Chamomile has been used medicinally for a range of ailments since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Greek physician Hippocrates included chamomile in his writings. This herb’s name comes from the Greek chamailmelon, meaning “ground apple,” which describes the scent of Roman chamomile.23 Flavored with Roman chamomile, the name of the Spanish sherry Manzinilla means “little apple.” 24
Although German chamomile has been considered a weed at times, both herbs have medicinal properties and have been used interchangeably. Medieval monks deemed chamomile the “plants’ physician” because of its healthy effect on other garden plants.25 Chamomile was used throughout the Middle Ages as a strewing herb because stepping on the flowers releases their sweet fragrance. In addition, chamomile has been used to create various yellow dyes.
Medicinal Uses
Acne, arthritis, belching, bloating, breast problems, burns, colic, colitis, Crohn’s disease, cuts and scrapes, dandruff, digestive system support, earache, eczema, eye problems, fever, gastritis, hair care, hay fever, headache, heartburn, indigestion, inflammation, insect bites and stings, insomnia, mastitis, muscle aches and pain, nausea, nervous tension, rashes, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, skin care, sleep aid, sore throat, sprains, stomachache or pain, stress, sunburn, teething pain, toothache, upset stomach
Precautions and Contraindications
The herb: Although chamomile is an antiallergenic for most people, those who have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should check for sensitivity before using it; avoid ingesting when taking prescription blood thinners.
The essential oils: May cause dermatitis in some.
Part of Plant Used
Herbal remedies, essential oils, and culinary purposes: Flowers
Growing and Harvesting
With branching stems, German chamomile stands erect and can reach two or three feet in height. Roman chamomile is a spreading herb with stems that creep along the ground. It is usually less than nine inches high. Both plants have small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers that grow at the ends of the stems. German chamomile flowers are less fragrant than the apple-scented Roman. Both plants have feathery, downy leaves, however, Roman chamomile’s leaves are slightly more coarse.
|
Herb |
Type |
Zone |
Light |
Soil |
Moisture |
Height |
Spacing |
|
German |
Annual |
Any |
Full sun to partial shade |
Sandy |
Moderately dry |
30" |
6–8" |
|
Roman |
Perennial |
5 |
Partial shade |
Loam |
Moderately moist |
8–9" |
18" |
The seeds of German chamomile can be planted in the autumn or spring. Propagate it by sowing fresh seeds or let it help you as it readily reseeds. German chamomile produces more flowers than Roman. Even though Roman chamomile is easy to grow from seed, they are so tiny that they can be difficult to work with. When establishing plants in the garden, space them about eighteen inches apart to give the stems room to creep along the ground. While it is a hardy plant, in colder zones it’s a good idea to mulch it over for the winter. Propagate Roman chamomile through cuttings or division of roots.
As mentioned, chamomile is the “plants’ physician” helping to increase the vitality of other plants in the garden. It is especially beneficial for basil, dill, and peppermint. In the vegetable garden, German chamomile improves the growth and flavor of cabbages, cucumbers, and onions. Both chamomiles attract predatory wasps and a wide array of beneficial insects including hoverflies. Chamomile repels fleas.
The flowers of both chamomiles should be harvested just before they fully open. With German chamomile, cut the flower stems from the plant. Bundle them loosely and hang, or cut off the flowers and screen dry them. Because the stems of Roman chamomile are short, it is easier to just pinch the blossoms from the plant and screen dry. Handle flowers gently; however, any that are inadvertently damaged can be used for the following plant spray.
Chamomile Protective Plant Spray
1 handful flowers
1 quart cold water
Soak the flowers for 2 or 3 days and then strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Mist plants in the garden to protect them against fungal disease and to revive plants that appear to be distressed. The spent chamomile flowers can go on the compost pile.
How to Use the Herb
First and foremost, chamomile is known as a pleasant, mild tea, which is its only culinary use. A medicinal-strength tea calms the stomach and nerves and aids in getting restful sleep as well as treating insomnia. In addition, it supports a healthy digestive system. Chamomile’s antispasmodic properties help to relieve heartburn, belching, and stomachache. Drinking the tea regularly can aid in soothing colitis, gastritis, and Crohn’s disease. In addition, chamomile tea taken by nursing mothers helps relieve colic in their babies.
Plain and Simple Chamomile Tea
2 teaspoons dried flowers, crumbled
1 cup boiling water
Pour the water over the herb. Steep for at least 10 minutes and strain. Add a little honey to taste.
Combine chamomile with an equal amount of spearmint to make a tea for extra help in soothing an upset stomach or quelling nausea. For indigestion and bloating, make a tea with equal parts of chamomile and fennel seeds.
Chamomile tea is helpful during hay fever season to ease symptoms. In addition, the tea can be used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat. As an alternative to the tea, use 2 teaspoons of chamomile tincture in 1 cup of warm water.
Make a strong chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it to prepare a compress for headache relief. Dip a washcloth in the tea and then place it across the forehead from temple to temple. Taking a spoonful of chamomile honey can also bring relief. In addition to headaches, a cool chamomile compress can help bring down a fever, reduce inflammation, and ease sprains. A warm compress helps to soothe puffy, irritated eyes. To soothe sunburn, chill a jar of chamomile tea in the fridge and gently dab it on to cool and heal the skin.
For a relaxing soak in the bathtub, make a chamomile infusion. Fill a small muslin or cotton pouch with chamomile flowers while you boil a quart of water. Drop the pouch of flowers in the water, stir, and then put a lid on the pot. Let it steep for about thirty minutes. Run your bath water and then add the chamomile infusion. You can remove the pouch of flowers or let it continue releasing beneficial oils as you soak away your stress along with muscle aches and pains. Add a handful of rose petals for an extra aromatic treat. While you are in the tub, lean back and dip your head in the water or make a separate infusion for your hair. A chamomile rinse brings out the highlights and helps prevent dandruff.
In addition to soothing the nervous system, chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a good remedy for skin problems. An infusion of chamomile can be gently dabbed on the skin to relieve acne and eczema. After washing your face, gently dab it on the affected areas with a cotton ball. In addition, the infusion can be used to clean cuts and scrapes. As an alternative, use the infusion to make a cream for skin problems or for first aid.
New mothers can find relief for sore nipples and mastitis with a warm chamomile poultice gently applied to the area. A hot poultice can ease toothache pain and reduce swelling. It is also effective for earaches. When using a hot poultice, make sure that it is comfortable and not so hot that it burns.
A chamomile infusion or salve is effective for treating itchy rashes and insect bites and stings. Combining lavender and chamomile adds power to your salve and creates a wonderful blend of scents. Use it as first aid for burns, too.
Chamomile and Lavender Healing Infusion
2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers, crumbled
2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers, crumbled
1 cup avocado or olive oil
Combine the herbs and oil in a double boiler. On very low heat, simmer for 30 to 60 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Use a stainless steel strainer lined with cheesecloth over a bowl to strain. Fold the cheesecloth over the herbs to press out as much oil as possible.
The calming effects of chamomile are not just for adults. A sleepy-time sachet slipped under a child’s pillow or hung from the headboard is a calming aid. The fragrance of the dried flowers can be boosted with a drop or two of essential oil. Also, pop the sachet into the microwave just long enough for the warmth to release more fragrance from the flowers. For toddlers in pain, the Teething Trouble Tonic can help soothe this major sleep disruptor.
Chamomile Teething Trouble Tonic
6 drops chamomile infusion
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Combine and mix well. Store in the fridge and when needed take 1 teaspoon of mixture and dilute it with 1 teaspoon of cold water. Mix and then apply a little bit with your finger or a cotton ball to the baby’s gums.
How to Use the Essential Oils
German chamomile essential oil is inky-blue with a warm, herbaceous, sweet scent. Roman chamomile is pale blue and turns yellow with age. It has a herbaceous, sweet, applelike scent.
Famous as a calming herb, chamomile can help settle a child at bedtime, especially after a busy day. A diffuser with either chamomile essential oil can be used in place of a sachet or sleep pillow.
Instead of using an herbal infusion for skin problems as mentioned above, use chamomile essential oil or blend it with other oils. The diluted essential oil can be dabbed onto problem areas, or use it to make a skin cream.
Chamomile for the Skin Oil
3 drops chamomile essential oil
2 drops clary essential oil
1 drop rosemary essential oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond carrier oil
Mix the essential oils together and then combine with the carrier oil.
The combination of chamomile with clary and rosemary also works well for a massage oil to relieve stress and soothe sore muscles. Roman chamomile is especially good for massage to ease muscle aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis. Refer to the profile on Yarrow for a blend to ease the pain.