German chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. It usually self-sows freely when well-sited[K]. Chamomile has a long history as a gentle and effective folk medicine for a wide variety of disorders, being especially effective and safe for children[K]. There is some confusion between this plant and Chamaemelum nobile as to which is the genuine camomile. This species is said to be more bitter and inferior to Chamaemelum nobile in some reports. Both have similar properties and can probably be used interchangeably[K]. The whole plant has a pungent aroma.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
Edible uses
The young sprigs are used as a seasoning. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas.
Medicinal uses
German camomile is a well known herbal remedy and is much used in the West. In particular it is an excellent herb for treating various digestive disorders, nervous tension and irritability and is also used externally to treat skin problems. An infusion of the flowers is taken internally as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. The flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes. The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used to make a homeopathic remedy.
Material uses
An infusion of the flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The whole plant was formerly used as a strewing herb. An essential oil from the whole plant is used as a flavouring and in perfumery. Yellow to gold dyes are obtained from the flowers.
Habitat
Sandy or loamy arable soils in Britain.
Native range
Europe, including Britain, east to W. Asia and the Himalayas.
Scientific synonyms Matricaria chamomilla