Anthemis Nobilis

Habitat & Description

Chamomile is a gentle, fragrant herb widely known for its soothing properties. It naturally grows in various parts of the world, especially in:

• Europe

• North America

• Argentina

Physical Features:

• Stem: Low-growing and procumbent (trailing along the ground).

• Leaves: Arranged alternately on the stem, finely divided into tiny, feathery segments. They can be soft (downy) to smooth (glabrous).

• Flowers:

  • Grows individually at the ends of stems

  • About 8 to 12 inches tall

  • Bright yellow central disk flowers surrounded by silver-white petal-like ray flowers

  • Flowering Season: June and July

• Fragrance: Sweet, crisp, fruity, and herbaceous — often compared to the smell of fresh apples.

Uses in Daily Life:
Chamomile flowers are not just beautiful and fragrant — they’re incredibly useful. They’re used in:

• Foods: Adds flavor to soups, stews, and desserts

• Tisanes (Herbal Teas): Popular bedtime tea

• Perfumes & Cosmetics: For its refreshing scent

• Hair Care: Used in natural rinses to brighten blonde hair

• Aromatherapy: Known for its calming effect on the mind and body, often used to reduce stress and improve sleep

Parts of the Plant Used

• Herbs (leaves and stems)

• Flowers (the most valuable part for medicine and cosmetics)

Biochemistry — Active Components in Chamomile

Chamomile contains a rich combination of natural chemicals responsible for its health benefits and fragrance. In total, over 120 chemical compounds have been identified.

Main Groups of Compounds:

• Terpenoids:

  • Chamazulene (anti-inflammatory, gives chamomile its blue color in essential oil form)

  • Bisabolol (calming, antibacterial, and soothing properties)

• Flavonoids:

  • Apigenin (mild sedative, anti-anxiety effects)

  • Luteolin, Quercetin (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)

• Coumarins:

  • Scopoletin-7-glucoside (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial)

• Other Constituents:

  • Angelic and tiglic acid esters

  • Anthemic acid

  • Choline

  • Phenolic acids and fatty acids

Essential Oil Content:

• Flower heads contain 0.5% to 1.5% essential oil, which carries most of its medicinal properties.

Traditional Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile has a rich history in folk medicine and traditional healing.

Used as:

• Herbal infusions or teas

• Essential oil

• Herbal poultices (plant paste applied to wounds)

• Bath soaks and aromatherapy oils

Benefits Include:

• Calming the mind and promoting restful sleep

• Easing digestive problems like indigestion, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting

• Soothing skin irritations, insect bites, and sunburns

• Easing respiratory discomfort like mild bronchial congestion

• Reducing inflammation in the mouth and gums

Interesting Fact:
In Europe, chamomile is often called a "cure-all," and in Germany, it’s lovingly nicknamed "alles zutraut," meaning "capable of anything."

Medicinal Properties of Chamomile

Chamomile is recognized for its numerous therapeutic actions:

• Antiseptic: Prevents infection in wounds and cuts

• Antibiotic: Natural germ-fighting abilities

• Disinfectant: Cleanses wounds and skin infections

• Bactericidal: Kills harmful bacteria

• Vermifuge: Helps expel intestinal worms

Internal Uses (when consumed):

• Reduces anxiety, hysteria, nightmares, and insomnia

• Used as a calming agent for convulsions and delirium tremens (severe alcohol withdrawal)

• Acts as a digestive aid, treating:

  • Flatulence

  • Indigestion

  • Diarrhea

  • Anorexia

  • Motion sickness

  • Nausea and vomiting

External Uses:

• Treats wounds, ulcers, eczema, skin irritations, gout, neuralgia, sciatica

• In Germany, officially approved for:

  • Inflammation of the skin, gums, and mucous membranes

  • Ano-genital inflammations

  • Respiratory tract infections

  • Bacterial skin diseases including those in the mouth

Historical Significance

• The word Chamomile comes from Greek words meaning "ground apple" because of its apple-like fragrance.

• Ancient Egyptians revered it as a sacred herb from the Sun God, using it to treat fevers and sunstroke.

• In Ancient Greece and Rome, it was a popular remedy for insomnia, back pain, headaches, indigestion, gout, and skin issues.

Popular Types of Chamomile

1. Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis):

   • More fragrant

   • Used in aromatherapy, herbal remedies, cosmetics

2. German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita):

   • Stronger medicinal qualities

   • Commonly used in teas, essential oils, and medicine

Both varieties belong to the Compositae (Asteraceae) family.