German Chamomile ~ Matricaria Recutita
AKA; Chamomilla recutita, M. chamomilla, Chamomile, Wild Chamomile
Both German and Roman Chamomile can be used for medicinal and culinary purposes but German chamomile is the preferred species, the flowers are just that bit more pleasant and not as, hmm, acrid? Quite a lovely billowy herb to have on hand to look at, or use. 🌿All my plants are grown organically.
German chamomile plants for sale in NZ
- Price; $6.50
- Size; 9cm with several plants, grows to 900mm
- Growth Type; Annual, self seeds freely
Growing German Chamomile
- Climate; Any, but does best in a mild climate
- Exposure; Full sun, can handle a bit of wind but if you can offer her a bit of protection she’d appreciate it.
- Soil; Light to medium, doesn’t tolerate water logging. If soil is too fertile, plants will be lush with leaf but not so flowers and has a tendency to go floppy.
- Tip; As above. Harvest flowers when they are wide open, I’ve found 11am is the sweet time for them.
Using German Chamomile
- Parts used; Flowers
- Medicinal actions and uses; Anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, vulnerary, aromatic, bitter, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, tonic… Phew! So many! Most well known as a herbal beverage to have before bed to help with sleep, and is gold in healing balms (recipe in Related posts below).
Links for more information
- https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000232.htm
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Matricaria+recutita
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Disclaimer; The content on this website is not intended as a medical reference but as a source of information. I, SandRa Timmins (she), am not a qualified herbalist and recommend you see your GP or holistic practitioner before dabbling in herbal remedies especially for; serious/chronic conditions, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are already taking pharmaceuticals. Treat herbal remedies with respect, they can be powerful.