German chamomile belongs to the Asteracea family and is native to Eastern Europe. German chamomile is an annual plant and can be found all over the world. It spreads pretty fast and can be recognized by their little flower heads with a yellow disc and white ray florets. The herb is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to humans. The flower heads contain many constituents like flavonoids, bitter glycosides and terpenoids, that strengthen the herbs medicinal abilities. Many products like creams, shampoos or even tea contain German chamomile. Tea lovers are familiar with the herbs aromatic, slightly bitter taste and apple scent since the herbal tea is pretty popular around the world. The herb’s actual medicinal abilities and uses are unfortunately not so well knows by most people. It is an excellent natural remedy for lots of many problems like diarrhea, indigestion and insomnia. If externally used the herb is also a good remedy for sore skin and skin conditions like eczema.
History & Folklore
The herb has been associated with deities of the sun in lots of ancient religions. In ancient Egypt, people believed that the herb is a sacred present from the sun god Ra. Since then it has been used for different medicinal purposes to treat fevers and heat strokes. Even during the mummifying process of the dead, the herb has been used. Bathing newborn babies in chamomile water for the first time was pretty common in many different cultures. This ritual had medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Not only was it used as a medicine but it was also used in spells for purification, protection, peace and new beginnings. It’s a great symbol for power and strength and therefore is often places in charm bags. Thousands of years ago many books have been written about the herb by many physicians and people like Dioscorides and Hippocrates.
Habitat & Cultivation
Native to Europe, German chamomile grows all over the world nowadays. The plant doesn’t need any special requirements to grow since it is very tolerant when it comes to soil quality. It is mostly found in open, sunny areas. The seeds are sown in spring or fall. German chamomile needs very little care and grows best when it’s left alone. The flower heads are picked up in summer, when fully bloomed.
Uses
Digestive problems Since the 1st century CE German chamomile has been used to treat digestive problems. Indigestion, pain, colic, wind, bloating, acidity and gastritis can be treated with German chamomile. The herb is also very effective when curing hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Relaxation The herb contains spiroether, a strong antispasmodic, therefore the plant is ideal for easing tense muscles and period pain. In ancient Rome, women used to take German chamomile to relive menstrual cramps. The herb promotes a good nights sleep and reduced irritability.
Irritation Using the herb in a steam inhalation is anti-allergenic and especially helpful for hay fever and asthma. Sore eyes and nipples can be relived with a poultice applied to eyes or breasts. Externally, the herb can be used to treat eczema and itchy skin.
Parts used
Flowerheads can be used fresh or dried.
Key Actions
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-allergic
Antispasmodic
Relaxant
Carminative
Constituents
Volatile oil (proazulenes, farnesine, alpha-bisabolol, spiroether)
Flavonoids
Bitter glycosides (anthemic acid)
Coumarins
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 77.
Looking for remedies containing German chamomile
Looking for products with German chamomile
Looking for reviews
Help others by leaving a review
Share your experience with this herb to help other people