Chamomile, Closeup
(also referred to as...)
German / Roman / English Chamomile
Camomile, Matricaria, Anthemis, Ground Apple
Latin Name: Matricaria recutita/chamomilla (German / Hungarian),
Anthemis nobilis (Roman / English)
Family: Compositae (other members include Daisy, Dandelion, Marigold)
Description
The ancient Greeks called chamomile "ground apple", due to its smell. In Greek mythology, chamomile was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god, Woden and they called it "maythen".
German chamomile is similar to Roman chamomile in chemistry but has a less pronounced aroma. It is not clear which variety Dioscorides meant when he referred to "chamaimelon". Some herbalists combine the flowers of the two varieties using 2 parts German to 1 part Roman. German chamomile has a slightly higher percentage of volatile oil, containing an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that is particularly effective in healing burns and preventing ulceration and infection. It is also less bitter when used in herb teas. With its bright, cheery colour, chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal hot drinks and was immortalized in Beatrix Potter's "Tale of Peter Rabbit".
German chamomile is an annual while its roman cousin is a perennial. The herbs are indigenous to Europe and Northwest Asia and have been naturalized in North America on "wasteland", farmland, and many gardens. Both were generally cultivated in Europe.
Chamomile prefers light, well drained soil in full sun. Roman chamomile plants may deteriorate in very cold or wet winters, but usually recover. Roman chamomile is often refereed to as "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. In addition, an infusion of chamomile is said to prevent damping off in seedlings.
Flowers are gathered in summer when first fully open and used fresh, frozen, or dried in infusions, liquid extracts, powders, creams, ointments, and skin and hair care products. The oil distilled from fresh flowers. Dried flowers keep for only one year.
