Chamomile is an ancient herb, traditionally valued for its delicate, daisy-like flowers and their associated soothing properties. For centuries, people have utilized this plant, primarily German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), in various forms to promote relaxation and aid digestion. While its use as a calming tea is well-established, a growing modern curiosity surrounds the practice of smoking the dried flowers, often as an ingredient in herbal smoking blends. This article examines the reasons behind this interest and the scientific realities concerning its safety and efficacy when combusted.
Why People Consider Smoking Chamomile
The primary reasons individuals consider smoking chamomile revolve around its role as a perceived alternative to tobacco or as a component in mixed herbal smokes. Dried chamomile flowers offer a non-addictive, non-psychoactive plant material that bypasses the dependency issues associated with nicotine, appealing to people attempting to quit smoking. Another common motivation is the belief that inhaling the smoke will deliver the herb’s calming effects more rapidly than drinking it as a tea. Chamomile is often incorporated into smoking mixtures alongside other herbs to provide a mild aroma and flavor, driven by the desire for quick, muscle-relaxing action and a sense of calm.
The Health Risks of Inhaling Any Plant Smoke
Regardless of the plant material being burned, the combustion process creates significant risks for the respiratory system. Inhaling smoke introduces harmful particulate matter, which are microscopic solid and liquid particles. Specifically, fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is of particular concern because these particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These tiny particles bypass the body’s upper airway defenses and penetrate deep into the lungs, where they impair function and can trigger illnesses like bronchitis.
Once in the deepest parts of the lungs, PM2.5 can pass into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. Exposure is linked to serious issues, including aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The smoke also contains gases and chemical irritants, such as carbon monoxide and tar, which damage the delicate tissues lining the throat and lungs. Therefore, inhaling any burning plant material, whether tobacco or chamomile, subjects the lungs to the same fundamental dangers of particulate pollution.
How Smoking Affects Chamomile’s Calming Compounds
The primary compounds responsible for chamomile’s calming reputation are flavonoids, particularly apigenin, and volatile essential oils like bisabolol. The efficacy of these beneficial components depends highly on their stability under heat. The temperatures involved in combustion are extremely high, reaching hundreds of degrees Celsius at the burning tip. Studies show that chamomile’s polyphenolic compounds are sensitive to heat and degrade significantly even at low drying temperatures. Consequently, the intense heat of smoking causes the thermal destruction of these active ingredients, rendering the calming effect minimal or nonexistent compared to traditional consumption methods.
Safer and Proven Ways to Use Chamomile
The most common and scientifically supported method for utilizing chamomile’s benefits is preparing an infusion, commonly known as tea. Steeping the dried flowers in hot water effectively extracts the flavonoids and essential oils, preserving therapeutic compounds like apigenin without the risks of smoke inhalation. Beyond tea, chamomile is also safely and effectively used in several other formats. These established methods are superior for both safety and ensuring the chemical integrity of the beneficial components.
Topical Applications
Topical applications, such as creams, balms, and infused oils, utilize the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin irritations, eczema, and minor wounds.
Ingestible Extracts
Concentrated extracts, such as tinctures or capsules, offer a convenient and potent way to ingest the active compounds for internal benefits like sleep promotion and anxiety relief.