The homeopathic preparation of this medicine is obtained from matricaria or German chamomile. It has been an important remedy in homeopathic practice since the time of its introduction by Hahnemann, in the year 1805.

Chamomilla is said to be slightly stimulant; this effect and its aromatic properties, are due to a volatile oil. Pharmacologists have paid little attention to the action of Chamomilla. What is recorded, is to the effect that the drug is emetic in large doses; that it has the power of reducing reflex excitability in frogs, even after its excitation by strychnin" [Wilcox], and that, its classification by them as belonging to the bitters, gives the drug bitter and tonic properties. Chamomilla is credited with causing an increased excretion of sweat. Because of its ability to overcome certain reflexes, it is styled a mild nervine or sedative. Additional information concerning the action of chamomilla is obtained from the homeopathic provings. Most of the knowledge which we possess concerning its effects, of which use may be made in therapeutics, comes from this source.

Important symptoms obtained in this manner, will be considered as additional physiological effects of the remedy. We find a hypersensitiveness of mind and body. This is due to an action on the sensory nerves and is produced in a degree inversely proportionate to the degree of development of the nervous system. Hence, babies and young children are more susceptible to its action than adults. The child suffers with a snappish irritability and is unusually and unnaturally sensitive to external stimuli (pain). Given to such a child, in large doses, it acts, as previously stated, as a sedative, but its abuse in this respect, produces the opposite train of effects, resulting in an aggravation and intensification of the original nervous, mental, and physical reflexes.

Hence the homeopathicity in general, of chamomilla to nervous children, when given in subphysiological doses, is apparent.

Other prominent symptoms recorded in the provings are: colic, diarrhea, red face, and a number of neuroses and reflexes similar to those occurring during dentition.

Therapeutics

Chamomilla: Here we have a remedy mostly related to the acute ailments of infancy and childhood and whose leading indication is found in its mental state of extreme irritability, petulance and anger. Pain is unbearable to the chamomilla subject; he tolerates it badly and is made extremely restless and peevish by it.

Infants are averse to being touched or spoken to, cry out when approached, but, strangely enough, are relieved and quieted when carried. This relief from passive motion is a strong indication for Chamo-milla, in babies, and is not to be overlooked by the physician. Another marked characteristic is redness of one cheek and pale ness of the other; due attention being paid to the particular side of the face upon which the child may have been lying.

Hot sweat with the pains, is another keynote indication. Chamomilla finds most frequent application, perhaps, in the troubles of difficult dentition where, with the indications just presented, it restores peace and tranquility to many a peevish, sleepless baby. Wind colic or colic caused by acute indigestion, will often be present, together with slimy, acrid, excoriating, grass-green, undigested stools. Frequently these stools have the odor of rotten eggs.

Vexation or anger, is an exciting causative factor in Chamomilla and complaints in which the mental or psychic element of anger is present in the history, will often need the remedy. Likewise a state of hypersensitiveness, produced by unwise overdosing with morphin or other narcotic drugs, will be quieted by Chamomilla. Sleeplessness, due to excessive coffee drinking, will be relieved by Chamomilla, when the element of extreme irritability is present.

Chamomilla patients are rather sensitive to cold, take cold easily, are then subject to coryza, with hot, excoriating, watery discharge or to colicky abdominal pains, with irritability. Chamomilla complaints are usually aggravated at night.

Measles, simple bronchitis, even though severe, may need this remedy. Dysmenorrhea in snappy peevish young women, who show much impatience and irritability, will be aided by the drug. Its usefulness in many conditions is certainly great, but its characteristic mental symptoms will always decide its choice."

Characteristic Symptoms Of Chamomilla

1. Whining restlessness; the child wants different things, and refuses or repels them when offered; peevish and irritable.

2. Nervous women, very sensitive to pain which seems unendurable; whining and complaining.

3. One cheek red, the other pale.

4. Fevers from local irritation, during dentition or from indigestible substances in stomach or intestines, from worms, etc.

5. Diarrhea of nursing children, stools green and slimy; often like chopped spinach and egg; undigested; bad smelling.

6. Sleeplessness in adults or children, from nervous excitement.