Chamomilla 3X HPUS
Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla L., Matricaria recutita, Chamomile, German chamomile, Chamomilla 3X HPUS, Matricaria chamomilla
Overview
Chamomilla 3X HPUS is a homeopathic preparation derived from the chamomile plant (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita). Chamomile is a flowering plant widely recognized in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting properties. The '3X HPUS' designation indicates a homeopathic dilution process, specifically a 1:10 dilution repeated three times, resulting in a 1:1000 concentration. While chamomile extracts have been studied for various health benefits, the highly diluted 3X HPUS form has limited direct clinical evidence due to the minimal presence of active compounds. Chamomile contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin), essential oils, and other phenolic compounds. It is available in various forms, including teas, extracts, capsules, and homeopathic preparations.
Benefits
Chamomile extracts have demonstrated several potential health benefits. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that chamomile extract can improve sleep quality in adults. Flavonoids, particularly apigenin, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, with some clinical trials showing improvements in joint pain. Chamomile extracts also possess antimicrobial activity and may promote wound healing. Some studies suggest anxiolytic and mild antidepressant effects, although more robust clinical data is needed. These benefits are primarily associated with chamomile extracts, and the evidence for 3X HPUS homeopathic potency is limited due to the high dilution factor.
How it works
Chamomile's effects are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids like apigenin. Apigenin can modulate inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, reducing inflammation. It also interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, contributing to anxiolytic and sedative effects. Chamomile acts on the central nervous system to modulate sleep and anxiety and on the immune system through anti-inflammatory pathways. While flavonoids in chamomile extracts are bioavailable, the extremely low concentration of active molecules in homeopathic 3X dilutions raises questions about the pharmacological activity of this specific preparation.
Side effects
Chamomile is generally considered safe when used in controlled dosages as extracts or teas. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to ragweed or daisies. Uncommon side effects may include contact dermatitis and photosensitivity. Rare side effects, such as severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Chamomile may interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) and immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine). Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid chamomile.
Dosage
For chamomile extracts, typical dosages range from 220-1100 mg daily of a standardized extract. However, there is no established dosing for 3X HPUS homeopathic preparations due to the high dilution. Extracts standardized to apigenin content are commonly used. For sleep, chamomile is often taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. For inflammation, regular daily dosing over several weeks may be necessary. Chamomile is available in various forms, including tea, capsules, tinctures, pellets, and drops. Bioavailability of flavonoids can be enhanced with food, although absorption can be variable. Due to the high dilution in 3X HPUS, there is no established minimum or maximum safe dose.
FAQs
Is Chamomilla 3X HPUS effective?
Direct clinical evidence for the effectiveness of 3X HPUS homeopathic potency is limited. Benefits are primarily supported by research on chamomile extracts, not homeopathic dilutions.
Is Chamomilla 3X HPUS safe?
Chamomilla 3X HPUS is generally considered safe due to the high dilution, which minimizes the risk of side effects. However, allergic reactions are still possible in sensitive individuals.
When should I take Chamomilla 3X HPUS?
For sleep-related issues, it is typically taken before bedtime. For inflammation, it can be taken daily. However, the benefits are not well-established for the 3X HPUS dilution.
How soon can I expect results from Chamomilla 3X HPUS?
Results may vary. Some individuals report benefits within days to weeks, but the efficacy of the 3X HPUS dilution is not well-supported by clinical evidence.
Is Chamomilla 3X HPUS the same as chamomile tea?
No, chamomile tea contains measurable amounts of active compounds, while 3X HPUS is a homeopathic dilution with minimal active molecules.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106912/ – Srivastava et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs involving adults with sleep issues. The review found that chamomile extract significantly improved sleep quality (p < 0.05). However, the study noted heterogeneity in study designs and focused on extracts rather than homeopathic preparations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5074766/ – Sharifi-Rad et al. (2016) conducted a systematic review of various clinical trials on inflammation and wound healing. The review indicated that chamomile flavonoids reduce inflammation markers and provide some clinical pain relief. However, the study noted the limited number of large RCTs and mixed results on systemic inflammation.
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5090074 – Alizadeh et al. (2025) performed a systematic review of adverse events related to chamomile, analyzing 73 trials and 10 case reports up to 2024. The review concluded that chamomile is generally safe, but allergic reactions and drug interactions were noted. The study also highlighted incomplete adverse event reporting in some trials.
- https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Homeopathy-Overview-Report.pdf – This overview report provides a general analysis of homeopathy research. It discusses the challenges in evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments due to their highly diluted nature and individualized approach. The report emphasizes the need for rigorous clinical trials to determine the efficacy of homeopathic preparations.
- https://certifiedhomeopathic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NHPCB-Standards-Pathway_2-2023-07-05.pdf – This document outlines the standards and pathways for certification in homeopathy. It details the principles and practices of homeopathic medicine, including the use of highly diluted substances. The document serves as a guide for practitioners and provides a framework for ensuring quality and consistency in homeopathic treatments.
