What is chamomile?
The use of chamomile in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Two plants each provide the product known as chamomile. Matricaria chamomilla is also known as German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, pin heads, chamomilla, wild chamomile, sweet false chamomile, and genuine chamomile. Anthemis nobilis is also known as English or Roman chamomile, ground apple, whig plant, and common chamomile.
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What are the possible side effects of chamomile?
Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of
chamomile. Stop taking chamomile and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor
immediately if you experience:
Other less serious side effects have not been reported. Talk to your
doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you develop any side effects.
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How should I take chamomile?
The use of chamomile in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. If you choose to use chamomile, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
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What is the most important information I should know about chamomile?
Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner. You may not be able to take chamomile, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a blood thinner. Talk to your doctor before taking or using chamomile if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, celery, or other plants), or if you take other medicines. Chamomile may not be recommended in some situations.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of chamomile. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
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What other drugs will affect chamomile?
Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin), ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, or another blood thinner. You may not be able to take chamomile, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicine listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chamomile. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether chamomile will harm an unborn
baby.
Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether chamomile will harm a nursing infant.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a chamomile overdose are not known.
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Who should not take chamomile?
Do not take chamomile without first talking to your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner. You may not be able to take chamomile, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a blood thinner. Talk to your doctor before taking chamomile if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, celery, or other plants), or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Chamomile may not be recommended in some situations.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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