Chamomile has been valued for its healing properties for thousands of years. The Egyptians worshiped it as the flower of the sun god, and among the Germans it was even one of the nine sacred plants. To this day, no herbal pharmacy can do without this medicinal plant, which can also be cultivated in the home garden without any problems.

In Germany, real chamomile can also be found wild

Plant profile:

  • Botanical name: Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
  • Other names: Field chamomile, Hermel, Garmille, Maiden's flower, Kummerblume
  • Order: Asteroides (Asterales)
  • Genus: Camomiles
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Growth height: 15 - 50 centimeters
  • Growth form: Annual clump-forming, loose, bushy
  • Main flowering period: May to July
  • Leaf color: Lush green
  • Leaf shape: Bipinnate or tripinnate
  • Flower color: white, yellow
  • Flower shape: flower head

origin

Originally, chamomile was native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor and is now found throughout Europe. The medicinal herb can be found growing wild, especially on fallow land and on the edges of fields and paths.

Planting and care:

Chamomile prefers a sunny, warm and rather dry place. The substrate should be deep. It is important that the water can drain well, as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging.

You can easily grow the medicinal plant yourself from seeds available in specialist shops. Sow them in rows from April. Since chamomile germinates in the light, the seeds are only lightly pressed, but not covered with soil. As soon as the third pair of leaves appears, separate the plantlets to 20 centimeters.

propagation:

In the fall, let some flower heads stand and fall off, and the chamomile will sprout itself. The next spring, new plants will appear in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant without any further action.

harvest chamomile

Pick the flowers, preferably in the morning before they are fully open. This is when they contain the highest amount of valuable essential oils.

After harvesting, the flowers are dried in an airy place on a spread out cloth. Store the medicinal herb in dark, well-closable containers so that the ingredients are preserved.

Diseases and pests:

Although chamomile is quite robust, it is susceptible to powdery mildew and powdery mildew. In wet years there is also a risk of infestation with fungal diseases.

Chamomile is also occasionally infested in the home garden by the chamomile weevil or the chamomile stalk weevil. To keep the animals away from the plants, you can cover the medicinal plants with nets or plant fleece.

The healing effect

Chamomile is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic and calming properties. She arrives at:

  • disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,
  • inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes,
  • colds,
  • Sunburn,
  • menstrual cramps

for use.

As a rule, a brew is prepared. To do this, put about three teaspoons of the flowers in a cup and pour hot water over it. Leave for ten minutes and strain.

tips

The real chamomile is often confused with the dog chamomile (Anthemis) genus. A clear distinguishing feature is the smell, because the dog chamomile exudes a strong, pungent aroma that resembles the fine scent of real chamomile in nothing.

Category:

Herbs