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Matricaria Recutita: Unraveling the Secrets of Chamomile’s Medicinal Power

Matricaria recutita, also known as chamomile, Roman chamomile, and German chamomile, is a plant of the Asteraceae family native to Europe.

Standing about 30 centimeters tall, it has yellow centers surrounded by white petals, and the leaves are slightly fuzzy. Chamomile has many uses. Not only does it have high ornamental value, but it also has many medicinal values.

The chamomile oil extracted from it is a popular health and medicinal product, as chamomile can aid sleep, alleviate inflammation and pain, and relieve insomnia caused by neurodermatitis.

I. Basic Introduction

Matricaria recutita

Chamomile, also known as mother chrysanthemum, is an Asteraceae plant native to Europe. Besides its ornamental value, chamomile is widely used in pharmaceuticals, health products, beauty products, essential oil production, and even food.

It is fair to say that every part of it is valuable. It also aids in sleep, alleviates inflammation and pain, and relieves insomnia caused by neurodermatitis. Chamomile has a wide range of medicinal uses, such as promoting digestion, improving sleep, and treating jaundice.

Its beauty benefits are also widely utilized in shampoos, face masks, essential oils, perfumes, and other cosmetics, and it is also used to make tea.

II. Common Types

Matricaria recutita

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile, also known as “spring yellow chrysanthemum”, has pale yellow or green essential oil and is commonly used in skincare products. Surprisingly, the largest producer of Roman chamomile is the UK, which once considered it a weed.

If you want to purchase high-quality chamomile essential oil, you might want to consider those from the UK. Roman chamomile hydrosol has very mild effects. If you have a baby at home, you can use Roman chamomile hydrosol to clean their skin.

It’s also great for washing hair gently. Roman chamomile hydrosol is a milder distillate suitable for anyone’s skin care, anti-allergy, and soothing the skin.

German Chamomile

German chamomile is rarely used in skincare products because its aroma is not appealing and it is more irritating than other varieties. However, it also has soothing and calming effects, so it is often used in pharmaceuticals.

Its essential oil is deep blue because during the distillation extraction process, the plant’s natural components mix with the steam to produce a “blue chamomile hydrocarbon”, resulting in a rare blue color.

Moroccan Chamomile

The first two types of chamomile belong to the Asteraceae family, but Moroccan chamomile is not an Asteraceae plant, so some people say that Moroccan chamomile is not chamomile and is not worth using.

However, research in the beauty industry has found that its aroma is very similar to Roman chamomile and it has anti-inflammatory effects, so its popularity in skincare is increasing.

Chamomile, with its distinctive suitability for sensitive skin, is used by internationally renowned cosmetic brands such as Lancome and Biotherm under L’Oreal, Magic Care under Swiss Legend, and Xingrilala in France to extract chamomile function skincare series.

III. Growth and Distribution

Matricaria recutita

Originally from the United Kingdom, the plant is now cultivated in Germany, France, and Morocco. Chrysanthemums are produced in Europe, Asia, and Xinjiang, China, and are now found in southern China and Beijing.

IV. Characteristics and Features

This herbaceous plant can be annual or perennial. Wild variations have been discovered in Europe, North America, and northern Africa. Chamomile is a small plant, approximately 30-40 cm in height.

The stems are erect and highly branched, smooth and hairless. The leaves are alternate, with 2-3 pinnate divisions, and the leaflets are small without any lobes. The flowerheads are approximately 1.2-2.5 cm in diameter, arranged in a corymbiform fashion, situated at the branch ends or axils, and have peduncles.

The flower’s involucre is hemispherical, with two layers of bracts that are membranous at the edges. The outer layer of florets is white, female, and terminates with a flat or slightly concave end that droops when the flower is in full bloom.

The inner layer of florets is yellow, tubular, and bisexual, with 4-5 serrated ends on the corolla. The stamens are gathered in a group of five, the anthers are obtuse at the base, and the pistil has a two-part style. The flower has a sweet, fruity scent with a slight bitterness.

The fruit measures 1-1.5 mm in length, is grayish-white, and the seed weight is approximately 0.02-0.03 g per thousand seeds. Chrysanthemum is a widely cultivated species, with one purebred variety of chamomile that is annual, and another variety, Roman chamomile, that is perennial.

Chrysanthemum, Roman chamomile, and German chamomile share many characteristics: they are about 30 cm tall, have yellow centers, white petals, and slightly fuzzy leaves.

German chamomile is smaller, and all three varieties of chamomile contain blue chamazulene (a potent anti-allergic substance), which is primarily present in the essential oil rather than throughout the whole plant.

German chamomile contains a slightly higher amount of chamazulene, which is deep blue and sometimes referred to as “Hungarian chamomile.”

V. Chamomile Cultivation Methods

Matricaria recutita

  • Chamomile is primarily propagated by seeds. As it prefers cool environments, it is suitable for autumn sowing. Chamomile is a biennial herb, sown in the autumn, it blooms between March and May of the following year, and propagation mainly relies on seeding.
  • Chamomile requires ample sunlight and good ventilation. It thrives in well-drained sandy loam or deep, loose loam. It is cold-hardy and germinates best at temperatures between 15-18°C. Germination occurs 7-10 days after sowing, and seeds do not need to be covered due to their small size.
  • During the seedling stage, chamomile should not be exposed to high temperatures, ideally staying between 13-16°C to prevent elongation and disease. Once the seedlings reach a height of 10 cm, they should be planted in 10 cm pots. During the growing period, fertilize once a month, but control the amount to avoid delaying the flowering period. Maintain good ventilation to prevent aphid infestation. After flowering, cut off the above-ground parts to promote the growth of new leaves.
  • Chamomile is often affected by leaf spot disease and stem rot, which can be treated with a 600-fold solution of 65% zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate wettable powder. Pests such as lygus bugs and leafminers can be controlled with a 500-fold solution of 25% cypermethrin wettable powder.

Note: During the seedling stage, chamomile should not be exposed to high temperatures, ideally staying between 13-16°C to prevent elongation and disease. Once the seedlings reach a height of 10 cm, they should be planted in 10 cm pots.

During the growing period, fertilize once a month, but control the amount to avoid delaying the flowering period. Maintain good ventilation to prevent aphid infestation. After flowering, cut off the above-ground parts to promote the growth of new leaves.

VI. Value and Other Aspects

Matricaria recutita

Medicinal Benefits

  • Improve Sleep

Chamomile tea is gentle and can relieve stress and improve irritability. Drinking chamomile with a little honey can effectively soothe stress and aid in sleep.

  • Enhance Memory

Chamomile tea not only helps with insomnia and lowers blood pressure, but it also boosts vitality, refreshes the mind, enhances memory, and lowers cholesterol.

  • Cough and Phlegm Relief

Chamomile tea can relieve coughs and help expel phlegm. It’s beneficial for bronchitis and asthma, and can alleviate headaches, migraines, or muscle pain caused by colds. It’s also beneficial for stomach acid and nerves.

  • Pain Relief

Chamomile tea can alleviate muscle soreness caused by colds, especially pain due to nervous tension. It’s also beneficial for lower back pain. Similarly, it can soothe headaches, neuralgia, toothaches, and earaches.

It can regulate menstrual periods, reduce menstrual pain, and is often used to alleviate the various troublesome symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

It makes the stomach comfortable, alleviates gastritis, diarrhea, colitis, stomach ulcers, vomiting, bloating, enteritis, and various uncomfortable intestinal diseases. It’s said to also help with liver issues, improving jaundice and abnormalities of the reproductive urinary tract.

It can improve chronic infections, as chamomile stimulates the production of white blood cells, thereby resisting bacteria, strengthening the immune system, and is quite effective against anemia.

Beauty Benefits

Soothing Effect

Chamomile has been regarded as a “divine flower” since ancient times, with excellent soothing properties. It repairs sensitive skin, reduces fine red bloodlines, reduces redness, and evens out skin tone.

However, not all chamomile can be used for beauty purposes. Chamomile is rich in flavonoid active ingredients, which have antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antiviral effects.

Through the issofree technology, the active ingredients of chamomile can be extracted and applied to skincare products needed for sensitive skin.

It’s believed that using a makeup remover pad for a cold compress can soothe red skin. It has a very good soothing effect on itchy skin; gently replenishes moisture and soothes the skin.

Treating Dark Circles

Chamomile tea can effectively relieve eye fatigue. Using brewed tea bags as eye compresses can effectively treat dark circles. In addition, chamomile has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and is gentler than alcohol, so chamomile tea is very suitable for wiping newborn babies’ bodies!

Suitable Combinations: Chamomile goes well with roses, gypsophila, mint, violets, bodhi seeds, marigolds, rosemary, osmanthus, verbena, etc.

Brewing and Drinking Method: The brewing and drinking method of chamomile: About two teaspoons of dry chamomile are brewed with boiling water, left to steep for about thirty minutes, and honey is added to taste, which is very sweet and delicious.

Practical Uses

Chamomile, known as the “noble flower” in Latin, was referred to as the “apple fairy” in ancient Greece. Egyptians dedicated chamomile to the sun, revered it as a sacred herb, and used it in rituals for treating nerve pain.

During the Roman era, it was common knowledge that chamomile was a remedy for snake bites. There are two types of chamomile, differentiated by their place of origin and their benefits: Roman chamomile and German chamomile.

German chamomile is a beautiful sky blue and is considered superior to Roman chamomile. It has apple-sweet leaves with a warm woody aroma; the flowers have an apple scent and are bright green; their heart is fragrant and firm, shaped like a golden-yellow cone.

When selecting dried flowers, choose those with a not-too-deep color, intact leaves, and no signs of dampness.

Chamomile is a very mild essential oil, perfect for children. Adding 2-3 drops to a bath can alleviate the stress caused by exams and studying, improve a child’s irritability and sensitivity.

A few teaspoons of mild chamomile tea with a bit of honey before bedtime can also help to relieve stress and promote sleep. Chamomile can relieve headaches, migraines, muscle pain caused by fever or a cold, and it has anti-aging properties and can moisturize the skin.

The tea can also be used as a hair nourishing agent. Drinking chamomile tea has a calming effect and can make people more gentle and kind.

Therefore, some beauty salons in Europe and America often serve chamomile tea to their guests before a beauty treatment to help them relax. It is also used to reduce inflammation and heal wounds, sterilize and repair skin cracks.

When used in skincare, it can moisturize, soothe, calm the skin, and tighten pores; it also has a cooling effect and can help regenerate skin tissue. It is often found in cosmetics and perfumes.

Chamomile can be used as a substitute for lavender. A massage or a bath with a blend of the two can improve sleep, especially for those who rely on medication to sleep. However, it is recommended not to use the same essential oil continuously for 3 to 4 weeks; it’s better to use it intermittently and regularly switch it up.

Chamomile Essential Oil Tips: It can calm the mood, soothe, clear the respiratory system, and repair sensitive, swollen, eczema-prone, and acne-prone skin. It can also treat ant and insect bites.

It can alleviate headaches, gastritis, diarrhea, muscle pain, menstrual pain, toothaches, and it also has good effects on liver problems, anemia, and immune system issues.

Eliminate heat rash: Put bath salt in a basin, add 3 drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oils, mix well, and then pour it into the bathtub with water, soak for 15 minutes, or dilute it in a plant lotion and apply it to the affected area to relieve discomfort.

Alleviate dry and cracked skin: Combine 6 drops each of chamomile and geranium essential oils, and 3 drops each of lavender and lemon essential oils in 30ml of base oil. Mix well and then apply to dry and cracked skin to moisturize.

Chamomile Flower Language

  • Strong in the face of adversity: Chamomile’s strong vitality symbolizes perseverance in adversity.
  • Full of vitality: The small and delicate shape of chamomile flowers brings a sense of youth and energy.
  • Intimate relationship: Giving chamomile to a girl you secretly like expresses your love for her.
  • Apology and reconciliation: You can give chamomile to a friend as an apology.

Chamomile Myths and Legends

According to Carl Pabo, Egyptians dedicated this herb to the sun because chamomile could cure fever. Other documents claim it belongs to the moon due to its cooling effect. Egyptian priests particularly admired chamomile’s soothing characteristics when dealing with nerve-related issues.

It has been historically revered as the “physician of the plants” because it can indirectly heal other shrubs planted around it. Its name comes from Greek, meaning “apple of the earth,” while its Latin species name, Nobilis, refers to a noble flower.

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Peggie

Peggie

Founder of FlowersLib

Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.

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