Chamomile – Matricaria recutita – The Anticarcinogen

Chamomile is considered one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. Greeks and Egyptians used the herd as an ulcer cure and fever reducer. Currently, newer, more impactful health benefits have been discovered about Chamomile that I am happy to share!

Chamomile has high levels of disease fighting antioxidants in the form of terpenoids and flavonoids. That’s right, I said terpenoids, or “terps” , the same “terps” referred to in the cannabis community. Terpenes are the aromatic essential oils that give plants a distinctive fragrance and flavor and are found in various herbs, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Terpenes protect plants by deterring predators and help the plants evolve by attracting pollinators and herbivores that will spread the pollen and seeds. Some terpenes boost serotonin and GABA, creating feelings of happiness and relaxation, while others boost norepinephrine and dopamine, increasing attention and focus. Both forms modulate the bodies endocannabinoid system, and bind to endocannabinoid receptor sites, enhancing therapeutic effects.

The bulk of chamomile’s antioxidants and terpenes are found in the plants oils, contributing to its natural healing properties. Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae/ compositae family and commonly comes in two forms. German chamomile (chamomillarecutita) and Roman chamomile (chamaemelumnobile). The most common form available in the US today is the Matricaria species, in the form of dried leaves, consumed as “tea”.

One cup contains two calories, no cholesterol and approximately two milligrams of sodium. Below I have gathered a few of the most helpful, and mostly unknown health benefits of Chamomile!

Cancer Prevention

Studies have noted positive effects of chamomile and its ability to stop the growth of cancerous tumors. A prominent antioxidant heavily concentrated in chamomile called apigenin is said to be the reason why. Apigenin are bioactive constituents that help fight cancers in the breasts, ovaries, skin and prostate. “In a recent study published by the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, chamomile extracts were shown to cause minimal growth inhibitory effects on normal healthy cells, but showed significant reductions in human cancer cells, especially androgen-refractory cells that often lead to prostate cancer.” (1)

Fights Anxiety and Depression

Well lets face it, in today’s society, everyone is at the very least a little stressed out, anxious, depressed, or all three. On a good note, chamomile, despite it’s form, is one of the best medicinal herbs for promoting relaxation and fighting stress. (Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine Pharmacognosy Review). Chamomile is often used to calm nerves and anxiety in the form of an extract because it’s vapors travel directly to the olfactory part of the brain, turning off the tension button, and reducing the bodies’ stress response.

Smell is carried directly to the brain and serves as an emotional trigger. Our limbic system notices the sensory stimuli and registers it as pleasure, pain, safety or danger. This registration then triggers an emotional response such as anger, attraction or fear. The registration of smell therefor affects our emotions and in turn our hormonal balance, depending on which emotional response was triggered. While not effective for every single human, fragrances of chamomile relieve pain and generally improve or simply affect personality and behavior.

Improves Digestion

A powerful digestive relaxant, chamomile can be used to treat gastrointestinal issues like gas, indigestion, acid reflex symptoms, diarrhea, anorexia, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. Chamomile extract has been said to shorten the course of colic or diarrhea in children as well as relieve pain and anxiety associated with the conditions. Chamomile oil also contains anodyne, an anti-spasmodic compound. This compound can reduce constipation, cramping and other stomach pains.

Most of these benefits can be contributed to the fact that chamomile is a natural relaxant. The brain and gut communicate back and forth directly through the vagus nerve. A relaxed mind may also help with leaky gut, IBS and other gut-related issues. Chamomile’s relaxing effects also make it suitable for pregnant women, reducing nausea and relaxing the digestive tract.

Overall

Now that we know these new-found benefits of chamomile, we have a variety of uses for the flower. Chamomile can be grown during the spring and grows fairly easily. Organic growth is absolute best when planning on using parts of the plant for consumption and safety protocol and health measures should be followed.

For those who aren’t willing to test their green thumb, chamomile teas, extracts and oils can be found in various herb and tea shops, and organic food stores!

Happy Relaxing!