Asteraceae
German Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
A gentle but genuinely effective relaxant for the nervous and digestive systems — for tension held in the belly, irritability and restless sleep.
- Also known as
- Matricaria recutita, Wild chamomile
- Parts used
- Flower head
- Taste
- Bitter, Aromatic
- Energetics
- Neutral to cooling · Drying
- Sourcing
- Cultivated
Actions
Nervine relaxantCarminativeAnti-inflammatorySpasmolyticVulnerary
Traditional use
Among the oldest documented medicinal herbs, used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In European folk medicine it is the first remedy for colic, teething and fretful children.
Culpeper noted it 'comforts the bowels, and helps to provoke sleep'.
Research
Reduces generalized anxiety symptoms
ClinicalA double-blind RCT found significant reduction in GAD symptom scores versus placebo.
Amsterdam JD et al. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009;29(4):378–382.
Key constituents
- Apigenin
- Flavone that binds benzodiazepine receptors in vitro.
- α-Bisabolol, chamazulene
- Volatile oil fraction; anti-inflammatory and ulcer-protective.
Sourcing notes
Look for whole, intact flower heads with strong aroma; powdered chamomile loses its oils quickly.
Our sourcing standards →