Roman Chamomile

Why You Need It

• Deep Sleep Aid: It promotes relaxation by binding to GABA receptors, helping you fall asleep faster without the grogginess of pharmaceuticals.
• Digestive Calmer: It soothes the muscles of the intestines, relieving symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gas, and colic.
• Anxiety Relief: Its aroma and active compounds (like chamazulene) help lower cortisol levels, reducing feelings of stress.
• Anti-inflammatory: It can soothe skin irritation and reduce internal inflammation when ingested.

Deep Dive

Roman Chamomile contains a volatile oil rich in esters (isobutyl angelate) and flavonoids (apigenin). The magic lies in apigenin, a compound that binds to specific receptors in the brain to decrease anxiety and initiate sleep, acting as a mild sedative. For the gut, it relaxes the smooth muscle lining, preventing the spasms that cause cramping and pain. Unlike stronger sedatives, it generally preserves cognitive sharpness while calming the nerves.

Natural Food Sources

While Roman Chamomile is most potent as an herb or tea, its active compounds exist in the broader plant family. However, to get the specific sedative effects of Roman Chamomile, you must consume the herb itself.

Supplementation

Dosage:

• Tea: 1 cup (approx. 1 oz dried flowers steeped) 30 minutes before bed.
• Capsules: 400–900 mg of extract daily.
• Tincture: 3–5 ml, three times daily.

Who should take it: Individuals suffering from insomnia, nervous tension, or mild digestive upset (IBS). It is generally considered safe for children over 2 (in tea form), but always consult a pediatrician first.