Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile)
Herb Class/Action: Chamomile is classified as a nervine, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and digestive herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The flowers of the chamomile plant are primarily used for medicinal purposes, although the leaves may also have therapeutic properties.
Flavors: Chamomile has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with apple-like undertones.
Energetics: Chamomile is energetically cooling and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Calming and Relaxing: Chamomile is prized for its nervine properties, which help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. It is commonly used to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, as well as to promote restful sleep.
- Digestive Support: Chamomile acts as a carminative and digestive herb to soothe and support the digestive system. It can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps, as well as promote healthy digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile contains compounds such as chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol that have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, gastritis, and skin irritations.
In the Garden: Chamomile is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant, depending on the species. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual plant native to Europe and Western Asia, while Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial plant native to Europe and North Africa. Both varieties prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Chamomile produces small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers in the summer. It is often grown in herb gardens, flower beds, and containers or used as a ground cover or border plant.
Culinary Uses: Chamomile flowers can be used fresh or dried to make a soothing herbal tea or infusion. The tea is often consumed before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Chamomile flowers can also be used to flavor culinary dishes such as desserts, salads, soups, and sauces, although they are less commonly used in cooking compared to other culinary herbs.
Precautions: Chamomile is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using chamomile medicinally. Additionally, individuals taking certain medications or with certain medical conditions should use caution when consuming chamomile, as it may interact with medications or exacerbate certain health conditions.
There are two main varieties of chamomile commonly used for medicinal purposes:
- German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):
- German chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia.
- Medicinally, German chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It is commonly used to soothe gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps. It is also used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- In the garden, German chamomile grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It produces small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers.
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile):
- Roman chamomile is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and North Africa.
- Medicinally, Roman chamomile is similar to German chamomile but is often used more for its calming and sedative effects. It is commonly used to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, as well as to promote restful sleep.
- In the garden, Roman chamomile is a low-growing plant that forms a dense mat of foliage. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate light foot traffic. Roman chamomile produces small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers.
While both German and Roman chamomile share similar medicinal properties, they may differ slightly in flavor and aroma. Additionally, Roman chamomile is a perennial plant, while German chamomile is an annual.
