by Dasa Suciu

Created on: June 08, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

Chamomile or camomile is a common name for several daisy-like plants. Of these only two of them have medicinal properties: German or blue chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman or lawn chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile ). The good chamomile can be recognized by its apple like strong aroma. A synonym of German chamomile is Matricaria chamomilla and of the Roman chamomile is Anthemis nobilis. Both have similar but not identical active ingredients. The parts used in internal and external uses are the flowers.

Although little of its uses have been tested and safety and effectiveness have not always been proved, there are lots of uses based on tradition or scientific theories. The MedlinePlus database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine mention over 100 uses. Chamomile has been used for health benefits for thousands of years. The Anglo-Saxons believed that it was one of 9 sacred herbs given to humans by the god Woden.

The tiny daisy-like flowers of chamomile grow generally wild but can also be cultivated. One may think of growing chamomile in the garden. For those who gather the chamomile flowers themselves, it is good to know that the best moment is when they are opened in a horizontal position and the upper part of the middle cone has still a greenish-yellow color. It is said that in this stage they have the highest essential oil content. When gathering, the weather must not be wet. The flower heads may be dried and used in teas or capsules. Chamomile tea has a bittersweet flavor that stems from the bitter principles it contains. It is also used in ointments, and extracts. Fresh chamomile is crushed and steamed to produce the blue essential oil, which has medicinal benefits.

The active principles of chamomile are a volatile oil composed mainly by azulene and chamazulene and the flavonoids such as apigenin. The essential oil has a beautiful intensely blue color. These active principles explain the effects of chamomile based preparations on the nervous system (sedative) and digestive system (analgesic and antispasmodic), as well as its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, antifungical, and antiviral properties.

The bitter principles stimulate the gastric juices, making chamomile excellent for the liver and digestive system. The herb is considered safe to use for infants and is a favorite remedy for colic especially in combination with anise and fennel. Chamomile tea can be used as part of a treatment program for irritable bowel syndrome because of its

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