Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile, German Chamomile

Asteraceae

Native to Europe and Western Asia but widely naturalized and cultivated around the world. Grows well in sunny fields, along roadsides, and in gardens with average to sandy soil. Annual plant, often reseeds easily.

Small, daisy-like flower with white petals and a yellow cone-shaped center. The plant is feathery, fragrant, and typically less than 2 feet tall. The scent is sweet, apple-like, and deeply calming — almost immediately recognizable once you know it.

Gentle nervine, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. Excellent for children and adults alike. Used for nervous tension, insomnia, colic, digestive upsets, menstrual cramps, teething, skin irritation, and mild fevers. Great for stress-related digestive issues. Also used topically for skin and eye inflammation.

Cooling, drying, relaxing. Calms wind and heat. Softens tension held in the gut and muscles.

Flowers

Volatile oils (chamazulene, bisabolol), flavonoids, coumarins, bitter glycosides, tannins

Chamomile is incredibly versatile — calming to the nervous system, gut, and skin. Use it constantly for anxious digestion, cranky kids, or tense shoulders. In formulas, it smooths everything out — like a peacekeeper. While gentle, it's not weak. A strong infusion can soothe cramps, nausea, or inflammation beautifully.

• Harvest when flowers are open and fragrant. Dry in shade with good airflow.

Possible allergy in those sensitive to Asteraceae. May cause drowsiness in high doses.