Chamomile, Roman
(Chamaemelum Nobile)
Roman chamomile is a low growing perennial found in dry fields, around gardens and cultivated grounds in Europe, North America, and South America.
Roman Chamomile has a rich history of use as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages. The plant was listed first in the pharmacopoeia of Wurtenberg as a carminative, painkiller, diuretic and digestive aid.
Joachim Camerarius was the first to discover and name chamaemelum nobile in 1598 in Rome.
Egyptians used chamaemelum nobile as a symbol of dedication to their gods.
Latin Name: Chamaemelum Nobile
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Barnyard Daisy, Chamomile, Corn Feverfew, Garden Chamomile, Ground apple, Manzanilla, True Chamomile, Turkey weed, Roman Chamomile
Parts Used: Flowers
Plant Type: A low growing perennial plant that usually does not grow over 9" in height. It's roots are creeping and sturdy which allows it to spread and keep a firm foundation. Roman Chamomile has white, daisy like flowers with a prominent yellow disk in the center of it's petals. The leaves are alternate, bipinnate, finely dissected and they are sometimes covered in thin, downy hairs. The foliage has an apple like aroma when crushed.
Properties: Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-irritant, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.
Constituents: Chamazulene, β-pinene, 1,8- cineole, α-pinene, α-bisabolol
Medicinal Uses: Well known to be used as a sleeping agent to reduce stress and induce a calm and relaxing sleep for those suffering from stress related insomnia. Traditionally, Chamomile has been used to treat a number of aches and pains.
Foraging: Collect flowers in late morning, after the dew has dried but before the main heat of the day sets in.
Flavor: Sweet, crisp, fruity and herbaceous.
Preparation Methods: Dried or fresh flowers are used in teas. Dried flowers can be used as potpourris or in herbal pillows.
Suggestions for Preparation
Tea (Decoction):
Boil 1 teaspoon of dried flowers or 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers in 1 cup of water, then bring to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drink no more than one cup of tea per day as it contains thujone.
Tincture:
Use finely cut fresh or dried flowers.
Fill jar 1/4 to 1/3 with 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 during pregnancy,
May cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Drugs That Chamomile Should Not Be Used With
- Anti-seizure drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs for insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Other sedative type herbs, such as valerian and kava
- Coumadin - Consuming chamomile tea may adversely affect anticoagulant drugs.
- Drugs that are broken down in the liver, such as Fexofenadine (Seldane), statins (drugs that lower cholesterol), birth control pills, and some antifungal drugs
Plant Identification
Roman Chamomile is a perennial that seldom grows more than 9 inches high, with daisylike blossoms, feathery foliage, and a pretty apple fragrance and flavor. This chamomile normally carries a stronger fragrance than its German counterpart.
Look Alikes
These are just a few of Roman Chamomile's Look Alikes
Dyer's chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria)
Scentless Chamomile (Matricaria inodora)
Corn Chamomile (Anthemis Arvensis)
German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
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.
Resources:
Wikipedia.com
verywellhealth.com