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Medicinal Herb Garden Chamomile - Matricaria recutita L. Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) Common Names: German chamomile (Bodegold), common chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Synonyms: Chamomilla recutita (L.) Mistakenly Called: Matricaria chamomilla Botany sweet-scented annual, grows up to 60 cm native to Europe and western Asia; found wild along roadsides, in fields and cultivated in gardens smooth erect stems, leaves are twice-divided into thin linear segments flower heads on divided stems in a comb-like arrangement (corymb); the white ray-flowers are often bent down to make the disk-flowers even more prominent open pollination easily propagated from seed Agronomy quick and easy to grow, used as lawn substitute prefers full sun, grows well in poor, clay soils, commercial cultivation is best in light, sandy loam soil with high levels of potassium flowers are harvested Properties and Uses medicinal part is the flower active principles: terpenoid volatile oils, flavonoids and pectin-like mucilage as a tea, it is used for insomnia, lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes it tends to reduce inflammation and to facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative it is used as a wash or compress for skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue as a salve it can be used for hemorrhoids and wounds as a vapor it is used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma used in shampoos to bring out highlights in blonde hair additive in liqueurs such as Benedictine, or aromatic bitters 5,000 tonnes produced annually worldwide (including Roman chamomile), Argentina is principal supplier, 3,000 tonnes are exported to Germany annually Disclaimer: The text provided on this page is for information only. No recommendations are made or intended to be made regarding cultivation, consumption, or use of medicinal herbs. Source(s) "EmeraldHarley" GreenWitchGarden Banner and Template by Darigon Back - Home - Next |
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