Asteraceae
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: German Chamomile, Mayweed, Wild Chamomile
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Flower
Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety, insomnia, IBS, gastritis, colic, menstrual cramps, skin inflammation, eczema, wound healing. One of the most studied herbs for digestive complaints and nervous system support.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory, nervine, antispasmodic, carminative, vulnerary, mild sedative
Active Constituents
Apigenin, bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin), caffeic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil🧴 Salve/Balm🛁 Herbal Bath
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried flowers per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Generally safe for long-term use. Excellent for children at lower doses. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in known allergy to Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums). May potentiate warfarin at very high doses.
Side Effects: Rare allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals. Generally extremely well tolerated.