Herb of the Week - German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Herb of the Week - German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile is often seen as simple, but its medicine is anything but ordinary. Known for its sweet apple-like aroma, chamomile has been used for centuries as a calming ally for both body and spirit. This week, I’m honoring German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), a humble flower with a long history of soothing nerves, easing digestion, and bringing gentle relief.

  • Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla (syn. Matricaria recutita)

  • Family: Asteraceae

  • Common Names: German Chamomile, Wild Chamomile

  • Parts Used: Flowers

Energetics & Herbal Actions

Chamomile is cooling and drying, with a light, uplifting energy. It’s a wonderful ally for sensitive systems and tender hearts.

Herbal Actions

  • Nervine (calms the nervous system)

  • Carminative (soothes digestion)

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Antispasmodic (relieves muscle and gut tension)

  • Mild analgesic (pain-relieving)

Therapeutic Uses

Nervous System Support
Chamomile tea is a classic for calming anxiety, easing stress, and supporting sleep. Its gentle nervine properties make it safe even for children.

Digestive Health
Chamomile soothes the stomach, relieves gas and bloating, and can calm spasms in the digestive tract. It’s often used for indigestion, nausea, and colic.

Inflammation & Pain Relief
Applied topically as a compress or infused oil, chamomile helps reduce inflammation in the skin, muscles, and joints. It’s also used in eye compresses for conjunctivitis and tired eyes.

Women’s Health
Chamomile has been used traditionally to ease menstrual cramps, calm morning sickness, and support rest during pregnancy (in moderate amounts).

Contraindications & Safety

  • Allergies: Those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies) may react.

  • Pregnancy: Generally safe as tea, but avoid very strong doses without guidance.

  • Drug interactions: May enhance effects of blood thinners, sedatives, or other calming medications.

  • Essential oil: Potent, should always be diluted before topical use.

Folklore & History

  • Ancient Egyptians dedicated chamomile to Ra, the sun god, for its healing powers.

  • In European folk traditions, chamomile symbolized patience and humility, and was often planted by doorways to bring peace to the home.

  • “The physician’s plant” — chamomile has been called this because of its wide range of uses and safety across ages.

Practical Ways to Work with Chamomile

  • Tea: Steep 1–2 tsp dried flowers in hot water, sip for calm digestion or before bed.

  • Bath: Add flowers to a warm bath for relaxation.

  • Compress: Apply cooled chamomile tea to soothe eye strain or irritated skin.

  • Oil: Infuse flowers into carrier oil for a gentle skin remedy.

✨ My favorite way: a strong chamomile infusion before bed — it feels like a warm hug for my nervous system.

Closing Reflection

Chamomile teaches us that gentleness can be incredibly powerful. Its soft blossoms remind us that healing doesn’t always have to be forceful — sometimes the most profound medicine comes through sweetness, patience, and rest.

References & Further Reading

  • Srivastava, J. K., et al. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports. Link

  • McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea. Phytotherapy Research. Link

  • Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.

  • Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Plants. North Atlantic Books.

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