Chamomile Monograph

Chamomile 

Matricaria chamomilla

Quick Reference

Common names: chamomile, German chamomile, wild chamomile, blue chamomile
Latin name: Matricaria chamomilla
Plant family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Parts used: flowers
Primary actions: nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, mild sedative
Best preparations: infusion (tea), tincture, infused oil, compress
Safety rating: very safe with minor cautions
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — cultivated and self-seeding

Botanical Description and Identification

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), commonly known as German chamomile, is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world. It is valued for its gentle calming effects, digestive support, and suitability for all ages.

Plant Characteristics

Flowers:
Chamomile produces small, daisy-like flowers with white ray petals and a bright yellow, cone-shaped center. The flower center becomes hollow as it matures, a key identifying feature. Flowers measure approximately one-half to 1 inch across and emit a strong, sweet, apple-like aroma when crushed.

Leaves:
Leaves are finely divided, feathery, and light green. They grow alternately along the stem and contribute to the plant’s delicate appearance.

Stems:
Stems are slender, smooth, and branching, allowing the plant to form a bushy habit during flowering.

Growth habit:
Chamomile is an annual that grows 12 to 24 inches tall. It flowers abundantly throughout the growing season when harvested regularly.

Identification Notes

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is distinct from Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a low-growing perennial with similar uses but different growth habits.

A key identification feature of German chamomile is the hollow flower cone, which distinguishes it from similar-looking plants.

Native Range and Habitat

Chamomile is native to Europe and western Asia and has been widely naturalized across temperate regions worldwide. It commonly grows in fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed soils.

Chamomile thrives in open, sunny locations and is well adapted to a variety of soil types. It readily self-seeds and may reappear year after year once established.

Growing Chamomile

Climate and Growing Conditions

Chamomile grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9 as an annual.

Sunlight:
Full sun is ideal, though light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot climates.

Soil:
Chamomile prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. It performs well in sandy or loamy soils and tolerates poor soil conditions.

Water:
Moderate moisture is required during establishment. Once established, chamomile tolerates brief dry periods but performs best with regular watering.

Temperature:
Chamomile prefers cool to moderate temperatures and may slow flowering during prolonged heat.

Growing From Seed

Chamomile is easily grown from seed.

When to plant:

• Early spring, after the danger of hard frost
• Fall planting is possible in mild climates

How to plant:

• Scatter seeds lightly on the soil surface.
• Press seeds gently into the soil; do not bury deeply.
• Seeds require light to germinate.
• Keep soil consistently moist until germination.

Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days.

Chamomile readily self-seeds if flowers are allowed to mature, often providing volunteer plants the following season.

Care and Maintenance

Chamomile requires minimal care once established.

• Thin seedlings to allow adequate air circulation
• Harvest flowers regularly to encourage continued bloom
• Avoid heavy fertilization
• Provide light support if plants become leggy

Chamomile has few pest issues. Aphids may appear occasionally but rarely cause significant damage.

Harvesting Chamomile

What to Harvest and When

The flowers are the sole medicinal part of the plant.

Harvest flowers when the white petals are fully extended and the yellow center is still slightly domed. Harvesting at this stage ensures peak flavor, aroma, and medicinal quality.

The best time to harvest is midmorning, after dew has dried and before midday heat.

Harvest frequently, as flowers mature quickly and continuous harvesting encourages new blooms.

Harvesting Method

• Pinch or snip flower heads just below the flower base
• Harvest every two to three days during peak bloom
• Handle flowers gently to preserve quality

Fresh flowers may be used immediately or dried for later use.

Drying and Storage

Chamomile flowers dry quickly but must be handled carefully to preserve color and aroma.

Air-drying:
Spread flowers in a single layer on screens in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space. Drying typically takes three to five days.

Dehydrator:
Dry at low temperature, approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, until flowers are fully dry.

Properly dried flowers retain fragrance and have no residual moisture.

Store in airtight containers away from light and heat. Shelf life is one year.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Chamomile is best known as a gentle calming and digestive herb.

Primary Uses

• Promotes relaxation and restful sleep
• Calms nervous tension and irritability
• Eases digestive upset, gas, and cramping
• Reduces inflammation
• Soothes teething discomfort in children
• Supports skin healing when used topically

Chamomile has been traditionally used for infants, children, adults, and the elderly due to its gentle nature.

Energetics and Traditional Classification

• Temperature: cool
• Moisture: dry
• Taste: bitter, aromatic
• Tissue affinities: nervous system, digestive tract, skin
• Energetic indications: heat, tension, inflammation, irritability, digestive spasm

Chamomile is traditionally classified as a nervine relaxant and bitter aromatic, especially suited for conditions where tension and heat affect digestion or the nervous system. It is indicated for sensitive constitutions, children, and inflammatory states accompanied by irritability or restlessness.

Primary Herbal Actions

• Nervine: calms anxiety and nervous tension
• Antispasmodic: relieves cramping and muscle tension
• Anti-inflammatory: reduces irritation and swelling
• Carminative: eases gas and digestive discomfort
• Bitter (mild): stimulates digestion
• Sedative (mild): supports sleep and relaxation

Preparation Methods

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is the most common preparation.

Steep dried flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Tea may be consumed up to three times daily. It is commonly used for relaxation, sleep support, digestive comfort, and stress relief.

Chamomile Compress

Strong chamomile tea may be applied externally as a warm or cool compress for skin irritation, eye strain, or minor inflammation.

Chamomile Infused Oil

Dried flowers are infused in a carrier oil for use in skin care products, massage oils, and salves.

Chamomile Tincture

Chamomile tincture is used in small doses for nervous tension and digestive support, particularly for individuals who prefer alcohol-based preparations.

Safety and Contraindications

Chamomile is considered very safe for most individuals.

• Safe for infants, children, and adults
• Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in typical amounts
• Suitable for long-term use

Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should use caution. Rare allergic reactions may occur.

Discontinue use if adverse reactions develop.

Wild Clover Farm Notes

At Wild Clover Farm, chamomile is grown in dedicated herb beds and allowed to self-seed freely. It is harvested every few days during peak bloom and dried promptly to preserve quality.

Chamomile remains a foundational herb for teas, skin care, and gentle family remedies. Its ease of growth and generous harvest make it a reliable and rewarding plant in the garden.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes

• German chamomile succeeds as cool-season annual; plant early spring or fall
• Struggles in summer heat, so treat it like lettuce (spring/fall crop)
• Self-sows enthusiastically if allowed to set seed
• Volunteer seedlings overwinter and bloom very early spring
• Let first spring crop go to seed by late May and volunteers will self-sow for fall and next spring, creating perpetual chamomile with no replanting needed

Foraging:

• Found in gardens, fields, and disturbed soils
• Harvest flower heads when fully open and fragrant
• German chamomile has hollow flower cones
• Avoid non-aromatic look-alikes

Common Questions

Is chamomile safe for children?
Yes. Chamomile is one of the safest and most commonly used herbs for children.

Can chamomile be used daily?
Yes. It is gentle and suitable for regular use.

References and Further Reading

• Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
• Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
• Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products, especially for infants, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.