Here is how to use Chamomile teas, tinctures, extracts, capsules, baths, poultice, creams, ointments, inhalations and gargles. Please note that all suggested doses are meant for grown-ups. Children under 18 should take one half the adult dose. Babies under age of 5 should not drink more than half a cup of tea per day.

Colic relief

To relieve colic, drink 1 to 2 oz. of chamomile tea per day or as your doctor suggests.

Chamomile tea

Steep 2 to 3 heaping tblsp. (2 to 4 g) of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, Steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drink between meals, 3 to 4 times a day.

Chamomile Tincture

Take 1 to 3 ml (100 to 150 drops) of tincture three times per day in hot water (1:5, 45% alcohol tincture).

Chamomile Capsules

Take 300 to 400 mg three times per day.

Chamomile Gargle or mouthwash

Make a chamomille tea and let it cool. Gargle as often as you like.

Chamomile Inhalation

Use chamomille tea or add a few drops of essential oil of chamomile to hot water and inhale the steam to calm a cough.

Chamomile Bath

Use 1/4 lb of dried flowers per bath, or add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a full tub of water to soothe hemorrhoids, cuts, eczema, or insect bites.

Chamomile Poultice

Mix powdered herb with water and apply the paste to inflamed skin.

Chamomile Cream

Apply cream with a 3 to 10% crude drug chamomile content for psoriasis, eczema, or dry and flaky skin.

Precautions and Possible Interactions of Camomile

  • German chamomile is considered generally safe, but it could make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it.
  • Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the elevated risk of miscarriage. Chamomile is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion).
  • If you are sensitive to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
  • Drinking large amounts of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting.
  • Chamomille interaction with anticoagulants: Since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner), Chamomile should not be used in combination with anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications, also referred to as anti-cloting drugs). Chamomille may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin or heparin.
  • Chamomille interaction with Sedatives: Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, including Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem), Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), Alcohol.

If you are taking any of the stated drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your health care provider.

What kind of Chamomile to buy and where to get it

Chamomile can be purchased in form of dried flower heads, as an infusion (tea), liquid extract, essential oil, tincture (concentrated in alcohol), in creams and ointments. Tea bags are most common and can be found in grocery stores and pharmacies.

Read about Health benefits and medicinal uses of Chamomile.