Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Complete Guide

Matricaria chamomilla L., commonly known as German chamomile or wild chamomile, is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this species has spread across all continents due to its recognized therapeutic properties. Chamomile has been used for millennia in European traditional medicine, with mentions in medical texts dating back to Ancient Egypt. Its flowers, composed of radiant white petals and a prominent yellow center, are harvested at the peak of flowering for the preparation of infusions, extracts, and other phytotherapeutic products.

In Anglo-Saxon herbal tradition, chamomile holds a prominent place as a calming and digestive plant. Its applications range from treating gastrointestinal disorders to alleviating anxiety and insomnia. The plant is recognized for its rich phytochemical composition, especially essential oils like chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which confer its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Modern scientific research has validated many of chamomile’s traditional uses, solidifying its position as one of the most studied and utilized medicinal plants worldwide.

Popular and International Names of Matricaria chamomilla

• English: german chamomile, wild chamomile, scented mayweed, hungarian chamomile.
• Portuguese: camomila, camomila-vulgar (PT); camomila-alemã, camomila-comum, macela-galega (BR).
• Dutch: echte kamille.
• French: camomille allemande, camomille vraie, petite camomille.
• German: Echte Kamille, Feldkamille, Wilde Kamille.
• Italian: camomilla, camomilla comune, camomilla tedesca.
• Spanish: manzanilla, manzanilla alemana, camomila, manzanilla común.

Botanical Synonyms of Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert is the botanical synonym most frequently found in contemporary scientific literature. This denomination was proposed by Stephan Rauschert in 1974 as a taxonomic reclassification based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. Although Matricaria chamomilla L. remains the accepted name by most botanical authorities, including The Plant List and World Flora Online, Chamomilla recutita is widely used in pharmacological and phytochemical publications, especially in Central Europe.

Chamomilla officinalis K.Koch, Matricaria recutita L., Matricaria suaveolens L.

Botanical Family: Asteraceae

Botanical illustration of Matricaria chamomilla L. (German chamomile, wild chamomile, scented mayweed), annual aromatic herb of the Asteraceae family described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, native to Europe and Western Asia, showing complete plant with daisy-like flowers with white ray florets and prominent yellow conical disc florets, finely divided feathery leaves in thread-like segments, slender branching stems and taproot, in 19th-century botanical encyclopedia style on aged herbarium paper background.

The Asteraceae family, formerly known as Compositae, is one of the largest families of flowering plants, comprising approximately 1,900 genera and over 32,000 species distributed worldwide. This family is characterized by its capitulum inflorescence, where numerous small flowers are grouped into a structure that simulates a single flower. Asteraceae includes plants of great economic, food, and medicinal importance, such as lettuce, sunflower, artichoke, and calendula.

Chamomile shares typical morphological characteristics of the family, including composite flowers with tubular florets in the central disc and ligulate florets on the margins. The Asteraceae family is known for producing bioactive compounds, especially sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils, which confer medicinal properties to many of its species. The chemical diversity of this family has been the subject of intense pharmacological research, contributing to the development of phytopharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.

Parts Used of Matricaria chamomilla

• Dried flowers
• Essential oil
• Flower heads (flowers)

Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses of Matricaria chamomilla

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Digestive disorders and gastritis
• Gastrointestinal cramps and flatulence relief
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ocular irritations and conjunctivitis
• Premenstrual tension and menstrual cramps
• Skin inflammations and wounds

Therapeutic Properties of Matricaria chamomilla

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant
• Antispasmodic
• Anxiolytic
• Carminative
• Cicatrizant
• Digestive
• Emmenagogue
• Sedative
• Vulnerary

Detailed Phytochemical Profile of Matricaria chamomilla

• Alpha-bisabolol
• Apigenin
• Chamazulene
• Coumarins
• Essential oil (0.4-1.5%)
• Farnesene
• Flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin)
• Matricin
• Mucilages
• Phenolic acids
• Sesquiterpene lactones
• Tannins
• Triterpenes

Forms of Preparation and Administration of Matricaria chamomilla

• Cataplasm
• Compresses
• Cream
• Dry extract
• Essential oil
• Fluid extract
• Infusion
• Tincture

Synergy with Other Medicinal Plants

Anxiety and Insomnia

The combination of chamomile with valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) enhances sedative and anxiolytic effects. This synergy is particularly effective in treating sleep disturbances and states of nervousness. Chamomile contributes apigenin, a flavonoid that acts on GABA receptors, while valerian provides valeric acid and passionflower harmala alkaloids, creating a synergistic calming effect without the side effects of synthetic sedatives.

Cutaneous Inflammations

In topical applications, chamomile effectively combines with calendula (Calendula officinalis) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the treatment of wounds, minor burns, and dermatitis. Chamomile’s chamazulene, calendula’s triterpenes, and St. John’s wort’s hypericin act synergistically, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing secondary infections.

Digestive Disorders

The association of chamomile with peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is traditionally used for the relief of dyspepsia, flatulence, and intestinal cramps. Chamomile’s essential oil, rich in alpha-bisabolol, acts synergistically with peppermint’s menthol and lemon balm’s phenolic compounds, providing antispasmodic, carminative, and anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Recipes and Usage Protocols of Matricaria chamomilla

Botanical illustration in 19th-century encyclopedia style showing German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) tea preparation scene, with porcelain cup containing golden tea, fresh and dried chamomile flowers, honey in small container and lemon slice, harmoniously arranged on aged sage-green herbarium paper background.

Anti-inflammatory Massage Oil

Ingredients: 5 drops of chamomile essential oil, 30 ml of sweet almond or jojoba vegetable oil.

Preparation: Mix the essential oil with the base vegetable oil in a dark glass bottle. Apply to clean skin, gently massaging areas affected by inflammation, muscle pain, or joint pain. This preparation is especially useful in treating rheumatic pain, bruises, and muscle tension. Avoid sun exposure after application.

Calming and Digestive Infusion

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers, 200 ml of boiling water, honey (optional).

Preparation: Place the flowers in a cup and add freshly boiled water. Cover and let steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey, if desired. Consume 1 cup after main meals to aid digestion, or 30 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. This infusion is particularly effective in relieving intestinal cramps and flatulence.

Compress for Conjunctivitis

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, 250 ml of boiling water.

Preparation: Prepare a concentrated infusion by steeping the flowers for 10 minutes. Strain carefully and let cool to room temperature. Soak sterile gauze pads in the infusion and apply over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This preparation relieves ocular irritation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing in cases of mild conjunctivitis.

Facial Steam for Inflamed Skin

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation: Place the flowers in a large bowl and add the boiling water. Lean your face over the bowl, maintaining a safe distance, and cover your head with a towel to retain the steam. Remain for 10-15 minutes, breathing deeply. This treatment is effective for cleansing pores, reducing skin inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of sinusitis and nasal congestion.

Tincture for Anxiety

Ingredients: 200 g of dried chamomile flowers, 1 liter of 70% alcohol.

Preparation: Place the flowers in a glass jar and cover with alcohol. Seal tightly and let macerate for 14 days, shaking daily. Filter through a fine cloth and store in a dark glass bottle. Take 20-30 drops diluted in water, 2-3 times a day, for the relief of anxiety and nervousness. This tincture concentrates the bioactive compounds of chamomile, providing more pronounced anxiolytic effects.

Syrup for Infant Colic

Ingredients: 50 g of dried chamomile flowers, 500 ml of water, 250 g of honey.

Preparation: Prepare a concentrated infusion with the flowers and water, steeping for 15 minutes. Strain and add the honey, gently heating in a bain-marie until completely dissolved. Store in a sterilized glass bottle in the refrigerator. Administer 1 teaspoon for children over 1 year old, 2-3 times a day, for the relief of intestinal colic and digestive discomfort. Do not administer to infants under 1 year due to the presence of honey.

Associated Therapies with Matricaria chamomilla

Aromatherapy

Chamomile essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Inhaling the oil, whether through diffusers, vaporizers, or diluted topical application, promotes nervous system relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. In therapeutic massages, chamomile essential oil is often combined with base vegetable oils for treating muscle pain, tension, and skin inflammations. Aromatherapy with chamomile is particularly effective in clinical settings to reduce pre-operative stress and promote emotional well-being.

Clinical Phytotherapy

In modern clinical phytotherapy, chamomile is prescribed in various pharmaceutical forms, including standardized extracts, capsules, and tablets. Chamomile extracts are often titrated for apigenin and alpha-bisabolol to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Clinical phytotherapy uses chamomile in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, mild to moderate anxiety, and as an adjunct in the treatment of skin inflammations. Prescription is individualized, considering the specific needs of each patient and possible interactions with other medications.

Homeopathy

In homeopathy, Chamomilla is an important constitutional remedy, particularly indicated for states of irritability, hypersensitivity to pain, and teething-related disorders in children. The homeopathic remedy is prepared from the fresh flowering plant, following the characteristic dilution and dynamization process of homeopathy. Chamomilla is often prescribed in low potencies (6CH, 9CH) for acute symptoms and in higher potencies (30CH, 200CH) for constitutional treatments. It is particularly effective in cases of infant colic, insomnia due to irritability, and acute pain with intolerance.

Contraindications and Side Effects of Matricaria chamomilla

General Contraindications

Chamomile is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family, including chrysanthemums, daisies, ragweed, and calendula. Allergic reactions can manifest as contact dermatitis, urticaria, or in more severe cases, anaphylaxis. Pregnant women should avoid consuming chamomile in high therapeutic doses due to its potential emmenagogue effect, which can stimulate uterine contractions. Although occasional consumption of light infusions is generally considered safe during pregnancy, prudence advises medical consultation before regular use.

Chamomile should not be used in children under 6 months without medical supervision. In infants, there is a theoretical risk of contamination by Clostridium botulinum spores in chamomile preparations, especially when combined with honey. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants should use chamomile with caution, as coumarins present in the plant may potentiate anticoagulant effects.

Common Side Effects

Chamomile side effects are rare and generally mild. In some people, consuming chamomile infusions may cause nausea, vomiting, or cutaneous allergic reactions. Topical application of chamomile preparations can occasionally result in contact dermatitis, especially in sensitive individuals. Chamomile essential oil, when applied directly to the skin without proper dilution, can cause irritation and skin sensitization.

Drug Interactions

Chamomile can interact with various medications. Its action on the cytochrome P450 system can alter drug metabolism, including anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. The combination of chamomile with benzodiazepines or other sedatives can potentiate central nervous system depressant effects, resulting in excessive drowsiness. Individuals taking diabetes medication should carefully monitor glucose levels, as chamomile may have mild hypoglycemic effects.

Recommended Dosages of Matricaria chamomilla

Infusion: 1-4 cups per day, prepared with 1 teaspoon (2-3 g) of dried flowers per 200 ml of boiling water, steeped for 5-10 minutes.

Fluid extract (1:1): 1-4 ml, 3 times a day.

Dry extract (4:1): 300-400 mg, 3 times a day.

Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): 2-4 ml, 3 times a day.

Essential oil: For topical use, dilute 2-3 drops in 10 ml of base vegetable oil. For aromatherapy, 3-5 drops in a diffuser.

Pediatric use: For children between 6 months and 5 years, use half the adult dose. For children between 5 and 12 years, use two-thirds of the adult dose. Always under medical supervision.

Cultivation and Harvest of Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile is an easy-to-grow plant, adapting to various soil types, although it prefers light, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.5). Sowing can be done directly in the final location, in spring or autumn, in rows spaced 20-30 cm apart. The seeds are very small and should be sown superficially, covering them only lightly with fine soil. Germination occurs in 7-14 days, and seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of 10-15 cm between plants.

Chamomile requires full sun exposure and moderate watering, avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The harvest of flowers should be done when the flower heads are fully open, but before the white petals begin to fall. The ideal time is in the morning, after the dew has dried. The flowers can be dried in the shade, in a well-ventilated place, and stored in airtight containers to preserve their essential oils and therapeutic properties.

Scientific Research and Clinical Studies

Chamomile has been the subject of extensive scientific investigation, with numerous clinical studies validating its traditional uses. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2016 demonstrated that chamomile extract significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety in adults. This research highlights the anxiolytic potential of chamomile, particularly its flavonoid apigenin, which is believed to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission.

In the context of gastrointestinal disorders, a systematic review published in Phytotherapy Research in 2015 analyzed 12 clinical studies and concluded that chamomile is effective in treating dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and infantile colic. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of chamomile, attributed to compounds like chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, contribute to its efficacy in soothing digestive discomfort and promoting gut health.

Research into the antimicrobial properties of chamomile has revealed activity against various pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2008 identified that chamomile essential oil possesses significant antimicrobial activity, suggesting its potential as a natural agent in combating certain infections and supporting overall immune function.

Frequently Asked Questions about Matricaria chamomilla

Can chamomile be consumed daily?

Yes, chamomile can be consumed daily in moderate doses (1-4 cups of infusion per day) without significant adverse effects in most people. However, individuals with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family should avoid its consumption. Regular intake can contribute to sustained relaxation and digestive well-being.

Does chamomile really help with better sleep?

Yes, scientific studies show that chamomile has mild sedative properties, mainly attributed to apigenin, a flavonoid that acts on GABA receptors in the brain. Consuming a chamomile infusion 30 minutes before bedtime can improve sleep quality, promoting a more restful night without causing drowsiness the next day.

Is chamomile safe for children?

Chamomile is generally considered safe for children over 6 months, especially for relieving colic and promoting relaxation. However, it should always be used under medical supervision, and preparations should be free from honey for infants under 1 year due to the risk of botulism. Always consult a pediatrician before administering any herbal remedy to children.

What are the main active compounds in chamomile?

The main active compounds in chamomile include flavonoids (like apigenin and luteolin), sesquiterpenes (such as chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol), and coumarins. These compounds work synergistically to provide chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and antioxidant effects, making it a versatile medicinal plant.

Can chamomile interact with medications?

Yes, chamomile can interact with certain medications, particularly anticoagulants (like warfarin) and sedatives (like benzodiazepines), potentially increasing their effects. It may also have mild hypoglycemic effects, requiring monitoring for individuals with diabetes. Always consult a healthcare professional before using chamomile if you are taking other medications.