(Matricaria recutita = Matricaria chamomilla)
Other names: Matricaria, anthemis, Ground apple, Roman camomile, Garden camomile, Low camomile, Whig plant, German camomile, Wild camomile
Family: Compositae

Description
Dried leaves are narrow and spear-shaped, 1/2-inch to 1-inch long and light tan to pale green. Flowers are 1/4-inch diameter yellow-orange bulbs. Stems are 1/16-inch diameter and shades of brown. In the wild, fields of camomile look like a light dusting of snow.

Parts used
Dried flowers.

Usage
Chamomile is carminative, sedative, a stimulant, bitter, tonic, aromatic, emmenagogue, anodyne, and antispasmodic, stomachic. It is used externally to spur wound healing and treat inflammation, and internally for fever, digestive disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. It is used as a fragrance in herbal skin care products. It had also been used in shampoos because of its property to add glints to the hair.
Chamomile was also shown useful for reducing inflammation in arthritis. It also relaxes smooth muscle of the intestine. Chamomile was a popular eye wash for treating conjunctivitis and other reactions. It had also been found to promote wound healing.

Decoction: Using the dried flowers and leaves, the basic "recipe" for camomile is 1 rounded teaspoon of dried flowers boiled in water and strained for each cup of tea. Honey is a favourite sweetener, and it also tastes delightful with a squeeze of lemon or lime. (A sprinkle of cinnamon adds an interesting taste.)

External use: For skin disorders and eye, mouth and throat allergies, dump a piece of cotton in warm concoction and place it enough time onto the swollen part. Can, also, be used in bath, 50gr of the herb to 10lt of water.

Side effects: Misuse can cause displeased conditions such as dizziness, increase of heart beat rate, headaches, insomnia, etc.
Persons who are allergic to daisy family plants [Fam. Asteraceae] may experience allergy symptoms to chamomile.

* The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal therapy.