German chamomile

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a plant species of the composite family Asteraceae. It is commonly used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal.

Description

German chamomile is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. It usually grows near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia. It is widely introduced in temperate North America and Australia. As the seeds need open soil to survive, it often grows near roads, around landfills and in cultivated fields as a weed.

Uses

German chamomile is used medicinally against sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It can be taken as an herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for 10 to 15 minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile oils. The marc should be pressed because of the formation of a new active principle inside the cells, which can then be released by rupturing the cell walls, besides the apigenin (which is a flavonoid) inside the cells. For a sore stomach, some recommend taking a cup every morning without food for two to three months. It is also used as a mouthwash against oral mucositis. It has acaricidal properties against certain mites, such as Psoroptes cuniculi.

Active ingredients

The essential oil of the flower contains bisabolol, farnesene, azulene and other compounds. The plant also contains spiroether (a bactericide), coumarin, flavonoids, and a blue volatile oil, obtained by steam distillation, which is high in chamazulene, a substance that turns blue after distillation. Mothers use it to soothe a child's tummy or to ease ear ache.

Safety

In rare cases, people can have allergic reactions to chamomile, ranging from skin rashes to throat swelling and difficulty breathing. It is also a uterine stimulant so should be avoided during pregnancy.

See also

• Chamomile
• Herbal tea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Oral mucositis

German chamomile Resources
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