Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Common Name

Manzanilla (Spanish), Mayhem (Saxon), German Chamomile

Description/Taxonomy:

Chamomile is in the Asteraceae family (same as Daisys) and is native to Europe, however today you can find it cultivated in most parts of the world. There are 2 medicinal varieties of Chamomile, German and Roman. I work with German, which is also known as True Chamomile and is the most generous with its white blossoms each year.

Cultivation:

Chamomile is a fast growing herb and self-seeds readily in Zone 2-9. This herbal ally does best in full sun, but can tolerate a little shade as well. Generally, Chamomile requires very little maintenance and after the plants are established in your no-till beds, they hardly need water either. You can expect abundant white blooms throughout Summer. Remember each time you harvest a flower, another blooms!

Chamomile is a “surface” seed. Therefore when planting your seeds, you want to scatter them on top of the soil surface and lightly cover them with Earth. I prefer to start Chamomile indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. That way, they are about 2-4 inches tall and a bit hardy when they are transplanted into the garden. Allow for 18 inches of spacing between each plant.

History:

Chamomile's common name originates from the Greek work “chamosmelos.” This translates to ground apple and we see this in it’s growing nature since this ally enjoys growing low to the ground and has a pleasant apple like scent.

In older text from Hippocrates and Dioscorides, we find Chamomile being used as an effective remedy for treating fevers.

In Ancient Egypt, Chamomile was considered a gift from the sun and was used for fevers as well as in the mummification process.

Ancient Europeans worked with Chamomile to calm an upset belly and for soothing nervous tension.

Spiritual Uses:

The Chamomile flower essence is a remedy for releasing nervous tension that manifests in the digestive system. Have you ever heard the saying, “trust the gut?” Well sometimes when we don’t trust our gut feeling, we get a “shaky belly.” Chamomile flower essence helps us tune in to what our guts are saying and find comfort and relaxation in our ability to process.

Parts Used:

Aerial Parts

Herbal Actions:

Nervine Sedative:

The volatile oils in the flowers are responsible for this action. In general, nervines relax, calm, and sedate the nervous system. Nervine Relaxant/Sedatives, such as Chamomile, are gentle and may be consumed throughout the day to encourage a more peaceful daily experience.

Carminative:

The presence of strong volatile oils is responsible for creating this herbal action. Carminitives are focused in the digestive system and they relieve gas, bloating, and spasms in the smooth muscle. They also increase circulation with in the gut and aid in the digestive process.

Digestive Bitter:

You will notice if plants are bitter just by their taste. You may not think Chamomile is bitter until you try a strong tea infusion. Then you will taste the aromatic bitterness!

This bitter sensation sends a message to the vagus nerve through the parasympathetic nervous system. This is important, because the parasympathetic nervous system oversees the entire digestive process. Digestive bitters stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the entire gastrointestinal system to process food. This happens by stimulating more digestive secretions to break down and absorb nutrients from our meals.

Antispasmodic:

Antispasmodics treat muscle spasms, cramping and tension. Since Chamomile is a sedative nervine, its antispasmodic affect will not be as strong as California Poppy and other hypnotic nervines.

Emmenagogue:

In general, emmenagogues stimulate the flow of menstruation. It is important to remember that emmenagogues also nourish the blood and increase circulation. The aromatic oils of Chamomile not only stimulate blood flow, but they also support the liver as well. This is important in the support for women who may experience PMS or lack of menstruation.

Antimicrobial:

The aromatic oils are extremely antimicrobial. This has a direct affect on preventing the spread of harmful pathogens and also killing harmful pathogens. Chamomile may support the function of the overall immune system.

Vulnerary:

Vulneraries repair damaged tissue, both internally and externally. When applied topically, vulneraries heal the skin and may speed the recovery of wounds and skin issues in general. Internally, Vulneraries relieve inflammation; especially those of the digestive system. Chamomile has antimicrobial properties found in the aromatic oils that prevent and may kill harmful microbes when applied topically. There have been several studies published on its ability to relieve psoriasis.

Diaphoretic:

Chamomile brings moisture to the surface of the skin when consumed through a hot infusion. This creates an overall cooling affect and is used to lower fevers. This is a great remedy for young children who have a fever or have restlessness from teething.

Energetics:

Cooling + Drying

Medicinal Benefits:

Internal:

Chamomile is one of the Earth Medicines that truly offers a broad range of benefits to the home apothecary. This ally has a direct effect on the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, and the female reproductive system.

Nervous Tension

Restlessness

Irritability

Upset Stomach

Gas/Bloating

Fevers

PMS

Immune Support

Topical:

Inflamed skin in general

Cautions/Contraindications:

Chamomile is generally recognized as safe for people of all ages. Children especially enjoy Chamomile. This Earth Medicine is not recommended for pregnant women as it may bring on contractions.

Dosage and Method of Delivery:

Tea: steep 2-3 tsp. per cup of hot water for 15 minutes.

Tincture: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Glycerin: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Topical: Crafted into an infused oil for massage, into a salve, or as a compress.