Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

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

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

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

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Common Name: Chamomile
Synonyms / Alternative Names: German Chamomile, Matricaria, Chamomille
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Matricaria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface darker green, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of solitary flowers with white ray florets and yellow disk florets, actinomorphic symmetry, five elongated white petals with a distinct central yellow disc, and pale green bracts at the base.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, herbaceous stems with opposite branching, smooth surface, and nodes bearing sessile, glandular hairs.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a soothing sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a mild antispasmodic, for tension-related applications.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Reports suggest that this herb may interact with prescription drugs in some contexts.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Capsule: Capsules contain measured amounts of dried, ground plant material.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

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.