German chamomile alternately spelled camomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. Matricaria recutita) is one of the few medicinal herbs that’s more of a household name. Although nonnative to Ontario, Canada, it’s an annual that isn’t much of a garden escapee. You’re unlikely to find it in the wild.
And if you did find it, it’s likely near someone’s garden or along the road. You’re much more likely to find its relation wild chamomile AKA pineapple-weed. The later especially likes driveways around here. It’s also nonnative.
Another folk name for chamomile is scented mayweed. Both species smell fruity when crushed!
Edible Uses of German Chamomile
The flowerheads are primarily used for making the popular herbal tea. You can mix the dried flowerheads with other herbs, perhaps mint. It also combines well with ginger root. All the above are easy to find separate or premixed in grocery stores too.
Medicinal Uses of German Chamomile
German chamomile is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Nervous
- Reproductive
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Analgesic, Anticatarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Nervine and Sedative. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the flowerheads dried for a tea for insomnia. You can buy a commercial extract for sleep as well. It’s a gentle non-habit forming sedative.
The German species is featured because it contains more azulene, which is the main active constituent. But Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) and pineapple-weed (Matricaria discoidea) also contain this volatile oil.
Chamomiles list of uses is enormous. It’s one of the most commonly used herbal medicines, especially for children. And for more than a gentle sedative. For children it’s also used for colic and other digestive issues, teething pain, and infused in oil for diaper rash.
Besides being good for promoting sleep, it may help mild headaches too. And as an antispasmodic, it can help settle menstrual cramps. And as an emmenagogue, it can help to bring on a period.
As an anti-inflammatory, it may help with arthritis and similar conditions.
It’s good for sensitive skin and may be used for an eye pack for eye inflammation or in a bath for hemorrhoids. It may be an ingredient in some wound salves covering everything from fungal infections to bites and strings.
It also sees use for cold and flu, even asthma; personally I’ve steamed and inhaled it for respiratory issues. Note that some people are allergic, and if you’re allergic to ragweed be cautious.
Alternative Uses of Camomile
Camomile can be mixed with soapwort for a shampoo, or used to make a lotion.
The extract is used in some hair lightening products (to enhance highlights in blond hair).
The essential oil is used in soaps, shampoos and massage oils.
Growing Matricaria Chamomilla
Though nonnative, chamomile isn’t aggressive. It’s easy to grow from seed and is an herbal garden staple. Grow in dryer soil in full sun.
WARNINGS
Don’t consume if pregnant or trying to conceive.
Check with your doctor first if you use prescription pain killers, blood thinners or sedatives.
The fresh plant can cause contact dermatitis.
Some people who are allergic to ragweed may also be allergic to chamomile.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
#ads in References
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Every book I reference that is available on Amazon is linked to with an associates link.
Disclaimer for Song of the Woods
If you require any more information or have any questions about our site’s disclaimer, please feel free to contact us by email at rachel@songofthewoods.com.
Disclaimers for Song of the Woods
All the information on this website – https://www.songofthewoods.com/ – is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Song of the Woods does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (Song of the Woods), is strictly at your own risk. Song of the Woods will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.
From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone ‘bad’.
Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their “Terms of Service” before engaging in any business or uploading any information.
Consent
By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms.
Update
Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here.
RESOURCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/3302
The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies: Simple Salves, Teas, Tinctures, and More
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
Reader’s Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments
Leave a Reply