With its delicate white petals and golden centre, chamomile is a familiar herb often associated with a comforting cup of tea. Its history stretches back centuries, and today it also appears in supplements intended to support dog’s wellbeing.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same plant family as daisies and sunflowers. Two different plants commonly share the name: German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile.
German chamomile is known botanically as Matricaria chamomilla, with Matricaria recutita and chamomilla recutita also used as scientific names. Roman chamomile is a separate species, Chamaemelum mobile. Although their names are similar, they should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
German chamomile is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle within one growing season. It produces finely divided, aromatic leaves and small flowers with white petals surrounding a raised yellow centre.
Where does it come from?
German chamomile has a broad native range across parts of Europe, North Africa and Asia. It is now cultivated in many places for use in herbal preparations. Its name does not mean that all German chamomile is grown in Germany.
Chamomile was described in ancient medical writings and has a long history of use in cultures including ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It became associated with soothing preparations for relaxation and digestive comfort. This traditional history explains its popularity.
Which part of the plant is used?
The flower heads are the principal part used in German chamomile herbal preparations. This can be dried and reduced into small pieces or powder, or processed to make extracts.
A dried flower powder, a brewed tea, a concentrated extract and an essential oil are different preparations. They can contain different amounts of the plants compounds and should not be substituted for one another using the same feed amount.
How might chamomile support relaxation?
Oner of chamomiles naturally occurring compounds is Apigenin, which belongs to a group of plant compounds called flavonoids.
Laboratory research has found that apigenin can interact with receptor sites associated with the brains GABA signalling system. GABA is a chemical massager involved in reducing nerve activity.
These finding offer a possible explanation for chamomile association with relaxation.
Chamomile has bee used in Veterinary practices for mild anxiety.
What about digestive comfort?
Chamomile also has a long-standing association with digestive wellbeing.
The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of certain German chamomile flower medicines for minor digestive complaints in people, including bloating and mild spasms.
Chamomile has also been used in veterinary care for Gastrointestinal conditions. However, this should not be taken as evidence that a powder will treat a digestive disease. Persistent vomitting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or changes in appetite need Veterinary assessment.
Precautions before introducing Chamomile
Chamomile may be unsuitable for dogs with an allergy to it or relayed plants, including ragweed and daisies. It can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.
Ask your vet before using it if your dog takes medication, particularly sedatives, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as meloxicam or carprofen, or blood-thinning medicines. Other herbs and supplements should also be included in that decision.
If your dog develops an unwanted reaction, stop the supplement and contact your vet. Facial swelling or breathing difficulties require urgent vet attention.