Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a gentle yet powerful and versatile herb. It has been used for skin, sleep, stress and anxiety, digestive support, and more. Throughout history, it has been a cornerstone in natural remedies, and today is still one of the most popular herbs used in herbal medicine.
There are two main types of chamomile, German and Roman. They both have daisy-like appearances and a sweet apple-like scent that makes them a must-have in every herb garden. The two varieties have many similarities but some important differences as well. Before you dive into using chamomile, it’s important to know the differences and what each variety can be used for.
The Types of Chamomile
There are two main types of chamomile used in herbal medicine:
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German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita)
- Known for its bright yellow centers and delicate white petals, German chamomile is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory responses and calming effects. This is the variety that is used for tea, tinctures, and any recipe you’d be consuming it in.
- It grows as a self-seeding annual and is the more sensitive of the varieties.
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Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- This low-growing perennial is often used for its essential oil.
- It should not be used in edible recipes and teas because of its bitter flavor. The scent is still amazing, but the flavor is not.
- Its calming and soothing properties make it ideal for bath soaks and skincare products.
Herbal Properties and Health Benefits
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, carminative, nervine, sedative, and wound healing properties.
Soothing the Nervous System
Chamomile’s sedative property makes it ideal for calming the nervous system and supporting good quality sleep. A cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before bed can work wonders for those dealing with insomnia or stress. It also pairs very nicely with other nervine herbs both in effectiveness and in flavor. Some herbs known for improving sleep don’t have the best flavor profile. Adding an herb like chamomile can make less palatable herbs a much more pleasant experience.
Digestive Support
The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, and nervine properties are incredibly powerful in chamomile. These properties make it a common remedy for bloating, nausea, and indigestion. It’s an amazing natural remedy for colic in infants as well! Make a standard infusion (tea) of 1 tsp of dried chamomile to 1 cup of boiled water, allow it to cool, and put a few milliliters into a syringe and gently squirt into the cheek of the baby.
If you struggle with a lot of cramping, either with gas, indigestion, or IBS-related pain, try incorporating chamomile into your daily routine. Its antispasmodic property helps to calm and soothe the muscles in the gut, helping digestion and elimination to be a much more comfortable process.
Skin Health
When applied topically, chamomile can reduce skin irritations, soothe redness, and tighten pores in the skin. It can also be used for minor burns like sunburns.
Immune System Support
Chamomile contains antioxidants that support the immune system by fighting free radicals and promoting overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects
The essential oil of chamomile is rich in chamazulene, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This makes it effective for skin care, oral health, and eye health. To put it more simply, if you are suffering from cystic acne, eczema, mouth sores, or pink eye, chamomile compresses are very beneficial.
How to Use Chamomile
A cup of tea made from dried chamomile flowers is one of the easiest ways to enjoy chamomile’s benefits.
Chamomile Apple Tea
Ingredients
- 2 parts Chamomile
- 2 parts Lavender
- 1 part Dehydrated Apple
Instructions
- Blend herbs and apple together
- Steep 1 tsp into boiled water for 10 minutes
- Strain and Enjoy!
Herbal Tincture
Chamomile tincture is effective as a tincture as well, and has the benefit of being able to take it with you on the go. To make this tincture:
- Mix one part chamomile flowers to 4 parts 40 proof vodka (a high proof alcohol is not necessary with this herb)
- Let in steep in a cool dark place for 6 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
- Strain and store away from heat and light in a glass jar
- Use as needed
Topical Applications
Chamomile can be infused into oils or added to bath soaks to relieve skin irritations. For mouth sores or minor wounds, compresses soaked in chamomile tea can be applied directly to the affected area.
Skincare and Body Products
Chamomile is a key ingredient in skincare products like lip balm, soaps, lotions, and bath bombs. Its soothing properties make it ideal for reducing redness and promoting healthy skin. Create a chamomile-infused oil as the base of your skincare products or keep it in oil form and store it in the refrigerator for up to one year and use it as needed.
Creative Ways to Use Chamomile
- Chamomile Oil: Use for massages or as a calming bedtime ritual.
- Bath Soak: Combine dried chamomile flowers with epsom salts for a relaxing soak.
- Chamomile Ice Cream: Infuse cream with fresh chamomile flowers for a unique dessert.
Growing Chamomile in Your Herb Garden
Chamomile thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. The growing season typically begins in spring, with flowers blooming during the summer months. Harvest the chamomile blossoms in the afternoon when the essential oils are most concentrated. Lay them in a single layer on a paper towel in a well ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight, to dry. If you choose to use a dehydrator, keep the temperature on low or under 90ºF. Once it is dry remove it immediately and store it in a glass jar out of direct sunlight.
Precautions, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
While chamomile is generally safe, there are a few precautions:
- Allergic Reactions: Chamomile is part of the daisy family (Asteraceae), so those allergic to daisies, ragweed, or marigolds may need to avoid it. If you do have one of these allergies and still want to use chamomile, use it in small amounts very slowly until you know how you will react to it. Roman chamomile tends to have more allergic reaction potential.
- Drug Interactions: There have been reports of those who are on blood thinners having side effects. If you are on any type of prescription medication, be sure to check with your healthcare team before using chamomile.
