Ragweed Allergy? No Chamomile for You!

That means all chamomile (Roman, German, and Maroc) in all forms (essential oil, herbal supplements, etc.) Please don't shoot the messenger! Be mad at ragweed and chamomile for being related.

Ragweed and chamomile are both members of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. The plant family also includes chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, echinacea, and dandelions. YEP - echinacea and dandelions too! Clinical research has documented that that ragweed allergy sufferers have tendency to be allergic to chamomile as well.

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​So, if you are allergic to ragweed and that chamomile tea you've been drinking or chamomile essential oil you've been diffusing:

• gives you a rash,
• nauseates you,
• gives you a scratchy throat, or
• simply does not help you to relax like you had hoped,

that's your ragweed allergy kicking in. Put away the chamomile!

It's unfortunate that this wonder herb called chamomile may not be the go-to for ragweed allergy sufferers. But, fear not! There are other herbs or essential oils that can provide the benefits you are seeking from chamomile:

1. For insomnia- try diffusing essential oils of lavender, sweet marjoram, clary sage, ylang ylang, or valerian. Teas such as lavender, valerian, and passionflower are good choices as well.
2. For indigestion - Teas made from peppermint, lemon balm, or fennel
3. For menstrual cramps - valerian or rosemary tea
4. For skin irritation - apply aloe vera gel; calendula ointment; or lotions/creams that contain lavender essential oil

See! There is still hope for ragweed allergy sufferers to reap the rewards of teas, essential oils, and supplements in a world where chamomile exists. Just remember to read the labels of those essential oil bottles and tea boxes before you buy! If the labels use the Latin names:
Roman Chamomile = Anthemis nobilis
German Chamomile = Matricaria recutita
Maroc Chamomile = Ormenis multicaulis, O. mixta

Enjoy being chamomile-free! Your ragweed allergy-suffering self will thank you for it. :-)

#essentialoils #aromatherapy #tea #supplements #holisticmedicine #alternativemedicine #allergies #ragweedallergy #chamomile

References:

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile/ataglance.htm
2. Medical News Today - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321490.php
3. Pubmed.gov - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11642570
4. Pubmed.gov - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4482820/
5. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie And Worwood
6. The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH
7. Homegrown Herbs by Tammi Hartung