Chamomilla recutita

What is Chamomilla recutita?

Chamomilla recutita is an annual plant belonging to the family Asteraceae.

It has a taproot and a single stem that grows up to 20-50 cm in height, with a diameter of 1-3 mm. The stem is hairy and branched, with ovate to lanceolate leaves that are 1-5 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide, having a serrated margin and a hairy underside. The plant produces small white or pale yellow flowers in a capitulum, which is an inflorescence of numerous small flowers.

The flowers are 8-12 mm in diameter, with a daisy-like appearance and a prominent tubular corolla.

What ailments can you heal with this herb?

The most common ailments you can heal with Chamomilla recutita are anxiety and insomnia, for which the essential oil has been shown to have a sedative effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety by regulating the body's GABA levels and promoting relaxation.

Chamomilla recutita's anti-inflammatory properties also make it effective in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, alleviating digestive issues such as gastroenteritis and nausea. Stress, headaches, and muscle spasms are alleviated by the plant's ability to relax smooth muscle and reduce muscle tension. Menstrual cramps, eczema, and skin irritations are also treated by the plant's anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, which soothe and calm irritated skin.

Additionally, allergies, restlessness, digestive disorders, gastroenteritis, sleep disorders, muscle pain, and restless leg syndrome are alleviated by the plant's ability to regulate the body's response to stress and promote relaxation.

What are the therapeutic properties this herb?

The main therapeutic properties of Chamomilla recutita are attributed to its ability to reduce inflammation, which contributes to its effectiveness in treating conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

The bioactive compounds responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect include apigenin, a flavonoid, and bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of Chamomilla recutita, which are largely due to the presence of luteolin and apigenin, help protect the plant's constituents from oxidative damage and enhance their bioavailability. The sedative properties of this plant, which are mediated by the volatile oils alpha-bisabolol and alpha-bisabolene, can aid in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Additionally, the antimicrobial and analgesic properties of Chamomilla recutita, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, enable it to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, and alleviate pain associated with headaches and other conditions.

What are the medicinal constituents this herb?

The most important healing constituents of Chamomilla recutita are apigenin, luteolin, alpha-bisabolol, chrysin, and α-bisabolol.

Apigenin and luteolin are flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and LOX. Alpha-bisabolol and α-bisabolol are sesquiterpene alcohols that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response. Chrysin, a flavonoid, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties by inhibiting COX-2 and inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells.

These constituents work together to provide a broad spectrum of healing effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties, making Chamomilla recutita a valuable herb in traditional medicine.

What are the main herbal preparations this herb?

The main herbal preparations of Chamomilla recutita are tincture, tea, salve, infusion, and essential oil.

The tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the plant's flowers, typically used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Tea made from the flowers of Chamomilla recutita is used to soothe digestive issues and promote relaxation, with a recommended dosage of 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water. A salve is a topical preparation used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and minor burns, typically containing a mixture of the plant's essential oil and a carrier oil.

The essential oil of Chamomilla recutita, obtained through steam distillation, is used in aromatherapy to calm nervous anxiety and promote a restful sleep, with a recommended dosage of 5-10 drops per diffuser.

What are the possible side effects of using this herb improperly?

The possible side effects of using Chamomilla recutita improperly include exacerbating allergies due to its potential allergenic compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones and apigenin, which can trigger allergic reactions.

This is because some individuals may be sensitive to these compounds, leading to an allergic response. Additionally, ingesting large amounts of Chamomilla recutita may trigger asthma attacks in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Furthermore, consuming excessive amounts can cause dizziness due to its sedative properties, which may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying health conditions.

It is also possible to induce allergic reactions with topical application of Chamomilla recutita, especially in individuals with skin sensitivities.