Chamomile

Occurrence of Chamomile

True chamomile has been one of the most important medicinal plants for thousands of years. In Europe, the annual herbaceous plant is now widespread, as it is on both American continents and in Australia, where it has since become naturalized. Its original distribution area, however, was limited to Western Asia as well as Southern and Eastern Europe.

Fields and wasteland promote lush growth of chamomile. It is mainly found on nutrient-rich, humus-rich soils, especially clay and loam soils.

 

How Chamomile Works

True chamomile is not only a proven home remedy from grandmother’s medicine cabinet. Since ancient times, people have used true chamomile as a medicinal plant – here it proves to be a true all-rounder in natural medicine and is used both internally and externally. The effects of this daisy family member range from anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects to antimicrobial, as well as wound-healing and deodorizing properties.

For gastrointestinal diseases and cramps, a tea made from chamomile flowers provides relief. A rinse or gargle solution is excellent for inflamed gums and irritated throat. Chamomile is also a proven home remedy for inhalation in respiratory complaints.

Externally, the medicinal herb soothes superficial skin injuries, burns, and wounds as well as bacterial skin diseases through compresses. Many ointments and creams containing chamomile as an active ingredient also make use of this effect. Hemorrhoids and infections in the anal and genital areas can be treated with sitz baths.

 

Ingredients of Chamomile

The broad spectrum of effects of true chamomile is due to an essential oil, whose content in the plant varies between 0.3 and 1.5 percent: chamomile oil. Other ingredients include flavonoids and coumarins.

 

Appearance of Chamomile

The plants grow between 15 and 50 centimeters tall, their twice- to thrice-pinnate leaves are arranged alternately. Their flower heads, recognizable from afar, have the color of gold. The yellow tubular flowers, densely packed in the center of the flower head, are bordered by white ray flowers. Whether it is true chamomile can be somewhat “smelled,” as only it emits the characteristic scent.

 

Interesting Facts about Chamomile

Chamomile is not only notable as a medicinal plant; earlier cultures regarded the delicate plant, which somewhat resembles the sun in appearance, as holy. The Germanic peoples worshipped their light god Baldur with it, and the Egyptians the sun god Re.

People who are allergic to daisy family plants should avoid chamomile.