Everything You Should Know About Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis), also known as English chamomile, is native to Morocco and Europe. It belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Roman chamomile is one of several variations of the chamomile plant. Another common type of chamomile is German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Roman chamomile and German chamomile are not the same species. This article covers Roman chamomile, not German chamomile.

Roman chamomile contains terpenoids—an organic chemical naturally produced by plants. Flavonoids, also found in Roman chamomile, are potent antioxidants with immune system benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Roman chamomile is used to make tea, creams, ointments, and extracts, mainly from the plant's white and yellow flower portion. Flower heads are first dried, and then used to make powders or tea. Many people drink chamomile tea for its relaxing properties and calming effects on the digestive system. They may also be steamed to produce chamomile essential oil.

This article discusses the potential uses of Roman chamomile. It also covers possible side effects and precautions.

Uses of Roman Chamomile

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

People have used Roman chamomile for different ailments for centuries. Preliminary studies have been conducted in cells and animals.​ ​However, few studies in humans have been completed​. More substantial scientific evidence is needed to support the use of Roman chamomile for specific conditions. ​

Gastrointestinal Uses

Roman chamomile has been studied for its effect on the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. A lab study suggested that it had antispasmodic effects on tissue. However, the study only looked at effects in human tissue. These effects weren't observed in high-quality clinical trials in humans.

Due to a lack of clinical data, the effectiveness of Roman chamomile as an antispasmodic can't be verified.

Eczema

A cream with an active ingredient claimed to be Roman chamomile was studied for its effects on eczema symptoms. The partially double-blind randomized study looked at how this cream addressed the discomforts of eczema compared to 0.5% hydrocortisone cream and a placebo. The Roman chamomile-based cream was just slightly better than both hydrocortisone and the placebo.

This is not enough clinical data to say that Roman chamomile is superior in easing eczema symptoms compared to other treatments. Further studies are needed.

Other Unproven Uses

Other traditional uses for Roman chamomile yet to be verified by clinical proof include health conditions such as:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Hay fever
• Inflammation
• Menstrual disorders
• Insomnia
• Ulcers
• Wounds
• Rheumatic pain

What Are the Side Effects of Roman Chamomile?

Roman chamomile is considered a mild herb and is relatively safe for most people. As with all herbal supplements, there is the possibility of allergies.

The topical application of Roman chamomile may cause redness and itchiness. Anyone with allergies to ragweed or other plants, such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, should avoid using chamomile because these plants are all in the same family.

Other notes of reactions, such as the sesquiterpenes in Roman chamomile causing sensitivity or that inhaling it may cause an allergic reaction, are not confirmed. In situations when five or fewer individuals reported such a reaction, whether the sesquiterpenes or Roman chamomile caused it remains unclear.

Common Side Effects

Roman chamomile is generally considered safe. There are a few reported incidents in which it appears that Roman chamomile may have been the culprit of a slight reaction. However, the presence of other possible allergens leaves causality unknown.

Severe Side Effects

There is always the risk of an allergic reaction to an herbal supplement. Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

If you have a known allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, it is possible you may have the same reaction to Roman chamomile. It is best to not use it if you have these known allergies. 

Precautions

Even though Roman chamomile is considered safe, there are times when caution should be taken when choosing to use the supplement.

There is not enough information to know if this supplement is safe for use while pregnant. For that reason, it is not recommended for use when a person is pregnant.

Roman chamomile may also have the ability to induce menstruation. The effects it may have on the smooth muscles—by relaxing them—may be the reason for this. This is another reason it is not recommended for use by pregnant people.

Clinical data is not available concerning the safety of chamomile in nursing mothers or infants. However, it has traditionally been used alone and in combination with other herbs to treat colic and other digestive issues in infants. Nursing mothers who use a typical dose of Roman chamomile will likely not harm their breastfeeding infants.

There is a lack of clinical data on the effects on children under the age of 12 years. Due to this, Roman chamomile is not recommended for use in children under 12.

Roman chamomile should be avoided by anyone who may have an allergy to any plant in the Asteraceae family (asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed) or anyone with asthma. It may cause an allergic reaction or worsen existing symptoms.

Dosage: How Much Roman Chamomile Should I Take?

Roman chamomile can be taken in several forms. Each has its own dosing recommendations.

Suggested adult doses are as follows:

• Tea: Use 1 cup (8 oz.) of boiling water per 2 to 3 tsp. (2 g to 4 g) of chamomile, let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three to four times per day between meals.
• Bath: Use 1/4 lb. of dried flowers or add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a full tub.
• Creams or Ointments: Apply 3% to 10% chamomile cream or ointment as directed on the product.

What Happens if I Take too Much Roman Chamomile?

The upper limit for Roman chamomile is unknown.

There is concern that a large dose may cause vomiting. If you are using Roman chamomile and begin vomiting, stop using it and consult your healthcare provider for dosing guidelines.

Extended use of the herbal supplement should not be continued if symptoms persist. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider about continuing symptoms and whether using Roman chamomile is the best way to treat them.

Interactions

Some medications may interact with Roman chamomile such as blood-thinning and blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications.

Roman chamomile should not be used in combination with sedatives like:

• Alcohol 
• Anti-seizure medications
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax) 
• Medications prescribed for insomnia
• Tricyclic antidepressants
  

Roman chamomile is broken down by the liver, so it could interact with medications that are broken down similarly, including:

• Fexofenadine
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Statins
  
• Some antifungal drugs 

Before using Roman chamomile, it is best to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

How to Store Roman Chamomile

When storing Roman chamomile, it is best to follow the recommendations found on the product label. The product label will contain storage and disposal guidelines. Following these guidelines is best for product quality.

Note that when storing Roman chamomile oil, the color may be dark yellow.

Similar Supplements

Roman chamomile may be similar to other herbal supplements that belong to the Asteraceae family or may have anticoagulation properties, including:

• Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
• Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Sources of Roman Chamomile and What to Look For

Roman chamomile is available in most grocery stores and online. It is available in many different forms. It is available as tea. It can also be found in liquid form. Roman chamomile is available as a lotion and a bath additive.

Supplements

When purchasing chamomile, look for the dry powder obtained from the flowers. This is the form that is used traditionally for health issues. The oil of the plant is also used.

Most forms of chamomile tea are prepared with German chamomile. Be sure to read the ingredient label of your tea packaging to ensure the tea contains Roman chamomile.

Summary

Roman chamomile is an herbal supplement used in traditional medicine for centuries. It remains so today, but the amount of clinical data available to support these uses is minimal. For the same reason, the effects of Roman chamomile are not known.

Precautions about its use are advised for pregnant people, breastfeeding people, children under 12 years old, and people with liver or kidney disease. Those who have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should not use Roman chamomile.

Further human studies are necessary to understand how Roman chamomile affects health conditions. Until such information is available, it is best to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional on your individual use of Roman chamomile.