Pregnancy-Friendly Herbs: German Chamomile / Chamomilla recutita / Matricaria chamomilla /

German Chamomile: A Multi-Use Herbal Essential for Pregnancy and Beyond

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German chamomile can be used to treat the following health problems before, during, and after pregnancy. Note that this herb is also safe for use during breastfeeding and that it can be used in small doses in babies as well: 

• Gastrointestinal problems
  • Gas / Bloating
  • Nausea / Vomiting
  • Infantile colic
  • Gastrointestinal infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Gastralgia
  • Gastric ulcers (including those caused by excess alcohol use)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Dyspepsia
  • Seasickness
  • Colitis
  • Enteritis
  • Food poisoning
  • Ulcerative colitis symptoms
• Skin problems (see more below)
• Women’s health issues
  • False labor pains
  • Premature labor
  • Pain relief during childbirth
  • Vaginal inflammation
  • Breast-related problems
  • Mastalgia
  • Painful menstruation / Dysmenorrhea
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding / Menorrhagia
  • Ovarian tissue damage (protective)
  • Sore nipples
• Men’s health issues
  • Testicular inflammation
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Formaldehyde poisoning (specifically in regard to protecting the male reproductive system from damage due to formaldehyde exposure)
• Genital disorders / inflammation / pain
• Irritability
• Bacterial infection
  • Staphylococcus aureus (including some types of MRSA)
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Bacillus cereus
  • Streptococcus spp.
  • Enterococcus faecalis
• Fungal infection
• • Candida spp. (including fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans)
  • Fusarium spp.
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Viral infection
  • HSV-2 / Herpes simplex 2 (in vitro, chamomile essential oil acts against HSV-2)

• Parasite Infection (see more below)
• Urinary tract problems
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Kidney dysfunction (especially that associated with PCOS)
  • Kidney stones
  • Bladder stones
  • Incontinence
  • Bladder inflammation / swelling
  • Kidney inflammation / swelling
  • Cisplatin-induced kidney injury
• Diabetes
• Nervous disorders
• Memory problems
• Motor function problems
• Learning problems
• Angina
• Low immunity
• Cancer
• Mucus membrane inflammation
• Tobacco withdrawal (German chamomile’s sedative effects may help ease tobacco withdrawal symptoms)
• Gangrene
• Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Backache
  • Gout pain
  • Joint pain
  • Rheumatism (essential oil)
  • Muscle cramps / Muscle aches and pains
  • Migraine headaches
• Anorexia
• Seizures 
• Epilepsy
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Hypertension / High blood pressure
• Anemia
• Mouth ulcers (for this purpose, the chamomile flowers should be chewed)
• Respiratory problems
  • An infusion of German chamomile can be made so that the steam may be inhaled in order to relieve respiratory problems such as:
    • Cough / Croup
    • Respiratory tract irritation / inflammation
    • Throat pain
    • Common cold symptoms
    • Sinus inflammation
• Dental/oral problems
  • Burning mouth syndrome
  • Dry mouth / Xerostomia
  • Gingivitis (when used as a mouthwash, Matricaria chamomilla infusions decrease bleeding of the gums and biofilm accumulation in the mouth)
  • Caries
  • Canker sores
• Eye problems
  • Eye irritation 
  • Eye infections
  • Swollen eyes

German chamomile has the following medicinal effects in the body: 

• Gastrointestinal carminative
• Antispasmodic
• Anticonvulsant
• Hypnotic
• Vasodilatory
• Mild sedative
• Antiemetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Neuralgesic
• Anti-allergy
• Anti-catarrhal / Reduces mucus
• Antiseptic
• Vulnerary
• Antipyretic
• Antinociceptive / Anticancer
• Brain tonic
• Diuretic
• Galactagogue
• Stomach tonic
• Hypotensive
• Antitussive
• Expectorant
• Antimutagenic

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German Chamomile for Pain Relief During Childbirth

Matricaria chamomilla is an analgesic and antispasmodic, as well as a mild sedative. These properties make it a candidate for pain relief in various contexts, including during labor and birth. One study observed the pain-relieving effects of German chamomile in first-time mothers. In the study, women were given either gauze soaked in sterile water or a piece of gauze with 2 drops of German chamomile essential oil. Researchers found that the women who received aromatherapy treatments with German chamomile experienced overall less pain throughout all stages of labor than the women in the control group who received only gauze with sterile water. 

Other research suggests that German chamomile may support labor progression by encouraging the contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus. While Matricaria chamomilla isn’t known to pose any risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, when a woman is already in labor, an infusion or tincture of this herb may help encourage labor progression. However, while the herb may progress labor, German chamomile’s pain-killing and sedative effects may also provide some mild relief from pain and stress, even as labor continues onward. 

German Chamomile for Preterm Labor Prevention, Braxton-Hicks Contractions, and Uterine Irritability

Matricaria chamomilla helps strengthen and tonify the uterus, and its antispasmodic effects in particular may help prevent preterm labor by reducing contractions of the smooth uterine tissues. While German chamomile shouldn’t be the only herb used to prevent preterm labor (there are other, more powerful herbs that should be your top choices if you have access to them), if you have a history of preterm labor or want an extra layer of protection while taking other more powerful herbs, a daily brew of German chamomile tea may be a good choice. 

One study found that alpha-bisabolol (a monocyclic sesquiterpene found in high quantities in German chamomile essential oil) is able to directly relax spontaneous contractions in uterine tissues. Uterine spasms/contractions can be inhibited by up to 92% when German chamomile essential oil / alpha-bisabolol is administered at higher doses. This uterine-relaxant effect not only give credence to German chamomile as a treatment for the prevention of preterm labor, but also for the treatment of Braxton-Hicks contractions and uterine irritability. 

German Chamomile for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) During Pregnancy

German chamomile’s antibacterial properties are particularly well suited to the treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy. One study demonstrated that an infusion of Matricaria chamomilla was effective in the treatment of all of the following bacteria (these are commonly implicated bacteria in the development of a UTI):

• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Acinetobacter baumannii
• Enterobacter aerogenes
• Citrobacter freundii
• Proteus mirabilis
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus

While German chamomile was able to effectively combat all of these bacteria, it was found to be most effective in the treatment of UTIs caused by Echerichia coli and Citrobacter freundii. In this study, Matricaria chamomilla was slightly less effective at treating UTI infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Increased levels of hippurate and glucine in the urine were also seen in patients who used German chamomile to treat UTI. These two compounds are associated with increased antibacterial activity when present in higher quantities in the urine.

As an antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory herb, German chamomile may also help treat some of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. It is known to specifically help relieve swelling and inflammation in the bladder and kidneys. Pain and discomfort are common in UTIs, especially during pregnancy; German chamomile may help relieve some of these symptoms, at least to an extent, especially when combined with other herbs for the treatment of urinary tract infection.

German Chamomile for Diabetes During Pregnancy

Studies done on diabetic rats have shown that the administration of extracts of German chamomile can reduce malondialdehyde levels, decrease lipid peroxidation, and increase glutathione, acetylcholine esterase, and catalase levels in serum. In a study on human patients with type 2 diabetes, consumption of German chamomile tea was shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and fatty acid levels in addition to increasing insulin sensitivity. 

German chamomile has also been used topically in the treatment of diabetic skin wounds. One animal study found that rats with diabetic skin wounds who were given a topical gel containing Matricaria chamomilla extracts demonstrated faster wound healing times than rats who had been given a standard, non medicinal gel or no treatment at all. It is thought that German chamomile supports wound healing by encouraging revascularization and enhancing fibroblast proliferation in patients with diabetes. 

German Chamomile for Cancer During Pregnancy

All forms of German chamomile (extracts, essential oils, infusions, etc.) appear to fight cancer primarily through apoptosis (inducing self-programmed cell death), necrosis (direct targeting and killing of cancer cells), and an inhibition in the invasion and migration abilities of cancerous cells. German chamomile essential oil in particular has been shown to be effective in the treatment of the following types of cancer: 

• Breast carcinoma (MCF-7 cell line) - In the treatment of breast cancer, Matricaria chamomilla essential oil inhibits cancer cell proliferation by up to 89% after 24 hours of exposure when administered at a dose of 640mcg/mL in vitro.
  • Hydroalcoholic extracts of the aerial parts and roots of German chamomile were shown to be effective against MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cell lines at a dose of 785g/mL and 921g/mL of aerial parts extracts, and of 1560g/mL of root extract (against the MCF-7 cell line). In this context, the extracts were found to be antiproliferative. 
• Human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60 and NB4 cell lines) - Matricaria chamomilla essential oil was found to be effective in targeting two leukemia cell lines, though it ultimately was more effective in the treatment of HL-60 cell line leukemia. Against the HL-60 cells, 86.03% of the cells were killed at a dose of 200mcg/mL in vitro. 
• Melanocytic tumors (WM1361A cell line) -  German chamomile methanolic extract shows antiproliferative activity against the WM1361A human melanocyte tumor cell line. 
• Cervical carcinoma (Hep2C cell line) - Subcritical water extracts of German chamomile were found to be cytotoxic at a dose of 20.54mcg/mL.

• Human rhabdomyosarcoma - Subcritical water extracts of German chamomile were found to be cytotoxic at a dose of 30.54mcg/mL.

German Chamomile for Pain Relief During Pregnancy

Matricaria chamomilla is famous for its sedative and pain-relieving effects. It has long been used as a treatment for headaches and migraines, rheumatism, muscle aches, and various other types of pain (including childbirth pains, as described above). German chamomile teas and infusions can be drunk to relieve muscle aches and muscle pains during pregnancy, or the infusion or a few drops of essential oil can be added to a warm bath for soaking. Alternatively, a few drops of German chamomile essential oil can be added to a carrier oil like coconut or apricot kernel oil to make a pain relief mix that can be applied topically directly to the affected areas (or as close as possible to these areas). 

Osteoarthritis

Researchers in Iran observed positive effects in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in patients who used topical German chamomile essential oil. In one study, patients were told to administer topical chamomile oil 3 times per day for 3 weeks; all groups in the study were permitted to use acetaminophen for pain relief. At the end of the study, the participants who had been using chamomile oil (in comparison to the groups who had been given diclofenac or placebo) reported notably lower acetaminophen use, reduced stiffness in the knees, and improved physical functions. It may offer some degree of pain relief as well. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One study observed the effects of German chamomile essential oil as a treatment for severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants were asked to use chamomile oil twice daily for 4 weeks. The oil was found to help improve both symptoms and functional problems seen in the carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

Matricaria Chamomilla Homeopathic Remedy for Pain Relief

In addition to the whole herb itself, the Matricaria Chamomilla homeopathic remedy may also be utilized for pain relief. An Indian study found that the 3x Matricaria remedy in particular had appreciable muscle relaxant effects, and that the 3x and 30c Matricaria remedies both demonstrated some degree of anticonvulsant and analgesic effects. The 0/3 Matricaria remedy had the highest decrease in locomotor activity, muscle relaxant activity, and anticonvulsant activity out of the 3 homeopathic strengths that were studied. The researchers concluded that this homeopathic remedy exerts inhibitory actions on the central nervous system, which explains its pain-relieving abilities. 

German Chamomile for Eczema, Hemorrhoids, Stretch Marks, and Other Skin Problems

Matricaria chamomilla can help provide relief from certain skin problems, including:

• Stretch marks
• Wounds / Sores
• Dermatitis 
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Induced contact dermatitis 
  • Atopic dermatitis-like lesions
• Abscess
• Burns
• Inflammation of the skin
• Eczema
• Hives
• Itching
• Erythema
• Peristomal injury
• Phlebitis
• Hemorrhoids (a sitz bath with chamomile infusion may be most effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids during or after pregnancy)
• Frostbite
• Bacterial skin diseases
• Diaper rash (in babies)

In the treatment of erythema, topical application of German chamomile had comparable or better therapeutic effects to topically applied corticosteroid treatments, with most studies indicating that German chamomile was more effective in controlling erythema. Another study found that Kamillosan (a chamulezene-rich cream containing a 2% ethanolic extract of chamomile flowers) also performed better in the treatment of atopic eczema than corticosteroid drugs. In yet another study, these results were confirmed again; in this third study, Kamillosan was found to be similarly effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema, and significantly more effective than fluocortin and Bufexamac. 

Kamillosan ointment also shows superior treatment abilities to 0.1% hydrocortisone cream in the treatment of contact dermatitis. The Kamillosan ointment ultimately reduced skin roughness more effectively and was also more soothing to the skin. Another study utilizing liposomal and non-liposomal preparations including apigenin, an important flavonoid found in Matricaria chamomilla, found that the liposomal cream was ultimately better at reducing inflammation in patients with contact dermatitis. 

An aqueous extract of Matricaria chamomilla was compared to hydrocortisone cream in colostomy patients with peristomal lesions. Researchers found that the patients who received treatments with topical German chamomile extracts demonstrated faster healing times than patients who received treatments with hydrocortisone cream. 

In a different study, patients who had developed phlebitis after receiving IV chemotherapy treatments received a topical compress containing either a 2.5% or 5% concentration of German chamomile infusion. Both applications were found to be successful in reducing venous inflammation / phlebitis. 

German Chamomile for Insomnia and Sleep Problems During Pregnancy

One study administered 90mg of German chamomile extracts with 3.9mg of apigenin and 1.8mg of alpha-bisabolol to patients with primary insomnia for 28 days. Patients improved sleep in that they were able to fall asleep more quickly, and also had fewer nighttime awakenings. The participants who received German chamomile extracts also had a modest increase in daytime functioning scores. The study determined that the flavonoid apigenin in Matricaria chamomilla improved sleep quality through interaction with the GABA receptors. 

Another animal study combined German chamomile with passionflower (another pregnancy-friendly herb). The study found that Matricaria chamomilla exhibits benzodiazepine-like hypnotic effects and that, like in the previous human study, the herb was able to successfully reduce sleep latency (in other words, it decreases the amount of time required in order to fall asleep). 

Matricaria chamomilla tea or infusion can be taken immediately before bed to promote rest and relaxation and to encourage healthy sleep. Aromatherapy with German chamomile essential oil may also produce similar effects.

German Chamomile for Respiratory Problems During Pregnancy

Matricaria chamomilla can be used to relieve congestion and cough, and acts to reduce inflammation in the mucus membranes, sinuses, lungs, and larynx. Some sources suggest inhaling the vapors of freshly brewed German chamomile tea/infusion to treat these kinds of respiratory symptoms. 

German Chamomile as an Antiparasitic

German chamomile has been studied in-depth in regard to its antiparasitic effects in the body. It has shown some degree of efficacy in the treatment of the following types of parasite infections:

• Leishmaniasis
  • Leishmania amazonensis
  • Leishmania infantum
• Acanthamoeba castellanii
• Intestinal worms
• Malaria
• Pinworms
• Amebiasis
  • Entamoeba histolytica
• Haemonchus contortus
• Anisakiasis (Anisakis simplex)
• Leeches
• Trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma cruzi)

Matricaria chamomilla has been shown to treat leishmaniasis in multiple studies. One Brazilian study found that in vitro the hydroalcoholic extracts of this plant were able to inhibit the growth of Leishmania amazonensis by over 90% when extracts were applied at a dose of 100mg/mL. The same study indicated that German chamomile hydroalcoholic extracts inhibited the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi at approximately the same rate. Another study involved the use of chitosan nanocapsules containing Matricaria chamomilla essential oil; researchers suggest that usage of these nanocapsules prevents damage to normal cells that can occur with internal administration of German chamomile essential oil, while still offering compelling activity against the Leishmania parasites, particularly in cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis

German chamomile has also been found to have activity against Anakis simplex, a nematode that can be introduced into the gastrointestinal tract of humans via the consumption of larvae-infected raw or undercooked seafood. The incidence of anisakiasis is highest in areas where fish is consumed either raw, salted, or lightly pickled, such as in Japan, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Spain. Infection with this parasite can cause an eosinophilic granulomatous response and can even mimic Crohn’s disease or other autoimmune diseases in certain cases. 

Matricaria chamomilla essential oil has been studied in regard to the treatment of anisakiasis. In animal studies, only 2.2% of rats treated with German chamomile essential oil had gastric wall lesions due to Anakis infection, compared with 93.3% of the rats in the untreated control group. In vitro, Matricaria chamomilla essential oil was 100% effective when administered at a dose of 125mcg/mL. In all studies, German chamomile was being test against the L3, type 1 strain of Anakis simplex. 

Another study observed the effects of Matricaria chamomilla against Entamoeba histolytica. This amoebic parasite lives primarily in the intestines and liver in humans, but can also cause damage to the kidneys. In the treatment of amebiasis, German chamomile can specifically help prevent and reverse kidney and liver damage caused by Entamoeba histolytica. German chamomile also shows activity against another type of amoeba, Acanthamoeba castellanii. Alpha-bisabolol found in M. chamomilla essential oil was found to induce apoptosis in the amoebic pathogens, in addition to decreasing levels of ATP and mitochondria and increasing plasmatic membrane permeability in amoeba that were treated with German chamomile. 

German chamomile also has medicinal effects in the treatment of infection with the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus. One study demonstrated that aqueous and methanolic extracts of Matricaria chamomilla were able to inhibit egg hatching and worm motility in the Haemonchus contortus parasite in vitro. In a different study, researchers found that methanolic extracts of German chamomile were partially effective against leeches and symptoms caused by leech infection (otherwise known as hirudinism). German chamomile extracts specifically reduced inflammation, postprandial hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, diarrhea, spasms/pain, and more. 

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German Chamomile for Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy

One large-scale study involving 93 participants tested the efficacy of German chamomile in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In this study, all patients were given pharmaceutical grade Matricaria chamomilla extracts at a dose of 1500mg per day (500mg taken 3 times daily) for 12 weeks. After these first 12 weeks, approximately half of the participants went on to receive continuous treatments with chamomile for another 26 weeks, while the other half received a placebo. Patients who received German chamomile extracts for the remaining 26 weeks of treatment showed a notably lower time to relapse of symptoms than the patients who received placebo after the initial chamomile treatments. In any case, even patients taking German chamomile who relapsed had significantly diminished GAD symptoms than the patients who had been given placebo instead after the initial 12-week treatment period. The patients taking German chamomile for the entire duration of the study also showed a decrease in body weight and blood pressure levels. 

A different study observed the effects of Matricaria chamomilla in the treatment of depression. In this study, participants received either capsules containing 220mg of standardized German chamomile extract with 1.2% apigenin or a placebo pill. During the first week of treatment, patients took 1 capsule daily; during the second week, they took 2 capsules per day. Participants then took 3 capsules daily during the third week, 4 daily during the 4th week, and then 5 capsules daily from the 5th through 8th weeks of the study. Chamomile was found to be more effective in treating depression symptoms in all cases when compared to placebo. 

German chamomile is thought to exert changes in mood through its modulating action of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA receptor transmissions in the brain. The herb may also modulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Apigenin specifically can increase noradrenaline activity and increase tyrosine uptake (increased tyrosine uptake ultimately leads to increased dopamine production, since tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of dopamine). 

How to Take German Chamomile During Pregnancy

The flowerheads are the part of Matricaria chamomilla that are utilized medicinally. Below I’ve outlined some of the main ways that German chamomile can be administered therapeutically: 

• German Chamomile Infusions / Tea - 2-6 grams of dried or powdered herb can be prepared and taken daily during pregnancy. 
• German Chamomile Tincture - Pregnant women can take a dose of between 1.5-7mL per day. 
• German Chamomile Compress - An infusion of German chamomile should be prepared. Cover the infusion and leave it to cool. Then, a clean, cotton cloth can be soaked in this infusion and applied directly to any areas where there’s pain or for the treatment of a skin problem. Leave the compress on for at least 10 minutes; reapply as needed.
• German Chamomile Essential Oil (topical) - A few drops of German chamomile essential oil should be mixed with almond oil and applied directly to the affected area of the skin. This can be used for the treatment of skin problems and pain in particular. 
• German Chamomile Essential Oil (aromatherapy) - A few drops of Matricaria chamomilla essential oil can be added to a diffuser in the room you’re in, or alternatively, a few drops can be added to a cotton ball to be taken with you. Be sure to take a few deep breaths of the scent regularly if possible.

Women with an allergy to any plant in the Compositae/Asteraceae plant family should avoid using German chamomile since the likelihood is high that they will also experience an allergy to this plant. Other members of this plant family include daisy, sunflower, yarrow, calendula, and arnica, among others. 

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