g of chamomile flowers are added to 10 l of water.
Chamomile flowers: preparation as a tea
To prepare tea, 2-3 g of chamomile flowers (1 teaspoon equals about 1 g) are poured over boiling water and after 10 minutes are passed through a tea strainer.
However, it must be noted that about 70% of the essential oil remains in the chamomile flower residue. Therefore, aqueous alcoholic standardized extracts are more suitable for effective therapy.
Notes on contraindications and storage
Chamomile preparations should not be used in cases of known hypersensitivity to chamomile and other composites such as arnica, marigold, or yarrow.
The drug should be stored in a dry place away from light.
