Macro image of a single Gazania flower
Chamomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae that are commonly used to make a herb infusion that can help to induce sleep. Because chamomile has been known to cause uterine contractions that can invoke miscarriage, the National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant and nursing mothers not consume chamomile. People who are allergic to ragweed (also in the daisy family) may also be allergic to chamomile, due to cross-reactivity. However, there is still some debate as to whether people with reported allergies to chamomile were actually exposed to chamomile and not a plant of similar appearance. Major chemical compounds present within chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol. Other classes of chemical compounds found within the chamomile plant include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins such as herniarin and umbelliferone, phenylpropanoids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, flavones such as apigenin and luteolin, flavanols such as quercetin and rutin, and polyacetylenes. Apigenin has demonstrated strong chemopreventive effects, while alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have antiseptic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and has also been demonstrated to reduce pepsin secretion without altering secretion of stomach acid. Chemical compounds present within chamomile have demonstrated the ability to bind GABA receptors, modulate monoamine neurotransmission, and have displayed neuroendocrine effects. Umbelliferone has been shown to be fungistatic. Coumarin compounds present in chamomile such as herniarin and umbelliferone may have blood-thinning properties, and there is some evidence that chamomile may interact with other medications causing drug-drug interactions. Chamomile has been used for inflammation associated with hemorrhoids when topically applied. There is Level B evidence to support the claim that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham, London.
Photo credit: © John Gaffen 2 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: asteraceae, flower, gazania, macro
