Herbs and plantsChamomile for the stomach — an old wives’ remedy or a pharmacy medicine?
Sources: 8 · Article: 10 798 characters
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) says that medicines made from chamomile flowers may relieve bloating and mild gastrointestinal cramps.
- Their effectiveness is supported by long-standing use, but evidence from clinical studies is insufficient.
- Henryk Różański describes chamomile infusions and liquid extracts as remedies used for digestive complaints.
- Chamomile can cause allergic reactions. If symptoms last for more than a week, the EMA recommends consulting a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
What the authors write
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)
Medicines made from chamomile flowers may be used to relieve bloating and mild gastrointestinal cramps.
„The HMPC concluded that, based on long-standing use, medicines containing chamomile flowers may be used in the following cases: •
relief of symptoms of mild gastrointestinal complaints, such as bloating and mild cramps;
treatment of minor ulcers (open sores) and inflammation of the mouth and throat;
as an addition to treatment for skin irritation and irritation around the anus and genitals, once a doctor has ruled out serious conditions;
treatment of mild skin inflammation (sunburn) and minor superficial skin injuries and small boils.”HMPC stwierdził, że z uwagi na długotrwałe zastosowanie leki zawierające kwiat rumianku mogą być stosowane w następujących przypadkach: •
leczenie objawów łagodnych dolegliwości żołądkowo-jelitowych, takich jak wzdęcia i łagodne kurcze;
leczenie łagodnych wrzodów (otwartych owrzodzeń) i stanów zapalnych jamy ustnej i gardła;
jako dodatek do leczenia podrażnienia skóry oraz obszaru wokół odbytu i genitaliów, wówczas gdy lekarz wykluczy poważne schorzenia;
leczenie łagodnych stanów zapalnych skóry (oparzeń słonecznych) oraz powierzchniowych zranień skóry i małych wrzodów (czyraków).
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)
The effectiveness of chamomile medicines is supported by long-standing use, although evidence from clinical studies is insufficient.
„This means that, despite insufficient evidence from clinical studies, these herbal medicines are considered likely to be effective, and there is evidence that they have been used safely in this way for at least 30 years (including for at least 15 years in the EU).”Oznacza to, że pomimo braku wystarczających dowodów z badań klinicznych, skuteczność tych leków roślinnych jest prawdopodobna i istnieją dowody na to, że są one bezpiecznie stosowane w ten sposób od co najmniej 30 lat (w tym od co najmniej 15 lat w UE).
Henryk Różański
Chamomile infusion is said to relieve digestive disorders, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and symptoms of nervous stomach and bowel.
„A strong chamomile infusion and a strong macerate made from fresh herb relieve menstrual pain. Chamomile infusion treats digestive disorders and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and eases symptoms of nervous stomach and bowel. It prevents motion sickness. Given to children, it helps them fall asleep.”Mocny napar rumiankowy i macerat mocny ze świeżego ziela znosi bóle miesiączkowe. Napar z rumianku leczy zaburzenia trawienne, stany zapalne przewodu pokarmowego, łagodzi objawy nerwicy żołądka i jelit. Zapobiega chorobie lokomocyjnej. Podany dzieciom ułatwia zasypianie.
Henryk Różański
Chamomile infusion is described as a remedy for digestive disorders and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
„Chamomile infusion treats digestive disorders and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and eases symptoms of nervous stomach and bowel. It prevents motion sickness. Given to children, it helps them fall asleep. For children, chamomile infusion can also be made with milk and honey.”Napar z rumianku leczy zaburzenia trawienne, stany zapalne przewodu pokarmowego, łagodzi objawy nerwicy żołądka i jelit. Zapobiega chorobie lokomocyjnej. Podany dzieciom ułatwia zasypianie. Dla dzieci można sporządzać także napar rumiankowy na mleku z dodatkiem miodu.
Henryk Różański
Liquid chamomile extracts are available from pharmacies and herbal shops.
„Pharmacies and herbal shops sell liquid chamomile extracts (Azulan, Azucalen – which also contains calendula), as well as chamomile ointments and creams. Swiss drugstores sell chamomile tincture and thick extract, as well as chamomile ointment, chamomile gel, and various combination drops containing chamomile extract.”W aptekach i sklepach zielarskich są dostępne płynne wyciągi z rumianku (Azulan, Azucalen – dodatkowo nagietek), maście i kremy rumiankowe. W drogeriach szwajcarskich dostępne są: nalewka i wyciąg gęsty z rumianku, ponadto maść rumiankowa, żel rumiankowy oraz rozmaite krople złożone z wyciągiem rumiankowym.
Henryk Różański
Azulan is described as a stabilized alcoholic extract of chamomile flowers.
„Azulan is a product that has been used in medical treatment in Poland for a long time. It is a stabilized alcoholic extract of chamomile flowers (1 part of the raw material is extracted with 2 parts of 70% alcohol). A 30 g bottle costs about 4 zł. In herbal medicine, the flower head or the whole chamomile herb is used. It is gathered during flowering (Anthodium seu Flos Chamomillae et Herba Chamomillae).”Azulan jest preparatem dawno wprowadzonym do lecznictwa w Polsce. Jest to stabilizowany wyciąg alkoholowy z kwiatów rumianku (1 część surowca jest ekstrahowana 2 częściami alkoholu 70%). Buteleczka 30 g kosztuje około 4 zł.W ziołolecznictwie stosuje się kwiat (koszyczek) lub też całe ziele rumianku, zbierane w czasie kwitnienia (Anthodium seu Flos Chamomillae et Herba Chamomillae).
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)
Herbal chamomile medicines are available, among other forms, as infusions to drink and liquid preparations to take by mouth.
„Herbal medicines containing preparations made from chamomile flowers are available as infusions to drink or inhale as steam; liquids for use on the skin or the lining of the mouth; liquid preparations to take by mouth, use for steam inhalation, rinse the mouth with, or apply to the skin, or add to bath water; and semi-solid forms (such as ointments) for use on the skin.”Leki roślinne zawierające preparaty z kwiatu rumianku są dostępne w postaci naparów do picia lub inhalacji z parą wodną; płynów do stosowania na skórę lub błonę śluzową jamy ustnej; w postaci płynnej do przyjmowania doustnego, stosowania jako inhalacja parowa, do płukania jamy ustnej lub stosowania na skórę, albo do stosowania jako dodatek do kąpieli oraz w postaciach półstałych (takich jak maści) do stosowania na skórę.
Henryk Różański
In the past, chamomile tea was given for stomach aches, stomach cramps, and colic, among other complaints.
„Chamomile tea was taken by mouth for colds, stomach aches, stomach cramps, colic, missed periods, painful periods, and “rushes of blood to the head.” Externally, children were bathed in chamomile infusion for skin inflammation; compresses made from the infusion were applied to wounds and swelling, and to the eyes for inflammation. The infusion was also used to rinse the throat and mouth when inflamed.”Doustnie podawano herbatkę z rumianku przy przeziębieniu, bólach brzucha, kurczach żołądkowych, kolkach, zatrzymaniu miesiączki. bolesnych miesiączkach i przy “napływach krwi do głowy”. Zewnętrznie, w naparze kąpano dzieci przy zapaleniu skóry; z naparu przygotowywano okłady na rany i obrzmienia, na oczy przy stanach zapalnych, wreszcie do płukania gardła i jamy ustnej w stanach zapalnych.
Henryk Różański
Some people are allergic to chamomile oils and preparations, which can cause redness, itching, or a burning sensation, among other symptoms.
„Some people are allergic to chamomile oils and are therefore also allergic to chamomile preparations (redness, hives, itching, burning, and spots).
In English terminology, German chamomile comes from the species Matricaria chamomilla L. – common chamomile, while Roman chamomile comes from the species Anthemis nibilis L.”Niektóre osoby wykazują uczulenie na olejki rumiankowe i tym samym są uczulone na preparaty z rumianku (zaczerwienienie, pokrzywka, świąd, pieczenie, krostki).
W nomenklaturze angielskiej: German chamomile pochodzi z gatunku Matricaria chamomilla L. – rumianek pospolity, natomiast Roman chamomile pochodzi z gatunku Anthemis nibilis L.
Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA)
If symptoms persist for more than a week, you should consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
„If symptoms last longer than one week, you should consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. Medicines containing chamomile flowers are generally intended for adults and adolescents (over 12.”Jeśli objawy utrzymują się dłużej niż jeden tydzień, należy skonsultować się z lekarzem lub wykwalifikowanym pracownikiem służby zdrowia. Leki zawierające kwiat rumianku są zazwyczaj przeznaczone do stosowania u osób dorosłych i młodzieży (powyżej 12.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 18.
In a study in rats, chamomile and its component alpha-bisabolol reduced ethanol-induced stomach damage.
Aim of the study: The effects of Matricaria recutita and alpha-bisabolol, a bioactive component from Chamomile species, were investigated against gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 1 mL per animal) in rats. The effects of M.
Results: Alpha-bisabolol at oral doses of 50 and 100 mg=kg markedly attenuated the gastric lesions induced by ethanol to the extent of 87% and 96%, respectively. Pretreatments with the nitric oxide antagonist N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (10 mg=kg, i.p.) or with indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, failed to block effectively the gastroprotective effect of alpha-bisabolol. Furthermore, the alpha-bisabolol effect was significantly reduced in rats pretreated with glibenclamide, an inhibitor of KATP+ channel activation. Thus we provide evidence that alpha-bisabolol reduces the gastric damage induced by ethanol, at least in part, by the mechanism of activation of KATP+ channels.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, chamomile infusion inhibited the activity and secretion of enzymes associated with inflammation in stomach cells.
Aim of the study: This study investigated whether the antiinflammatory effect of chamomile infusion at gastric level could be ascribed to the inhibition of metalloproteinase-9 and elastase. The infusions from capitula and sifted flowers (250-1500 µg/mL) and individual flavonoids (10 µM) were tested on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated AGS cells and human neutrophil elastase.
Results: The infusions from capitula and sifted flowers (250-1500 µg/mL) and individual flavonoids (10 µM) were tested on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated AGS cells and human neutrophil elastase. The results indicate that the antiinflammatory activity associated with chamomile infusions from both the capitula and sifted flowers is most likely due to the inhibition of neutrophil elastase and gastric metalloproteinase-9 activity and secretion; the inhibition occurring in a concentration dependent manner. The promoter activity was inhibited as well and the decrease of metalloproteinase-9 expression was found to be associated with the inhibition of NF-kB driven transcription. The results further indicate that the flavonoid-7-glycosides, major constituents of chamomile flowers, may be responsible for the antiinflammatory action of the chamomile infusion observed here.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, the ingredients of STW 5, including chamomile flower, affected stomach motility, which may help relieve symptoms of dyspepsia.
Aim of the study: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder that involves impaired gastric accommodation, antral hypomotility, and upper abdominal pain. The herbal drug STW 5 (Iberogast) is used to successfully treat FD patients.
Results: We conclude that the differential effects of STW 5 on proximal and distal stomach motor activity are not caused by solely spasmolytic or anti-spasmolytic effects of the individual components. It is suggested that the individual extracts target transduction mechanisms that are specifically expressed in the proximal vs. distal stomach. We present a rationale for the differential effect of STW 5 which is a result of the combined actions of its individual components and reason that the inhibitory effects in the proximal and the excitatory effects in the distal stomach may contribute to symptom relief in FD patients treated with STW 5 (Iberogast).
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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