Matricariae flos

Matricariae flos are the flowers, Matricariae extractum fluidum is the officinal extract (Ph.Eur.8; Monograph Commission E, ESCOP) of chamomiles harvested shortly after flowering (in Europe at the end of April).

Quality is laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: traditional use: symptomatic treatment of mild, cramp-like gastrointestinal complaints, flatulence

ESCOP mon ograph: internal: gastrointestinal complaints such as mild cramps, upper abdominal flatulence, belching; external: mild inflammation and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes - oral cavity and gums (as mouth rinses), respiratory tract (in the form of inhalations), anal and genital area (baths, ointments).
Commission E-Monography: external: skin and mucous membrane inflammations, bacterial skin diseases including the oral cavity, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract (in the form of inhalations), diseases of the anal and genital area (as baths, rinses); internal: gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Empirical medicine: acute weeping dermatoses, superficial skin injuries, decubitus ulcers, leg ulcers, irrigation of large wounds, grade 2 burns, sunburn, chilblains, nipple care during breastfeeding and pregnancy, sebostasis, dysmenorrhea.

The ingredients depend on the extraction method: The official chamomile flower extract contains essential oils (chamomile oil), flavones (e.g. apigenin, quercetin, luteolin), flavonoids (with spasmolytic activity), sesquiterpene lactones (matricin and matricarin), alpha-bisabolol, coumarins (umbelliferone), choline and mucilage.

Chamomile flower extracts have:

• antiphlogistic(alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene (degradation product of matricine) are inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase),
• spasmolytic,
• wound-healing,
• antibacterial (mainly gram-positive pathogens), antifungal,
• immunostimulant
• ulcer-protective
• anxiolytic
• muscle relaxant
• deodorizing
  

External: Skin and mucous membrane inflammations, bacterial skin diseases, inflammatory changes of the oral cavity, also in gingivitis. Irrigation treatment of large wounds. Dermatitis solaris, frostbites. Adjuvant for Candida infections of the oral cavity and genital area.

Cosmetic applications: Camomile extracts are widely used in cosmetic preparations.

Internal: gastrointestinal problems, upper abdominal bloating

Cream/fat cream/ointment: Apply 2 times/day to the affected skin area.

For compresses: 1 tbsp. solution to 1 litre of water. Alternatively: 1 tablespoon of flowers on boiling water, let it stand for a short time, after cooling it down leave it on the surface for 5-10 minutes (preferably during the healing phase of eczema). Use several times a day.

For mouth rinsing and gargling: 30 trp. 3-4 times daily on 1/2 glass of water.

Rare are allergic symptoms that are often caused by impurities from the dog chamomile.

Allergy to daisy plants

Not known.

Aqueous flower preparations (e.g. camomile tea): Preparation: 3 g camomile flowers are poured over hot water (approx. 150 ml) and after 5-10 min. sieved through a tea strainer (alternative: ready-made tea bag). In case of inflammation of the mouth and throat, rinse or gargle several times a day.
Envelopes: The prepared tea can be used 10% diluted for moist envelopes.
Bath additive: 50g drug to 10 l water.

The fixed combination peppermint leaves+camomile flowers+caraway seeds consists of:

• Menthae piperitae folium (peppermint leaves)
• Matricariae flos (chamomile flowers)
• Carum carvum,

has an antispasmodic effect and is used for dyspeptic complaints such as flatulence, bloating and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract.

Alcoholic flower extracts (containing higher proportions of essential oil) are used in varying concentrations in camomile oil, ointments, creams and bath additives.

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/kamille.php
2. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-chamaemelum-nobile-l-all-flos_en.pdf
3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 137-138