Chamomile
Matriaria chamomilla
Chamomile is a queen among medicinal plants and is one of the few herbs
that are also fully recognized by medical science.
When planted over a grave, chamomile is said to help the spirits rest and keep them from returning.
Traces of chamomile have been found in embalming oil for ancient Egyptian mummies
and hieroglyphs show that it was a popular ingredient for skincare.
Name: Chamomile (Matriaria chamomilla)
Other names: German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile, blue chamomile, scented mayweed
Family : Compositae (Asteraceae)
Harvest months : March to August
Usable plant parts: Leaves, flowers
Leaf shape : pinnate
Flower color : yellow, white
Habitats: roadsides, grain fields, gardens, fallow land
Danger of confusion: dog chamomile, which does not smell like chamomile
Ingredients: essential oils, coumarins, flavonoids, mucilages
Properties: antibacterial, antifungal, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, wound healer
Helps with: Asthma, cystitis, bronchitis, diarrhea, eczema, colds, ulcers, sore throat, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, skin infections, skin problems, cough, gastritis, stomach cramps,
nervousness, insomnia, burns, wounds, gum infections
Plant uses
Cooking:
Chamomile is adible and has a light and sweet flavour.
In herbal lemonades you can use the flowers and get a delicious and healthy drink.
Furthermore, chamomile flowers are suitable as an addition to salads
or as a pretty decoration on desserts.
Health:
Both in gynecology and to help heal the gastrointestinal tract and skin, chamomile can help.
It is also given to infants for abdominal or teething pain.
Recent studies suggest that chamomile also has a very positive effect on cancer.
In addition, chamomile is said to increase glycine levels in the body,
which has a calming effect on muscles and nerves.
Beauty:
Chamomile is suitable as a hair conditioner to gently lighten the hair.
For this, prepare a chamomile decoction and add some lemon juice.
specially blond hair benefits from this conditioner.
