CHAMAEMELUM (Roman Chamomile)

(Compositae/Asteraceae)

Containing only four species of annuals and evergreen perennials, this small genus is native to Europe and Mediterranean regions and is closely related to Anthemis, Chamomilla, and Matricaria.

The name of the genus comes from the Greek Chamaimelon, which means "Apple on the ground," it refers to the strong apple scent of the foliage when stepped on.

C. nobile is a prostrate plant with a delightful aroma that can be best appreciated when planted in paving, containers, or lawns.

"Chamomile" is the name given to several different daisy-like plants, but only two species are important as herbs: C. nobile (Roman chamomile) and Matricaria recutita (wild or German Chamomile, also known as scented mayweed). Both are used for similar purposes.

Chamomile tea is one of the most popular tisanes, immortalized in Beatrix Potter's 'Tale of Peter Rabbit".

Chamaemelum nobile, syn. Anthemis nobilis

(Chamomile, Roman chamomile)

HABITAT & CULTIVATION:  Native to Western Europe, Chamomile is now cultivated across Europe and also in other temperate regions. The flowers are harvested as they open in summer.

PARTS USED:   Flowers, essential oil.

CONSTITUENTS: Roman chamomile contains up to 1.75% volatile oil (including Tiglic and Angelic acid esters and Chamazulene), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, coumarins, and phenolic acids.

HISTORY & FOLKLORE:  Roman chamomile has long been valued as a medicinal plant in Britain. Although called Roman chamomile, this herb was not cultivated in Rome until the 16th century, probably arriving there from Britain.

MEDICINAL ACTIONS & USES:  A remedy for the digestive system, Roman chamomile is often used interchangeably with German chamomile (Chammomilla recutita). However, an infusion of Roman chamomile has a more pronounced bitter action than its German namesake. It is an excellent treatment for nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and loss of appetite. It is also sedative, antispasmodic and mildly analgesic, and will relieve colic, cramps, and other cramping pains. By stimulating digestive secretions and relaxing the muscles of the gut, it helps normalize digestive function. Roman chamomile may also be taken for headaches and migraine, even by children. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties make it helpful for irritated skin.

CAUTIONS:     Do not use the essential oil internally except under professional supervision. The essential oil is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

DESCRIPTION:  Mat-forming evergreen perennial with aromatic, finely divided leaves, up to 2 in. (5 cm.) long. Long-stalked, solitary flowers, with yellow discs and creamy white ray florets, appear in summer.

Height: 6 in. (15 cm.), Spread: 18 in. (45 cm.).

PARTS USED:   Flowers, essential oil.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring or autumn, or by division in spring. Variants are sterile and can only be divided.

CULTIVATION:  Light, well-drained soil in full sun. Chamomile for lawns is planted 4 in. (10 cm.) apart, and weeded regularly until established. Plants may deteriorate in very cold or wet winters, but usually recover. Handling chamomile may cause dermatitis.

COMPANION PLANTING:  C. nobile has been called "The plant's physician" ailing garden plants are supposedly cured by planting chamomile beside them, and cut flowers revive and last longer with the addition of chamomile tea to the water. An infusion of it is also said to prevent damping off in seedlings.

HARVEST:      Flowers are gathered in summer and distilled for oil, or dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and dermatological creams. Dried flowers keep for one year only.

PROPERTIES:   A bitter, aromatic herb with sedative properties that acts mainly on the digestive system.

ECONOMIC:     Oil is used in beauty preparations to lighten and condition the hair.

CULINARY:     Important as an herb tea.

MEDICINAL:    Internally for digestive problems (including colic, diverticulitis, morning sickness, and stress-induced dyspepsia), painful menstruation, and insomnia, and for feverish illnesses, hyperactivity, and temper tantrums in children (flowers). Oil is a uterine stimulant, and not used in pregnancy. It is used in inhalations for asthma and bronchial congestion, and in aromatherapy. Externally for irritated or sore skin. Used in homeopathy for complaints caused by anger or too much caffeine.

WARNING:  This herb, in the form of essential oil, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

VARIANTS:

C.n. "Flore Pleno"

(Double Chamomile)

A charming cultivar with rather shaggy, creamy white, double flowers.

Height: 6 in. (15 cm.), Spread: 18 in. (45 cm.).

C.n. "Treneague"

(Lawn Chamomile)

A non-flowering cultivar that forms a mossy carpet.

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