German Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita
Family: Asteraceae
Part(s) Used
Flowers
Active Constituents
Essential oils (chamazulene, bisabolol), flavonoids (apigenin), coumarins.
Habitat
Native to Europe and Western Asia.
Action of the Herb
Nervine, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, vulnerary, mild sedative.
Therapeutic Indication/s
Nervous dyspepsia, anxiety, insomnia, teething in children, colic, skin inflammation, eczema, mild digestive spasms.
Body Part(s) Affected
Digestive system, nervous system, skin.
Energetics
Slightly cooling, neutral moisture.
Preparation & Dosage
Tea: 1 tablespoon of flowers per cup of boiling water, covered and steeped for 15 minutes. Drink as needed. Tincture: 1-4 ml (1:5 in 45% alcohol) 3 times a day. Topical: A strong infusion can be used as a wash or in a compress for skin issues.
Safety Contraindications
Allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums) may lead to an allergic reaction to chamomile.
Cautions/Side Effects
Very rare allergic reactions. Otherwise, considered one of the safest herbs.
Herb/Drug Interactions
Theoretically may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, but this is not well-documented in humans.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, especially as a tea.
Traditional Combinations
Excellent with Peppermint for digestion or Lavender for sleep.
Traditional Wisdom
A go-to remedy for calming fussy children and soothing upset stomachs.
Links to Resources & Research
References
Weiss, R. F. (1988). Herbal Medicine.
Comments/Extra
The apple-like scent of the fresh flowers is characteristic.