Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Anthemis nobilis L. (Roman)
Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert Matricaria chamomilla (German)
Matricaria recutita Compositae Composite family

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), in the Aster family (Asteraceae) is native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia.1 The daisy-like flower has white petals, a yellow center, and an apple-like fragrance.

History and Traditional Use

Chamomile has been used since the Roman era and its name is derived from the Greek, meaning “ground apple”.2 Traditionally, chamomile has been used to prevent stomach spasms in digestive disorders. In addition, it has been used as a skin wash to cleanse wounds and topical ulcers.3 Chamomile was also used to treat diarrhea, toothache, and bleeding and swollen gums. In the form of a compress, chamomile was used to treat gout, skin problems, and inflammation.4 It has also been used as a soothing, mild sedative, and was considered a preventative for nightmares.2

Modern Medicinal Use

Currently, chamomile is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, an astringent, and as a catalyst in wound healing.5 Chamomile has also been approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of skin and mucous membrane inflammations, bacterial skin diseases (including the oral cavity and gums), inflammations of the respiratory tract, and internally to treat spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.6 Studies have shown that children treated with chamomile had significant reduction in the duration of diarrhea.3

Modern Consumer Use

Chamomile is commonly used in teas as an agent to calm the stomach and relieve symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and bloating. It is also used to treat mild sleep disorders. As a natural soothing agent, chamomile is also used externally to treat mild skin disorders such as eczema.1 Extracts of chamomile are used in beauty products such as bath oils, shampoos, hair dyes, sunscreen, and mouthwashes. The oil is used as a fragrance component in soaps, lotions, creams, and perfumes. Chamomile extract is also used as a flavor component in many major food categories such as alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and puddings.4

References

1 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

2 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Volume 1. New York: Dover Publications, Inc; 1971.

3 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA. The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete Source of Natural Product Information. 3rd ed. St Louis (MO): Facts and Comparisons; 2002.

4 Leung AY., Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

5 Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, et al, editors. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; 2003.

6Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. The Complete German Commission E Monographs&emdash;Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; 1998.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

Fast facts: may help prevent certain cancers, regulates blood pressure, reduces cholesterol

Celery seed adds a distinctive bite to sauerkraut, a fine-edged sharpness to coleslaw and a tangy zip to soups, stews and salad dressings.

Yet along with its refreshing flavor, scientists have found that celery seed may also be adding protection against cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

In a study for the National Cancer Institute, Luke Lam, Ph.D., and his colleagues at LKT Laboratories in St. Paul, Minnesota, have been analyzing the chemical constituents of celery seed oil and their effect on living beings.

“We isolated five compounds of interest,” says Dr. Lam, who was formerly a researcher at the University of Minnesota. “Then we took three of those compounds and looked for their ability to prevent tumor formation in animals.”

The result? “The compound sedanolide was the most active,” says Dr. Lam. It and a related compound — butyl phthalide — reduced the incidence of tumors in laboratory animals anywhere from 38% to 57%. Whether celery can help prevent cancer in people as well as in animals is not yet known.

Studies also suggest that celery seed may give people an edge on another health front: lower blood pressure. So reports William Keller, Ph.D., professor and head of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics at the Northeast Louisiana University School of Pharmacy in Monroe.

In one study at the University of Chicago, laboratory animals given a daily dose of butyl phthalide experienced a 12 percent reduction in their systolic (the top number) blood pressure over a four-week period. What’s more, laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide may help reduce high cholesterol.

If you’d like to try celery seed for yourself, you can prepare a tea by pouring boiling water over one teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens)

Part used and where grown: Originally from South America, the cayenne plant has spread across the globe both as a food and as a medicine. Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapeños, paprika, and other similar peppers. The fruit is used.

In what conditions might cayenne be supportive?

Â¥ bursitis

Â¥ diabetic neuropathy

¥ osteoarthritis ¥ psoriasis

Â¥ rheumatoid arthritis

Â¥ shingles (herpes zoster)/postherpetic neuralgia

Historical or traditional use: The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic (a substance believed to improve circulation). Rubbed on the skin, cayenne is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed a counterirritant effect. A counterirritant is something which causes irritation to a tissue to which it is applied, thus distracting from the original irritation (such as joint pain in the case of arthritis).

Active constituents: Cayenne contains a resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. Capsaicin temporarily stimulates release of various neurotransmitters from these nerves, leading to their depletion. Without the neurotransmitters, pain signals can no longer be sent.1 The effect is temporary. Capsaicin and other constituents in cayenne have been shown to have several other actions, including reducing platelet stickiness and acting as antioxidants.

How much should I take? Creams containing 0.025-0.075% capsaicin are generally used. There may be a burning sensation for the first several times the cream is applied, but this should gradually decrease with each use. The hands must be carefully and thoroughly washed after use, or gloves should be worn, to prevent the cream from accidentally reaching the eyes, nose, or mouth, which would cause a burning sensation. Do not apply the cream to areas of broken skin. A cayenne tincture can be used in the amount of 0.3-1 ml three times daily.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Besides causing a mild burning for the first few applications (or severe burning if accidentally placed in sensitive areas, such as the eyes), there are no side effects from use of the capsaicin cream. Very high intake of cayenne internally may cause ulcers, but the necessary amount is rarely achieved with sensible intake.

As with anything applied to the skin, some people may have an allergic reaction to the cream, so the first application should be to a very small area of skin.

References:

1. Lynn B. Capsaicin. Actions on nociceptive C-fibers and therapeutic potential. Pain 1990; 41:61-9.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Parts used and where grown: The catnip plant grows in North America and Europe. The leaves and flowers are utilized as medicine.

In what conditions might catnip be supportive?

Â¥ cough

Â¥ insomnia

Historical or traditional use: Catnip is famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in felines. Throughout history, this herb has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect.1 Catnip tea was a regular beverage in England before the introduction of tea from China.2 Several other conditions (including cancer, toothache, corns, and hives) have been treated with catnip by traditional herbalists.

Active constituents: The essential oil in catnip contains a monoterpene similar to the valepotriates found in valerian, an even more widely renowned sedative.3 Animal studies (except those involving cats) have found it to increase sleep.4 The monoterpenes also help with coughs.

How much should I take? A catnip tea can be made by adding 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water to 1-2 U.S. teaspoons (5-10 grams) of the herb; cover, then steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day. For children with coughs, 5 ml of tincture three times per day can be used.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Using reasonable doses, no side effects with catnip have been noted.

References:

1. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 120-1.
2. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 325-6.
3. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 282.
4. Sherry CJ, Hunter PS. The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick. Experientia 1979;35:237-8.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.