The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

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Chamomile

Scientific Names

Chamomile

  • Anthemis nobilis L. (Roman)
  • Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert
  • Matricaria chamomilla (German)
  • Matricaria recutita
  • Compositae
  • Composite family

Common Names

Anthemis nobilis:

  • Garden chamomile
  • Ground apple
  • Low chamomile
  • Roman chamomile
  • True chamomile
  • Whig plant

Chamomilla recutita or
Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla:

  • False chamomile
  • German chamomile
  • Hungarian chamomile
  • Rauschert
  • Wild chamomile

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Parts Usually Used

Anthemis nobilis:
Dried flowers usually, various parts

Chamomilla recutita or
Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla:

Flowers
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Uses

Anthemis nobilis:
A good nerve tonic helping to relax, sleep aid, appetite stimulant, colic, sciatica, gout, flu, nausea, and digestive aid. Relieves bladder, colds, asthma, colitis, toothache, fever, headaches, hemorrhoids, muscle cramps, and pain. Effective in the treatment of rheumatism, worms, gallstones, and jaundice. Chamomile is also used to make a soothing and sedative tea, which may be used to alleviate insomnia.

An excellent general tonic that increases the appetite and is good for dyspepsia. Good to regulate monthly periods and relieve menstrual cramps. Splendid for kidneys, spleen, colds, bronchitis, bladder trouble.

The tea makes an excellent wash for sore and weak eyes and also for swellings. Intermittent fever and typhoid fever can be broken up in the early stages with this herb. Good in hysteria and nervous diseases. Made and used as a poultice, it will prevent gangrene. Combine with bittersweet as an ointment for bruises, sprains, calluses, or corns.

A cup of chamomile tea is a perfect nightcap.

Chamomilla recutita or
Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla:

Treats diarrhea, sleep aid, sciatica, gout, flu, and digestive aid. Relieves colds, asthma, fever, colic, gallstones, headaches, muscle cramps, tonic, increase appetite, spasms, constipation, and pain. Effective in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. Flowers were a folk remedy for cancer.

Leaves and flowers are good for herbal baths and cosmetics; a rinse made from the leaves is used to brighten blond hair.
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Formulas or Dosages

A pinch of ground ginger added to chamomile tea is a favorite domestic remedy for loss of appetite or distaste for food. Herbalists say that children may be given the warm tea in teaspoonful doses.

Never boil chamomile flowers; always keep infusion covered when steeping. Drink tea in small doses.
Either chamomile may be used as a rinse for blond hair. Use 3 or 4 tbsp. of dried flowers to 1 pint of water. Boil from 20 to 30 minutes; strain and cool. Shampoo hair and apply as a rinse (hair should be free of all oil). Apply rinse by pouring over the hair; dip a brush in the rinse collected in a basin, and work into the hair by parting the hair and brushing. Rinse may be poured over the hair several times and brushing repeated. Dry the hair the usual way.
In restaurants, chamomile tea is usually available instead of regular tea, which contains caffeine.

Anthemis nobilis:
Infusion: 1/2 oz. of the blossoms to 1 pint of boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes. May steep in a jar, if so pour off into another jar or jug; sweeten with sugar or honey. Soothing sedative, absolutely harmless effect. Add a little grated ginger to aged persons a couple of hours before dinner.

Decoction: take 2 oz. of flowers and 1 oz. fennel seeds; pour over them 4 pints of boiling water; let steep covered; strain.

Tea: take 3 tbsp. flowers, 2 tsp. Coriander seeds, add 1 quart boiling water, and allow to stand over night. A wineglassful is to be taken 1/2 hour before dinner to increase appetite.

Externally: rub extract on skin irritation as needed. Put in bath water to relieve hemorrhoids.

Chamomilla recutita or
Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla:

Infusion: steep 1 tbsp. in a covered cup of boiling water with 2 slices of fresh ginger. Very effective treatment for menstrual cramps, other pains or spasms, minor digestive problems, such as acid indigestion and gas.
Tincture: 10-30 drops.
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Nutrient Content

Contains easily assimilable form of calcium.
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How Sold

Anthemis nobilis:
Capsules (take one capsule twice daily).

Extract: mix 10 to 20 drops in water, take up to 3 times per day.

Chamomilla recutita or
Matricaria recutita or
Matricaria chamomilla:

Prepared tea (1 cup daily)
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Warning

Any of the varieties:
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and anyone allergic to other members of the daisy family, including ragweed, should steer clear of this herb. If unsure, consult your doctor or allergist.

Ragweed allergy sufferers may react to Chamomile, too.

Do not use for long periods of time. Do not use if allergic to ragweed.

Do not use the essential oil during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
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Bibliography

Buy It! Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994

Buy It! American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973

Buy It! Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Buy It! Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

Buy It! Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs, by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814)

Buy It! Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Buy It! The Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788, 1992

Buy It! The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993

Buy It! The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994

Buy It! The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Co. (1988).

Buy It! Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Buy It! The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Buy It! Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

Buy It! The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition

Buy It! An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992).

Buy It! The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

Buy It! The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book), edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. Emmaus, PA, 18049., 1974

Buy It! Country Home Book of Herbs, Meredith Books, Editorial Dept. RW240, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023, copyright 1994

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