Chamomile German

German Chamomile
Matricaria recutita

German Chamomile is an annual herb to about 60cm, originating from Temperate Europe and Asia. Plants are multi-branched with feathery foliage and daisy like flowers with yellow centers and white ray florets.

The part used medicinally is the flowers, they can be gathered as soon as they bloom, use them fresh or dry them for later use. Chamomile is used internally for gastritis, diarrhea, mild anxiety, insomnia, nervous dyspepsia and to treat children’s problems such as teething and colic.

To make an herbal tea, place 1 tablespoon of fresh flowers into a cup and pour over boiling water, cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. When using dried flowers; use 1-2 teaspoons to a cup of boiling water. Strain before drinking.

An infusion of the flowers can also be added to the bath water to relax an upset baby or relieve the inflammation of nappy rash. Breastfeeding mum can also drink the tea to relieve a colicky baby as well as being relaxing for her.

For external use it has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for sunburn, wounds and leg ulcers.

The tea can also be used as a rinse for blond hair to restore highlights.

Use as a facial steam to open the pores, kills bacteria, and soothes inflammation

Growing Conditions

Chamomile likes a sunny spot, with good drainage. In the sub tropics it grows well through the cooler months. It tolerates dry conditions and self seeds readily. It will not self sow in extreme heat or wet. Unless the soil is very poor chamomile does not need fertiliser.