Bert Swope
Chamomile, a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family, originally hails from Europe and Western Asia but can now be found worldwide.
There are two species of Chamomile plants, German (Chamaemelum nobile) and Roman (Chamaemelum recutita).
Chamomile flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids that make them effective herbal remedies for treating various conditions, and are therefore commonly consumed as tea or in tincture form.
It is a flowering plant in the daisy family
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an Asteraceae flowering plant native to Europe and Western Asia that can now be found worldwide. As well as being used as garden ornamental, Chamomile can also be utilized medicinally.
These 1 inch wide flowers boast centers full of yellow tubular florets and 20 white petals that curve backward, as well as an aromatic fragrance with slight notches at each ray end.
Chamomile plants come in various species, with Matricaria recutita being one of the most widely utilized medicinally. As it spreads via seeds, this perennial spreads quickly.
Anthemis nobilis is a low-growing perennial that can reach 10 inches high and blooms from May through September, producing daisy-like blossoms that release an apple aroma when trodden upon. Furthermore, their blooms can be used as herbal remedies.
Feverfew is another similar plant to chamomile from its same family but not daisy-related. Feverfew features tiny flowers resembling those seen on chamomile, yet has a distinct bitter flavor and smell which draws bees to it.
Chamomile leaves and stems are edible and can be added to salads; however, as they mature they may become bitter.
Chamomile can be considered a dangerous plant in some countries, as its toxic components may lead to serious reactions in certain individuals, including nausea, dizziness and other symptoms that require immediate medical intervention. When this occurs it should be immediately reported and medical advice sought immediately from a physician.
Many Asteraceae family plants resemble chamomile, making it hard to identify which one you are seeing. Chamomile can be distinguished from these others by its 1-inch-wide flowers and aromatic fragrance.
True Chamomile features thin spindle-shaped roots which penetrate only superficially into the soil, and has bi- to tripinnate leaves with long and narrow stalks growing to an average height of 10-80 cm. Its bi- or tripinnate stem grows to 10-80 cm with bi- to tripinnate leaves with long narrow leaves; and its heterogamous flower heads feature golden yellow tubular florets of 1.5 to 2.5 mm length ending in glandulous tubes pedunculated at its nodes.
It is used as an herbal remedy
Chamomile is a perennially beloved herb that has been utilized for millennia to alleviate various health concerns. A member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, this perennial plant comes in two varieties – German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile).
Chamomile contains natural chemicals called terpenoids and flavonoids which give this plant its healing powers, including healing the digestive tract and decreasing inflammation throughout the body. These natural chemicals also play a significant role in supporting its beneficial qualities.
Chamomile can help soothe nerves and promote sleep. It is often recommended as a remedy for anxiety or insomnia, and even helps lower blood sugar levels to manage diabetes more effectively.
An effective natural remedy for fevers, garlic is also a popular herbal solution to prevent colds and flu by helping reduce inflammation caused by symptoms. When taken in combination with other herbs, garlic can even provide pain relief.
Chamomile can be enjoyed most commonly through making tea. It is one of the world’s most beloved herbal infusions and can be purchased in various forms such as tea bags, powder and tinctures.
Hot chamomile tea can help alleviate headaches, stomachaches, gas and indigestion; menstrual cramps; as well as treating ear infections, sore eyes or skin rashes.
Chamomile can also help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by balancing prostaglandin production in your body, providing another benefit if you take blood-thinner medications such as warfarin.
This herb effectively treats nausea and vomiting, so taking it in the morning or before bedtime will ease these symptoms. Furthermore, it acts as a mild sedative for those experiencing stress or anxiety.
One quart of Chamomile decoction added to a bath can provide relief for sore and achy joints, quell rashes or poison oak, calm nerves after an emotionally trying day and soothe nerves after stress-inducing activities. Furthermore, this solution can also be applied directly on skin for added softening and soothing benefits.
It is grown as a garden plant
Chamomile is an adaptable garden plant, suitable for growing in both hot and cold climates. You can plant it either in containers or garden beds; care and cultivation requirements are minimal – an easy-care flowering herb perfect for making herbal tea!
When planting seeds of chamomile, it is crucial that they are planted in well-drained and nutritious soil. Compost and other organic matter should also be added prior to sowing the seeds. As these drought-tolerant plants do not need consistent levels of moisture for healthy root development, regular watering will ensure successful results.
Be sure that seedlings receive plenty of daylight during the day to allow for growth and maturity. A grow light can also be utilized, though no more than 16 hours of direct sunlight should be given each day.
Once your plants reach 1 to 2 inches tall, transfer them into a pot or container with drainage holes to allow the roots to breathe between watering sessions and dry out completely between watering sessions. Make sure the pot or container has sufficient space for growth to its maximum potential.
As with any herb, chamomile thrives when planted near other plants in your garden, particularly brassica family crops like cabbage, kale, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Chamomile’s strong fragrance can cover their distinct odor and deter pests while acting as an effective barrier against potential insects or diseases.
Dry leaves and flowers can be stored in glass jars until needed for later use, or turned into chamomile syrup for use as a sweetener in fruit salad and yogurt dishes.
Chamomile flowers typically bloom from June until the fall season, providing three or four harvests over its lifetime. As it requires little care or maintenance, growing and caring for this herb makes it one of the easiest herbs to manage and cultivate.
It is used to make tea
Chamomile, an herb from the daisy family, has been used for thousands of years as both medicine and a form of tea making. Chamomile can help treat various conditions as it’s one of the most widely-used medicinal herbs available today – not forgetting its ability to create aromatic tea varieties!
This herbal infusion features a sweet and refreshing flavor, known for its relaxing properties. It can help promote restful sleep as well as treat cold symptoms effectively; additionally, its caffeine-free nature makes it an excellent solution for people who may have sensitivity.
Chamomile flowers can be added to water infusions to make tisane, an herbal drink similar to tea. You can purchase loose leaves or teabags of this tisane beverage; however, for optimal results use fresh chamomile flowers whenever possible – their delicate petals boasting sweet apple-like aromas make a fantastic tisane drink!
Chamomile can be found on the market as dried flowers and various herbal teas, and is also an integral component in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.
When purchasing chamomile tea, it is important to select an excellent brand with various flavors and strengths available to choose from. When reading labels carefully and consulting your pharmacist or doctor about possible side effects associated with products you are interested in buying, make sure your choice has no hidden dangers that might surprise you later on.
German and Roman Chamomile varieties used to make tea are Matricaria Recutita and Chamaemelum nobile respectively, both having been shown to help with insomnia, headaches, nausea, cold symptoms, muscle spasms and stress relief.
Both varieties of chamomile plants are hardy perennials that thrive in most regions around the globe, from potted gardens to outdoor planting areas with plenty of direct sunlight – however, they prefer an area receiving eight hours or more each day of direct sun. Chamomile plants make ideal companion plants for vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli while helping keep weeds under control as well as repelling cabbage moths!