What to know about Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) before using it medicinally

Chamomilla recutita, commonly known as chamomile, is an herb that has been widely used for its numerous health benefits, including its calming and soothing effects, which help to reduce anxiety and promote a good night's sleep.

As a popular ornamental plant, Chamomilla recutita is prized for its delicate white flowers and apple-like fragrance, which attract pollinators and add a charming touch to gardens. The botanical properties of this herb are characterized by its daisy-like appearance and its unique essential oil composition, which is rich in chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol.

With its long history of use dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, Chamomilla recutita has been mentioned in various historical texts, including those by Hippocrates and Dioscorides, who recognized its medicinal and therapeutic properties.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Chamomilla recutita .

What are the medicinal properties of Chamomilla recutita ?

Chamomilla recutita helps with anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness due to its calming and sedative properties. It is also used to soothe skin irritations, inflammation, and digestive issues. Its antispasmodic properties alleviate menstrual cramps and other muscle spasms.

The active constituents of Chamomilla recutita include apigenin, luteolin, and matricarin, which are flavonoids responsible for its medicinal properties. Apigenin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity, while luteolin shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Matricarin has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The leaves and flowers of the plant are primarily used for medicinal purposes. The leaves contain a higher concentration of flavonoids, while the flowers have a higher content of essential oils and terpenoids. The essential oil extracted from the flowers is used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent.

Chamomilla recutita may cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with ragweed allergy. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and diarrhea. In rare cases, it may also cause liver damage or interact with certain medications.

Precautions include using the plant under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also essential to monitor the individual's response to the treatment and adjust the dosage accordingly. Chamomilla recutita should not be used in conjunction with sedatives or tranquilizers.

What are the horticulural aspects of Chamomilla recutita ?

Chamomilla recutita grow best in temperate climates with cool summers and cold winters. It requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Average annual rainfall of 20-30 inches is sufficient.

Planting tips for Chamomilla recutita involve sowing seeds directly into the ground in early spring or fall. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Transplant established seedlings 12-18 inches apart, spacing rows 3 feet apart for optimal growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Chamomilla recutita flowers for essential oil and herbal teas involves cutting off the flower heads when they reach full bloom, usually in mid-to-late summer. Harvest individual flowers in the morning, after the dew has dried, to minimize moisture loss. Remove flower heads from the plant, leaving a small stem attached to the plant.

Common pests affecting Chamomilla recutita include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or infection, and treat promptly with integrated pest management methods to prevent damage to the plant.

What are the botanical aspects of Chamomilla recutita ?

Chamomilla recutita is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its stems are upright, slender, and branched, reaching up to 30 cm in height, with hairy, linear leaves that are opposite and sessile. The leaves are lance-shaped, measuring up to 7 cm in length.

Taxonomically, Chamomilla recutita is classified as a species of the genus Chamomilla, which is a member of the subfamily Anthemoideae. It is further categorized as a member of the family Asteraceae, which includes daisies and sunflowers. The full botanical classification is: Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Chamomilla, Species: C. recutita.

Chamomilla recutita exhibits two main variants: the white-rayed and the red-rayed forms. The white-rayed form has white ray florets and yellow disc florets, while the red-rayed form has pink or reddish ray florets. The variants differ in their floral characteristics, but not in their essential morphology.

Geographically, Chamomilla recutita is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to rocky outcrops.

The life cycle of Chamomilla recutita involves a summer annual growth period. The plant germinates in the spring, produces vegetative growth, flowers in mid-summer, and produces seeds by late summer. After seed set, the plant senesces and dies, completing its life cycle within one year.

What are the historical aspects of Chamomilla recutita ?

Chamomilla recutita is a plant with a long history of use for medicinal and calming purposes. In ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, chamomile was used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.

In ancient Greek mythology, chamomile was associated with the god of the sea, Apollo, and was said to have calming properties. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder also wrote about the use of chamomile for medicinal purposes, describing its ability to soothe anxiety and promote restful sleep.

In many cultures, chamomile has been imbued with symbolic meanings, representing peace, tranquility, and fertility. In ancient Egypt, chamomile was associated with the goddess of motherhood, Isis, and was used in rituals to promote fertility and protection.

The historical texts of chamomile can be found in the works of ancient Greek and Roman authors, including Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder. These texts describe the use of chamomile for medicinal purposes, as well as its association with various mythological and symbolic meanings.

Archaeological finds have uncovered chamomile plant remains and artifacts from ancient civilizations, including a Roman-era chamomile-filled medicine box discovered in the ruins of a Roman villa. Additionally, ancient Egyptian artifacts featuring chamomile have been found in tomb caches and museum collections.