Matricaria recutita

Matricaria recutita, also known as Chamomile, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is one of several plants commonly referred to as chamomile, and is particularly known for its medicinal uses and presence in herbal teas.

Description

Matricaria recutita is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. It grows to a height of up to 70 cm, with very branched, erect and smooth stems. The leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate and the flowers are white, borne in paniculate capitula. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.

Distribution

Matricaria recutita is native to Europe and Asia, and is widely naturalized in North America and Australia. It often grows near roads, around landfills, and in cultivated fields as a weed, because the seeds require open soil to survive.

Uses

Matricaria recutita is used for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy.

Cultivation

Matricaria recutita is cultivated on a commercial scale in countries such as Germany, Hungary, France, and Eastern Europe. The plant prefers well-drained soil in a sunny location. It can tolerate poor soil and does well in sandy, acidic soils.

See also

• Chamomile
• Asteraceae
• Herbal tea
• Traditional medicine