It may have immunostimulant properties and should not be taken by anyone with an overactive immune system.
It may have some antifertility properties. That was one of the traditional uses by the Peruvian Indians; however, we don’t know how effective it is as a contraceptive. It should not be relied on as such.308
The molecular structure of some of the alkaloids in cat’s claw is similar to morphine.309 Know how the herb affects you before driving or training under its influence.
If stomach upset or diarrhea is severe or lasts longer than three or four days, discontinue use.310
If you are allergic to coffee, be careful taking cat’s claw because they are members of the same family.
A related species, Uncaria guianensis, is more common in Europe. South Americans consider the two to be interchangeable.311 However recent research has shown important differences not only between the species, but between subspecies of Uncaria tomentosa.312 This section applies to Uncaria tomentosa, with the proviso that we may soon find that the research results don’t apply to the entire species.
It is not the same as cat claw acacia (Acacia greggii) of the American Southwest. Cat claw acacia can be poisonous. It is also not interchangeable with the other twelve species in Peru that are also called una de gato. Make sure the cat claw you get has the species name on it.
Cayenne
(See Capsicum)
Chamomile
Scientific name: Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita
Also known as babuna, camamila, ground apple, manzanilla, may-then, nervine, pin heads, whig-plant
German Chamomile, Matricaria recutita
Courtesy of Rob Hille
Chamomile is a small annual plant native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Because of its usefulness, it is now grown throughout Europe, Australia, and North America. Chamomile consists of two completely different species. Chamaemelum nobile, Roman Chamomile, is otherwise known as Anthemis nobilis. Matricaria recutita is commonly known as German chamomile. The medicinal properties of the two are reputed to be very similar, but the chemical breakdown shows profound differences.313 Modern research has focused on M. recutita, German or “true” chamomile, which appears to be slightly stronger.314 The flower is used for infusions, tinctures, as well as for the essential oil, which can be quite expensive.
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbal remedies in Europe. Since Roman times, it’s been used for a wide variety of ailments. The Germans refer to it as alles zutraut, which means “capable of anything.”315 In Germany it’s used by adults and children for medicine, cosmetics, and beverage; and for conditions as varied as colds, ulcers, wounds, and insomnia. A gentle sedative, also good for relieving indigestion, it’s known as an after-dinner tea. It also contains several compounds (chamazulene, a-bisabolol, chrysoplenin, chrysoplenol, jaceidin) which have an anti-inflammatory effect.316
What is it good for?
Insomnia from anxiety. The herb has strong traditional use. The Eclectic School prescribed chamomile for nervous unrest. It contains apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. This mechanism causes a mild sedative effect that affects anxiety levels but does not slow muscle function.317 Studies in mice show that chamomile reduces anxiety and promotes sleep.318
Sores. Chamomile wash has traditionally been used for sores, particularly itchy and oozing ones. One traditional use of chamomile is for sunburns that blister and ooze. A related species, Matricaria discoidea DC., was used in North America by the Native Americans for sores. European oral tradition says that rinsing the mouth with cooled chamomile tea helps with mouth inflammation or injury.
The exact mechanism by which chamomile aids in the healing of wounds is unknown, but evidence suggests that it promotes tissue granulation and regeneration. In other words, it attracts the cells that build new tissue.319 Several compounds in chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties,320 and the benefits of those properties are well documented in animals.321 It may also have some minor antibacterial properties.322 It contains important flavonoids, including quercimeritin, which is involved in the reduction of capillary fragility.323 The clinical research for this use, however, is still sketchy. One study found that mice with induced itching were helped by oral chamomile extracts.324 A study of people healing after dermabrasion to remove tattoos showed that chamomile extract helped dry oozing sores and so promoted healing.325
Colds. This use dates back to Roman times. Roman physicians prescribed chamomile for colds, flu, and fever. In Germany it is one of the most popular herbs for cold treatment as well. We don’t, however, have nearly as much research as one might expect for this use. A single 1990 study showed that people who inhaled steam containing chamomile extract during a cold reported a decrease in symptoms.326
How do you use it?
Infusion. Infusion is the most common way of using chamomile despite the fact that the essential oils in chamomile are not very water-soluble. Only 10–15% of chamomile’s essential oil is extracted into an infusion.327 Still people throughout the centuries have used it in this way. To make an infusion of chamomile, use the standard infusion method. Use ½ to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers for each 8 ounces of water. Pour very hot (not boiling) water over the flowers, cover, steep for 5 minutes, and then strain.328 It makes a good after dinner tea, both helping with digestion and encouraging sleep. You can also add a quart or so of the strained tea to your evening bath to encourage sleep. Or you can use the strained infusion at room temperature as a rinse for inflammation or injuries to the mouth. It may also help with bad breath if the problem is an oral one, not a digestive one.
Ointment for wounds. Commercial chamomile ointments and lotions are available. Look for at least 3% chamomile.329 Or you can make your own from the essential oil (using method seven for creams and salves in Chapter 3).
Essential oil. Put a few drops of chamomile essential oil in a half ounce of carrier oil.330 It is good for skin irritations.
Tincture. 1:5, 50% (for dried flowers). For colds, use a tincture of chamomile (2–3 tablespoons) in a quart of hot water. Heat the water until steaming, add the chamomile tincture, and then inhale the steam slowly and deeply for ten minutes, keeping your head and the bowl of water covered with a towel to trap the steam. The effects peak after around a half hour and last for two to three hours. If you feel a bit dizzy while inhaling the steam, uncover your head for a moment. Dizziness is less pronounced with lower doses of chamomile.331
Bath. For relaxation, if you don’t want to drink chamomile tea, you can use it in a bath. Tie a half a cup of dried chamomile flowers in some cheesecloth. Lay it under the running water while you fill the tub.332
Dosage: How much do you use?
Chamomile is on the FDA list of herbs that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Though higher doses have been used for specific, medically supervised treatments (e.g. ulcers), the following are common doses for internal uses:
Tincture. Use 1/8 to 1 teaspoon three times a day is a typical internal dose.333