Characteristics

Chamomile is a herb that grows between 15 and 40 cm high. It can be found along roadsides, in fields, and is also cultivated in gardens. It blooms yellow in May, June, July, and August.

The flower head is hollow inside, which makes true chamomile easy to distinguish from other chamomile species. To determine whether it is genuine chamomile, cut the flower head lengthwise with a sharp knife. If it is hollow inside, it is true chamomile. The white petals of true chamomile bend downward. The flowers are collected in July.

The most important component of true chamomile for medicinal use is its essential oil, which makes up about 0.3 to 1.5% of the plant material.

Medicinal Effects

There are hardly any women who have not asked about chamomile. Most mothers know this tea well and gladly give chamomile tea to their children when breast milk or other food is not easily tolerated.

But nature has not given us this little herb only for children. Chamomile is also a true blessing for adults who suffer from cramps, abdominal pain, flatulence, and digestive disorders.

Chamomile tea can be used in many ways, for example against rashes, skin diseases, rheumatism, stomach cramps, colic, throat inflammations, ulcers, swellings, and ailments caused by stress or anger.

Chamomile is also considered an excellent remedy for liver disorders, especially when caused by colds and emotional stress, when the condition remains unchanged and other remedies no longer help. Therefore, chamomile is regarded as one of the most important medicinal herbs and should not be missing from any home medicine cabinet.

Chamomile should only be steeped with hot water and left to infuse for about five minutes before straining and drinking.

Externally, chamomile tea is successfully used for inflammations to relieve pain and help heal ulcers or boils by applying freshly steeped chamomile in a small bowl as a warm compress.