Cape Chamomile
(Eriocephalus Punctulatus)
Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatus) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is a distant sister to Roman (Anthemis nobilis) and German Blue (Matricaria recutita) Chamomiles – with some family resemblances. It has been hailed as the fourth Chamomile!
Cape Chamomile is found in the mountainous areas of the eastern Free State Province, South Africa.
Revered in the cosmetic and perfume industry for it's highly aromatic leaves, it's used in many high end perfumes and cosmetics. Traditionally the leaves are used in baths for its relaxing and invigorating scent. Used in pillows, the scent encourages pleasant dreams. The fumes of the burning fresh plant are used by the Southern Sotho to fumigate the hut of a person suffering from a cold or diarrhea, and during illness or after death to disinfect the house and clear evil sprits after a death has occurred.
Valued in bird-friendly gardens as birds use the wooliness in their nests.
Cape Chamomile promotes a positive sense of well being, helping to overcome depression. Used as an aid in combatting stress related ailments, such as insomnia. Particularly helpful for the over-stimulated mind, and over active emotions. Excellent with use at different phases of transitional times such as, childhood, adolescence and menopause.
Cape Chamomiles antiseptic and inflammation-fighting qualities provides a calming effect on the skin which also promotes the healing of the skin to help reduce redness and minimize blemishes. Also it helps with eruptions on the skin in the form of boils, abscesses, infected cuts and wounds, insect bites, sunburn, acne, skin rashes, eczema etc.
A children’s remedy helpful for nappy rash, ear and tooth ache, swollen gums, sore throat and general irritability.
Latin Name: Eriocephalus punctulatus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Cape Chamomile, Cape Snow Flower, Wild Rosemary, Kapok bush
Parts Used: Flowers & leaves
Plant Type: Cape Chamomile is a small, bushy shrub which grows up to 1 m high. The flowers are white and the leaves are highly aromatic.
Properties: 
Analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-convulsive, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, sedative, splenetic, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vasoconstrictor.
Constituents: 2-Methylbutyl Isobutyrate
Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, Promotes skin regeneration, Relieves stress and tension, Mild sedative effect. Allergies, boils, colitis, depression, dermatitis, eczema, fevers, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, irritability, menopause, teething pains, vaginitis.
Foraging: Collect flowers in full bloom.
Aroma: Herbaceous, fruity. Cape Chamomile has a sweeter floral scent than German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).
Preparation Methods: Dried or fresh flowers are used in teas or tinctured. Leaves have been used in baths.
Suggestions for Preparation
Tea (Decoction):
Boil 1 teaspoon of dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers in 1 cup of boiling water, let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink two to three cups a day.
If you find your tea too bitter, steep for less time.
Tincture:
Fill jar 2/3 to 3/4 full with dried or fresh flowers & cover with 90 proof grain alcohol to the very top of the jar ( Cover plants completely).
Store your tincture in a cool, dark, dry place. Shake several times a week, and check your alcohol levels. Allow the mixture to extract for 6 to 8 weeks.
Safety & Contraindications
Not recommended for women who are in early pregnancy.
Avoid if you have an allergy or sensitivity to plants in the chrysanthemums, sunflower or daisy family.
People with chronic or life-threatening health conditions should ask their doctor before using Cape Chamomile.
Plant Identification
Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatus) is a bushy shrub which grows up to a metre in height. The simple needle-like leaves are long, narrow and gland dotted. The inflorescence is a small capitulum with purple disc florets and white ray florets. The fruiting heads extrude their involucre wool, hence its colloquial name; kapok bush.
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Information Disclaimer
Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs that are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.