German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)

German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its antispasmodic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	German Chamomile
Scientific Name	Chamomilla recutita
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Chamomilla
Species	recutita
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Antispasmodic, Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Chamomilla recutita
Common Name: German Chamomile
Synonyms / Alternative Names: German Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomile, Common Chamomile
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Chamomilla

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface white to pale green and lower surface grayish white, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences composed of clustered flowers with white petals and yellow central disk, actinomorphic symmetry, and five distinct outer petals with marginal ciliate hairs.
Stems: Cylindrical, erect, branching in a dichotomous pattern, covered with fine, branched hairs, nodes prominent, internodes short, surface pubescent.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Antispasmodic: Commonly referenced as a moderate antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Sedative: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a calming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a mild carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Individuals with sensitivities to botanically related plants may experience allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Capsule: Capsules provide a standardized way to consume powdered plant material.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.