Chamomile: Matricaria recutita
Plant Family & Name:
a. Asteracea
The common name "chamomile" comes from the Greek words "kamai" Which means "on the ground" and "melon" which means "apple". It smells like an apple on the ground. Next time you're near a chamomile patch smell it, it is so sweet and fruity.
Habitat & Ecological role: Chamomile is native to Europe and temperate Asia, and has been introduced to North America. It is an abundant pollinator plant, and a prolific seeder to help cover bare ground.
Parts Used: Flowers, harvested when in full flowering stage. We pick them in the late morning, once the dew has evaporated but before the sun has caused evaporation of volatile oils. The flowers will have their petals pointing towards the ground when they are ideal for harvesting. They will do this during mid-late flowering in the late morning. We use a chamomile rake, though bare hands can also be used for harvesting.
Herbal Actions:
Nervine tonic, nervine relaxant, nervine anxiolytic, digestive tonic, bitter, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, carminative, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, vulnerary, mild astringent.
Season: Spring & Summer
Taste:
Sweet, bitter, aromatic, mildly astringent.
Energetic Qualities:
Drying, cooling, clearing.
Indications:
Chamomile is indicated when there is tension, especially nervous tension. All nervous system disorders can benefit from chamomile, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, irritability, migraines, and nerve pain.
Additional indications are: digestive dysfunction, indigestion, infections, cramps, liver deficiency.
Take into consideration that for those with cold, dry constitutions it needs to be formulated with moistening and warming herbs.
Body system affinities: Nervous, digestive, respiratory.
Key Points: Chamomile is a calming nervine with a powerful affinity for the digestive tract. Chamomile is gentle and safe, and can be used with the whole family.
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