Parts Used
Properties
Common Uses
Locating and Handling
Caution
Origin
"A common low wild plant of a beautiful green, a fragrant smell, and
with flowers not unlike daisies. It is frequent on damp heaths, and gets no good by being brought into
gardens. It grows larger there, but has less efficacy. In its wild state it spreads it branches upon the
ground, taking root at the joints. The stalks are round, green, and thick; the leaves are very finely
divided, and of dark blackish green colour.
The flowers grow upon long foot-stalks, and are white
at the edge and yellow in the middle; the flowers are most used. Those which are raised for sale are double and they have very little virtue in comparison to the single ones. They are to be taken in tea, which is a pleasant bitter; or in powder they are excellent for disorders of the stomach, and have sometimes cured agues, as many other bitters will. The tea made of them is also good against the colic, and works by urine."
Volatile oil (flowers)
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-infective, carminative, calmative, diaphoretic, anodyne, tonic -- to relieve colds, headaches, nervousness
The tea is said to have a calming effect. Since the tea does not have very much of the oil in it, it may not be as effective as an extract. The extract is recommended by herbalists for relieving menstrual cramps, and for treating inflamed skin or mucous membranes.
Chamomile tea is commonly sold in grocery or health food stores. There are two different plants known by this name, German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Properties are similar, but German is the most commonly used and easily available. It is easy to grow. Small plants may be obtained at most nurseries.
Anyone sensitive to ragweed may experience allergic reactions to chamomile.
Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. (both kinds)
