Chamomile
History and Origin
Chamomile is one of the 7 most commonly used medicinal herbs and has been recognized for its therapeutic properties since the age of Hippocrates. Some traditional remedies include: treatment for bronchitis, fever, liver and gallbladder concerns. Chamomile also has been used historically for digestive ailments. The official medicinal chamomile is German chamomile. Its key active ingredient is chamazulene α-bisabolol which possesses skin soothing activity.
Activity, Properties, Components
Potential applications in skincare
Ingredient |
Components |
Activities |
| Chamomile | chamazulene α-bisabolol | Soothes skin |
|
flavonoids
levomenol mucilages |
Improves skin texture and elasticity | |
|
oligosaccharides
famesenes |
Safety and Tolerability
There have been some reports of contact dermatitis following topical application of chamomile products.1,2 The allergen in chamomile has been noted to be a sesquiterpene lactone.3 Ingestion of chamomile tea in a person sensitized to the agent topically may result in systemic contact dermatitis.4
References
- Baumann LS. Cosmeceutical Critique: Lavender. Skin and Allergy News 2003;34:43.
- Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Co., Montvale, NY, 1988.
- Rietschel R, Fowler J, Fisher’s Contact Dermatitis; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, p182.
- Rodriguez-Serna M, et al: Allergic and systemic dermatitis from Matricaria chamomilla tea. Contact Dermatitis 1998; 39: 192
