Chamomile

Parts Usually Used

Anthemis nobilis: Dried flowers usually, various parts Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Flowers

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Anthemis nobilis: The true chamomile, named by Linnaeus but to differentiate from the German plant, he named the German plant Chamomilla. From a short root, this creeping chamomile, a nearly prostrate perennial, puts forth a stem to 3-12 inches tall, from which bi- to tripinnatipartite lacy leaves grow. The small flower heads, which grow singly at the ends of the shoot tips, consist of a corona of white ligulate, daisy-like flowers and many (up to 400) yellow tubular disk flowers at the center.

Blooms in late spring through late summer. The fruits (seeds) are extremely tiny. There are other species called chamomile. Cases of mistaken identity may result in allergic reactions to the application of chamomile. Consequently, buy chamomile in a pharmacy or health food store. Growing chamomile in the garden or in bowls or pots on the balcony or patio is rewarding. Once the chamomile culture is established, no tending is necessary.

The seeds cast by this annual will produce plenty of new plants each year. However, chamomile does need humus, nutritious soil that is not too heavy and plenty of sun. If there is no rainfall for a prolonged period, the plants will need watering. Chamomile seeds are sold in every seed store. Sow them in spring in well-prepared (loosened) soil, which has to be kept damp at first.

Because chamomile germinates in the light, broadcast the seeds and press them down very lightly. Harvest the flower heads as soon as they have opened, taking as little of the stalk as possible. The entire herb is strongly apple scented. Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Smooth, apple-scented, erect annual; 6-36 inches. Linear leaves are finely divided; somewhat more coarse and less scented than A.

nobilis. Flowers daisy-like, 3/4 inch across; receptacle hollow within. Flowers May to October. Other varieties: Mayweed and others of the genus Anthemis, are commonly classified as weeds and are not cultivated as a rule; Yellow or Ox-eye camomile (A. tinctoria) which is a wild plant; Corn camomile (A. arvensis) a wild plant; A. cotula and M. inodora are wild camomiles, both of which are known as Mayweeds; A.

treneagne does not bloom; A. plena has double white blooms.

Where Found

Anthemis nobilis: An old well-known home remedy that grows freely everywhere. Chamomile is an undemanding plant that grows in fields and landfills, on fallow land, and along roadsides, embankments, and field boundaries. Native to the British Isles, western Europe, North Africa and the Azores. Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Found in much of the United States, locally abundant.

Native to Europe and Asia

Medicinal Properties

Anthemis nobilis: Stimulant, bitter tonic, aromatic, emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow), anodyne, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, carminative, nervine, analgesic, emetic, stomachic. Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Calmative, antispasmodic, anodyne, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, carminative, nervine

Biochemical Information

Anthemis nobilis: Antheme, anthemic acid, anthesterol, apigenin, calcium, chamazulene, iron, magnesium, manganese, volatile oils, potassium, tannic acid, tiglic acid, and vitamin A. The essential oil contains up to 50% alpha-bisacolol as well as chamazulene, a blue substance. Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Essential oil comprised of a blue-colored azulene, also coumarin, flavonic heterosides, tannic acid

Legends, Myths and Stories

Chamomile is an herb with a split personality, chiefly because it is really 2 plants, though most people think of it as a single plant. The trouble is that German camomile (A. nobilis) and Roman camomile (M. recutita) or (M. chamomilla) or (C. recutita) are 2 distinct plants with similar characteristics, but people familiar with one tend to think of it as the only chamomile. Sometimes they are simply ignorant of the other plant; other times they are aware of it but choose to ignore it; and still other times they resort to the ploy of denigrating the other plant, attempting to disprove its legitimacy as a chamomile.

The chamomile varieties are best known for their apple-like fragrance and flavor, qualities which surprise the uninitiated, for none of the chamomiles have any visual resemblance to an apple or apple tree. The name, chamomile is derived from the Greek “kamai” meaning “on the ground” and melon (apple) for ground apple. The chamomiles are considered insect repellents. Anthemis nobilis: Chamomile was supposedly dedicated to the sun by the Egyptians because of its curative value in the treatment of ague (chills and fever).

Throughout the Middle Ages, it was so popular that Culpeper didn’t even describe the plant. In Spain the chamomiles were called Manzanilla, and the flowers were used to flavor the finest dry sherries. Back when ladies came down with the “vapors”, a cup of chamomile tea was often prescribed to relieve the female anxiety. Europeans have used chamomile medicinally since the 1600s.

Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: This chamomile is one of the oldest of herbal remedies, which is often noted as a valuable aromatic bitter, thus a tonic. Chamomile matricaria is consecrated to St. Anne, mother of the Virgin. The botanical name, Matricaria, is from mater and cara—(beloved mother). Correct spelling: both Chamomile and Camomile are correct.

Uses

Historical herbalists utilized *Anthemis nobilis* as a general tonic, digestive aid, and mild sedative to encourage sleep and relaxation. Traditional practitioners administered it for gastrointestinal complaints, including colic, dyspepsia, nausea, colitis, and poor appetite. It was also recommended in folk medicine for pain-related conditions such as headaches, toothaches, sciatica, gout, rheumatism, muscle cramps, and hemorrhoids.

Herbalists employed the plant to address respiratory ailments like colds, asthma, and bronchitis, as well as fevers, menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, gallstones, and issues concerning the bladder, kidneys, spleen, and liver. Externally, chamomile infusions were used as washes for sore eyes and swellings, while poultices were applied to wounds, and ointments prepared with bittersweet were utilized for bruises, sprains, calluses, and corns.

Similarly, *Chamomilla recutita* (also known historically as *Matricaria recutita* or *Matricaria chamomilla*) was traditionally employed as a sleep aid, general tonic, and appetite stimulant. Practitioners recommended it for digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, constipation, colic, spasms, and gallstones. Folk traditions also utilized it to address asthma, colds, fevers, headaches, general pain, sciatica, gout, rheumatism, and arthritis.

In cosmetic applications, the leaves and flowers were incorporated into herbal baths, and an infusion of the leaves was traditionally used as a hair rinse to brighten blond hair.

How Sold

Anthemis nobilis: Capsules. Extract. Chamomilla recutita or Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla: Prepared tea

Bibliography

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