Chamomile, German

German Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla (synonym Matricaria recutita)

'German Chamomile', also known as 'Hungarian Chamomile' or 'Wild Chamomile' is often referred to in Germany as "Echte Kamille," which translates as "real" or "genuine" chamomile. The plants are fairly low growing, reaching about eight inches tall, but as it begins its reproductive cycle, it develops ten to twenty-four inch tall stalks that produce white flowers with yellow centers.

It is a beautiful addition to wildflower gardens, flowerbeds, and large meadow-like plantings. Additionally, any medicinal herb garden would be incomplete without it growing there. A hardy annual. Each packet contains 0.25 gram, which is approximately 2,750 seeds.

German Chamomile is an example of both folklore and traditional usage being validated by modern science. One of the most commonly used medicinal herbs in the Western World, the plant material and flowers possess a volatile oil containing compounds proven to support ancient, traditional medicinal uses.^[2,3] 'German Chamomile' was named the first medicinal plant of the year by the Verband Deutscher Druggisten (VDD) in 1987, and was again chosen for 2002.

The flowers of 'German Chamomile' were historically dried and used as a medicinal tea to aid in calming nerves (nervine) and as a sleep aid (sedative), to aid in digestion (carminative) and also to strengthen the immune system (tonic).^[1] It is still being used for these purposes and more. Throughout Europe, and increasingly so in the United States, it is used for the aforementioned purposes as well as for afflictions of the skin and mucous membranes (antiinflammatory), treating menstrual cramps (antispasmodic), and for various minor illnesses. Extracts of the plant are used externally in the form of salves, lotions, and ointments.^[2] As a matter of fact, the Germans have a saying for it; "alles zutraut," which means "trusted for everything" or "capable of anything."

For promoting sleep and boosting the function of the immune system, the reported preferred temperature for vaporizing and aromatherapy is 257°F (125°C).