DESCRIPTION

A herbaceous annual plant; from 10 to 60cm in height, with erect stems and branches that have very fine and intensely divided leaves.

The flowers are clustered in heads, which are made up of white flowers on the outer edge (commonly mistaken for petals) and small yellow tubulous flowers in the centre.

It is found at the sides of tracks and in meadows and cropland. 

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

The Camomile blossoms from April to July and collection must be carried out preferably when it is sunny, towards mid-June.

Once the flower heads have dried, they must be preserved in tightly closed glass containers that are protected from the light and damp.

They have a characteristic, pleasant and very aromatic smell and a slightly bitter taste.

PART USED

Their therapeutic properties are believed to be found in the flower heads.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Its essential oil content, being an aromatic plant, is highlighted because it also contains various components. CHAMAZULENE is one of the most important of these and is only found in the flower heads (the heart of the flower).

PROPERTIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

According to ESCOP and the European Commission:

- It is internally used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders, such as: minor gastrointestinal spasms, inflammations, epigastric distension, flatulence and nausea.
- It is externally used for inflammations, irritations, and skin and mucous membrane infections; including the oropharyngeal cavity and gums (mouth washes), respiratory system (inhalants) and the ano-genital area (washes and creams).

In common medicine it is used as a mild sedative when symptoms of anxiety and insomnia are evident. However, the main reasons responsible for this sedative action are unknown and although no clinical tests are available to support this, various pharmacological results have been obtained in model "in vivo" and "in vitro" experiments.

Camomile is also used externally as an antiseptic in eye washes and various shampoos; due to its ability to lighten the colour of hair.

Common camomile is a very gentle plant as, when used as an herbal tea, no contraindications, secondary effects or important interactions are known.

COMBINATIONS

A herbal tea is prepared that calms colic in young babies when blended with anise (Pimpinella anisum) or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).

PRESENTATION

It is normally marketed in filter teabags or in bulk form for tea, although it can appear as instant soluble preparations and even as part of some special pharmaceuticals.

DID YOU KNOW ?

"Matricaria" comes from the Latin "matrix", womb, as camomile is considered excellent for this part of the body. "Chamomilla" is the Greek translation of "earth-apple", which refers to the smell of its flower bud.